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Berkshire Hathaway Inc – ‘10-K’ for 12/31/10 – ‘XML.R8’

On:  Monday, 2/28/11, at 10:20am ET   ·   For:  12/31/10   ·   Accession #:  1193125-11-48914   ·   File #:  1-14905

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  As Of               Filer                 Filing    For·On·As Docs:Size             Issuer                      Filing Agent

 2/28/11  Berkshire Hathaway Inc            10-K       12/31/10  103:31M                                    Donnelley … Solutions/FA

Annual Report   —   Form 10-K   —   Sect. 13 / 15(d) – SEA’34
Filing Table of Contents

Document/Exhibit                   Description                      Pages   Size 

 1: 10-K        Annual Report                                       HTML   1.69M 
 3: EX-21       Subsidiaries List                                   HTML     65K 
 4: EX-23       Consent of Experts or Counsel                       HTML     28K 
 2: EX-12       Statement re: Computation of Ratios                 HTML     44K 
 5: EX-31.1     Certification -- §302 - SOA'02                      HTML     33K 
 6: EX-31.2     Certification -- §302 - SOA'02                      HTML     33K 
 7: EX-32.1     Certification -- §906 - SOA'02                      HTML     27K 
 8: EX-32.2     Certification -- §906 - SOA'02                      HTML     27K 
78: XML         IDEA XML File -- Definitions and References          XML    367K 
92: XML         IDEA XML File -- Filing Summary                      XML    355K 
87: XML.R1      Document and Entity Information                      XML    307K 
88: XML.R2      Consolidated Balance Sheets                          XML    758K 
48: XML.R3      Consolidated Statements of Earnings                  XML    855K 
56: XML.R4      Consolidated Statements of Earnings                  XML    260K 
                (Parenthetical)                                                  
76: XML.R5      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows                XML    792K 
73: XML.R6      Consolidated Statements of Changes in                XML    474K 
                Shareholders' Equity                                             
98: XML.R7      Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income      XML    226K 
26: XML.R8      Significant accounting policies and practices        XML    119K 
72: XML.R9      Significant business acquisitions                    XML     89K 
22: XML.R10     Investments in fixed maturity securities             XML    185K 
21: XML.R11     Investments in equity securities                     XML    172K 
47: XML.R12     Other investments                                    XML    116K 
82: XML.R13     Investment gains and losses                          XML    100K 
49: XML.R14     Receivables                                          XML     85K 
52: XML.R15     Inventories                                          XML     68K 
67: XML.R16     Goodwill and other intangible assets                 XML    123K 
103: XML.R17     Property, plant and equipment                        XML    135K  
41: XML.R18     Derivative contracts                                 XML    143K 
15: XML.R19     Supplemental cash flow information                   XML     86K 
55: XML.R20     Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses           XML    129K 
81: XML.R21     Notes payable and other borrowings                   XML    162K 
33: XML.R22     Income taxes                                         XML    188K 
77: XML.R23     Dividend restrictions - Insurance subsidiaries       XML     52K 
53: XML.R24     Fair value measurements                              XML    282K 
97: XML.R25     Common stock                                         XML     82K 
84: XML.R26     Pension plans                                        XML    252K 
59: XML.R27     Contingencies and Commitments                        XML     86K 
68: XML.R28     Business segment data                                XML    504K 
20: XML.R29     Quarterly Data                                       XML    106K 
24: XML.R30     Condensed Financial Information                      XML    245K 
35: XML.R31     Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)           XML    267K 
43: XML.R32     Significant Business Acquisitions (Table)            XML     90K 
66: XML.R33     Investments in fixed maturity securities (Table)     XML    188K 
83: XML.R34     Investments in equity securities (Table)             XML    168K 
18: XML.R35     Other investments (Table)                            XML    110K 
27: XML.R36     Investment gains and losses (Table)                  XML     97K 
89: XML.R37     Receivables (Table)                                  XML     87K 
96: XML.R38     Inventories (Table)                                  XML     66K 
60: XML.R39     Goodwill and other intangible assets (Table)         XML    127K 
100: XML.R40     Property, plant and equipment (Table)                XML    173K  
28: XML.R41     Derivative contracts (Table)                         XML    142K 
102: XML.R42     Supplemental cash flow information (Table)           XML     84K  
37: XML.R43     Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (Table)   XML    122K 
16: XML.R44     Notes payable and other borrowings (Table)           XML    235K 
36: XML.R45     Income taxes (Table)                                 XML    203K 
80: XML.R46     Fair value measurements (Table)                      XML    282K 
95: XML.R47     Common stock (Table)                                 XML     77K 
50: XML.R48     Pension plans (Table)                                XML    286K 
39: XML.R49     Business segment data (Table)                        XML    497K 
65: XML.R50     Quarterly data (Table)                               XML    104K 
19: XML.R51     Significant Accounting Policies (Detail)             XML    246K 
70: XML.R52     Significant Business Acquisitions (Detail)           XML    933K 
40: XML.R53     Investments in fixed maturity securities -           XML    603K 
                Investments in securities with fixed maturities                  
                (Detail)                                                         
25: XML.R54     Investments in fixed maturity securities -           XML    205K 
                Amortized cost and estimated fair value of                       
                securities with fixed maturities (Detail)                        
94: XML.R55     Investments in equity securities (Detail)            XML    770K 
91: XML.R56     Other investments (Detail)                           XML    449K 
46: XML.R57     Other Investments Narrative (Detail)                 XML   1.05M 
32: XML.R58     Investment gains and losses (Detail)                 XML    400K 
85: XML.R59     Receivables (Detail)                                 XML    767K 
23: XML.R60     Inventories (Detail)                                 XML    139K 
74: XML.R61     Goodwill and other intangible assets (Detail)        XML     88K 
71: XML.R62     Goodwill and other intangible assets - Intangible    XML    532K 
                assets (Detail)                                                  
90: XML.R63     Property, plant and equipment (Detail)               XML   1.07M 
86: XML.R64     Derivative contracts (Detail)                        XML    601K 
99: XML.R65     Derivative contracts - gains and losses (Detail)     XML    366K 
30: XML.R66     Supplemental cash flow information (Detail)          XML    370K 
45: XML.R67     Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses           XML    350K 
                (Detail)                                                         
63: XML.R68     Notes payable and other borrowings (Detail)          XML    625K 
54: XML.R69     Notes payable and other borrowings - Narrative       XML   1.05M 
                (Detail)                                                         
64: XML.R70     Income taxes (Detail)                                XML    547K 
101: XML.R71     Dividend restrictions - Insurance subsidiaries       XML     99K  
                (Detail)                                                         
31: XML.R72     Fair value measurements - Financial Instruments      XML    774K 
                (Detail)                                                         
38: XML.R73     Fair value measurements - Financial assets and       XML   1.28M 
                liabilities measured and carried at fair value on                
                a recurring basis (Detail)                                       
34: XML.R74     Fair value measurements - Significant unobservable   XML    425K 
                inputs (Detail)                                                  
61: XML.R75     Common stock (Detail)                                XML    290K 
69: XML.R76     Common stock - roll-forward (Detail)                 XML    251K 
58: XML.R77     Pension plans (Detail)                               XML    728K 
51: XML.R78     Pension plans - fair value (Details)                 XML   1.24M 
29: XML.R79     Contingencies and Commitments (Detail)               XML    695K 
17: XML.R80     Business segment data (Detail)                       XML   5.75M 
62: XML.R81     Quarterly data (Detail)                              XML    391K 
44: XML.R82     Condensed Financial Information - Balance Sheets     XML    386K 
                (Detail)                                                         
57: XML.R83     Condensed Financial Information - Statements of      XML    708K 
                Earnings (Detail)                                                
79: XML.R84     Condensed Financial Information - Statements of      XML    571K 
                Cash Flows (Detail)                                              
75: XML.R85     Notes to Condensed Financial Information (Detail)    XML   1.18M 
93: EXCEL       IDEA Workbook of Financial Reports (.xls)            XLS   5.94M 
 9: EX-101.INS  XBRL Instance -- brka-20101231                       XML   6.08M 
11: EX-101.CAL  XBRL Calculations -- brka-20101231_cal               XML    276K 
12: EX-101.DEF  XBRL Definitions -- brka-20101231_def                XML   1.42M 
13: EX-101.LAB  XBRL Labels -- brka-20101231_lab                     XML   2.17M 
14: EX-101.PRE  XBRL Presentations -- brka-20101231_pre              XML   1.59M 
10: EX-101.SCH  XBRL Schema -- brka-20101231                         XSD    393K 
42: ZIP         XBRL Zipped Folder -- 0001193125-11-048914-xbrl      Zip    385K 


‘XML.R8’   —   Significant accounting policies and practices


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<div style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"> <div> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <b><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">(1)</font></b> </div> </td> <td align="left" width="75%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <a name="xbrlnote1"><b><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-WEIGHT: bold">Significant accounting policies and practices</font></b></a> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 3pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman, serif"> </font> </div> <div> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="middle"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">  </font> </td> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">(a)</font></i> </div> </td> <td align="left" width="72%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-STYLE: italic">Nature of operations and basis of consolidation</font></i> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“Berkshire”) is a holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in a number of diverse business activities, including property and casualty insurance and reinsurance, railroad, utilities and energy, finance, manufacturing, service and retailing. In these notes the terms “us,” “we,” or “our” refer to Berkshire and its consolidated subsidiaries. Further information regarding our reportable business segments is contained in Note 21. Significant business acquisitions completed over the past three years are discussed in Note 2.</font> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Berkshire consolidated with the accounts of all subsidiaries and affiliates in which we hold a controlling financial interest as of the financial statement date. Normally a controlling financial interest reflects ownership of a majority of the voting interests. We consolidate a variable interest entity (“VIE”) when we possess both the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact its economic performance and we are either obligated to absorb the losses that could potentially be significant to the VIE or we hold the right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.</font> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Certain amounts in prior year presentations have been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.</font> </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"> </font> </div> <div> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="middle"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">  </font> </td> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">(b)</font></i> </div> </td> <td align="left" width="72%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-STYLE: italic">Use of estimates in preparation of financial statements</font></i> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">The preparation of our Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the period. In particular, estimates of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses and related recoverables under reinsurance for property and casualty insurance are subject to considerable estimation error due to the inherent uncertainty in projecting ultimate claim amounts that will be settled over many years. In addition, estimates and assumptions associated with the amortization of deferred charges reinsurance assumed, determinations of fair values of certain financial instruments and evaluations of goodwill for impairment require considerable judgment. Actual results may differ from the estimates used in preparing our Consolidated Financial Statements.</font> </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"> </font> </div> <div> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="middle"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">  </font> </td> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">(c)</font></i> </div> </td> <td align="left" width="72%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-STYLE: italic">Cash and cash equivalents</font></i> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Cash equivalents consist of funds invested in U.S. Treasury Bills, money market accounts, demand deposits and other investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased.</font> </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"> </font> </div> <div> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="middle"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">  </font> </td> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">(d)</font></i> </div> </td> <td align="left" width="72%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">Investments</font></i> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">We determine the appropriate classification of investments in fixed maturity and equity securities at the acquisition date and re-evaluate the classification at each balance sheet date. Held-to-maturity investments are carried at amortized cost, reflecting the ability and intent to hold the securities to maturity. Trading investments are carried at fair value and include securities acquired with the intent to sell in the near term. All other securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value with net unrealized gains or losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income.</font> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">We utilize the equity method of accounting with respect to investments when we possess the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the operating and financial policies of the investee. The ability to exercise significant influence is presumed when an investor possesses more than 20% of the voting interests of the investee. This presumption may be overcome based on specific facts and circumstances that demonstrate that the ability to exercise significant influence is restricted. We apply the equity method to investments in common stock and to other investments when such other investments possess substantially identical subordinated interests to common stock. In applying the equity method with respect to investments previously accounted for at cost or fair value, the carrying value of the investment is adjusted on a step-by-step basis as if the equity method had been applied from the time the investment was first acquired.</font> </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"> </font> </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">In applying the equity method, we record our investment at cost and subsequently increase or decrease the carrying amount of the investment by our proportionate share of the net earnings or losses and other comprehensive income of the investee. We record dividends or other equity distributions as reductions in the carrying value of the investment. In the event that net losses of the investee reduce the carrying amount to zero, additional net losses may be recorded if other investments in the investee are at-risk even if we have not committed to provide financial support to the investee. Such additional equity method losses, if any, are based upon the change in our claim on the investee’s book value.</font> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Investment gains and losses arise when investments are sold (as determined on a specific identification basis) or are other-than-temporarily impaired. If a decline in the value of an investment below cost is deemed other than temporary, the cost of the investment is written down to fair value, with a corresponding charge to earnings. Factors considered in judging whether an impairment is other than temporary include: the financial condition, business prospects and creditworthiness of the issuer, the relative amount of the decline, our ability and intent to hold the investment until the fair value recovers and the length of time that fair value has been less than cost. With respect to an investment in a debt security, we recognize an other-than-temporary impairment if we (a) intend to sell or expect to be required to sell before amortized cost is recovered or (b) do not expect to ultimately recover the amortized cost basis even if we do not intend to sell the security. We recognize losses under (a) in earnings and under (b) we recognize the credit loss component in earnings and the difference between fair value and the amortized cost basis net of the credit loss in other comprehensive income.</font> </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"> </font> </div> <div> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="middle"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">  </font> </td> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">(e)</font></i> </div> </td> <td align="left" width="72%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-STYLE: italic">Receivables, loans and finance receivables</font></i> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Trade, premium and other receivables of the insurance and other businesses are stated at the outstanding principal amounts, net of estimated allowances for uncollectible balances. Allowances for uncollectible balances are provided when as of the balance sheet date it is probable counterparties will be unable to pay all amounts due based on the contractual terms and the loss amounts can be reasonably estimated. Receivables are generally written off against allowances after all reasonable collection efforts are exhausted.</font> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Loans and finance receivables consist of consumer loans (primarily manufactured housing and other real estate loans) and commercial loans originated or purchased. Loans and finance receivables are stated at amortized cost based on our ability and intent to hold such loans and receivables to maturity and are stated net of allowances for uncollectible accounts. Amortized cost represents acquisition cost, plus or minus origination and commitment costs paid or fees received, which together with acquisition premiums or discounts, are deferred and amortized as yield adjustments over the life of the loan. Loans and finance receivables include loan securitizations issued when we have the power to direct and the right to receive residual returns. Substantially all of our consumer loans are secured by real or personal property.</font> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Allowances for credit losses from manufactured housing and other real estate loans include estimates of losses on loans currently in foreclosure and losses on loans not currently in foreclosure. Estimates of losses on loans in foreclosure are based on historical experience and collateral recovery rates. Estimates of losses on loans not currently in foreclosure consider historical default, collateral recovery rates and existing economic conditions. Allowances for credit losses also incorporate the historical average time elapsed from the last payment until foreclosure.</font> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Loans in which payments are delinquent (with no grace period) are considered past due. Loans which are over 90 days past due, in foreclosure, or where borrowers are in bankruptcy, are placed on nonaccrual status and interest previously accrued but not collected is reversed. Subsequent amounts received on the loans are first applied to the principal and interest owed for the most delinquent amount. Interest income accruals are resumed once a loan is less than 90 days delinquent.</font> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Loans in the foreclosure process are considered non-performing. Once a loan is in foreclosure, interest income is not recognized unless the foreclosure is cured or the loan is modified. Once a modification is complete, interest income is recognized based on the terms of the new loan. Loans that have gone through foreclosure are charged off when the collateral is sold. Loans not in foreclosure are evaluated for charge off based on individual circumstances that indicate future collectability of the loan, including the condition of the collateral securing the loan.</font> </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"> </font> </div> <div> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="middle"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">  </font> </td> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">(f)</font></i> </div> </td> <td align="left" width="72%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-STYLE: italic">Derivatives</font></i> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">We carry derivative contracts at estimated fair value in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. Such balances reflect reductions permitted under master netting agreements with counterparties. The changes in fair value of derivative contracts that do not qualify as hedging instruments for financial reporting purposes are recorded in earnings as derivative gains/losses.</font> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Cash collateral received from or paid to counterparties to secure derivative contract assets or liabilities is included in other liabilities or assets. Securities received from counterparties as collateral are not recorded as assets and securities delivered to counterparties as collateral continue to be reflected as assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.</font> </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"> </font> </div> <div> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="middle"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">  </font> </td> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">(g)</font></i> </div> </td> <td align="left" width="72%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-STYLE: italic">Fair value measurements</font></i> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">As defined under GAAP, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability between market participants in the principal market or in the most advantageous market when no principal market exists. Adjustments to transaction prices or quoted market prices may be required in illiquid or disorderly markets in order to estimate fair value. Different valuation techniques may be appropriate under the circumstances to determine the value that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction. Market participants are assumed to be independent, knowledgeable, able and willing to transact an exchange and not under duress. Nonperformance or credit risk is considered in determining the fair value of liabilities. Considerable judgment may be required in interpreting market data used to develop the estimates of fair value. Accordingly, estimates of fair value presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current or future market exchange.</font> </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"> </font> </div> <div> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="middle"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">  </font> </td> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">(h)</font></i> </div> </td> <td align="left" width="72%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-STYLE: italic">Inventories</font></i> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Inventories consist of manufactured goods and goods acquired for resale. Manufactured inventory costs include raw materials, direct and indirect labor and factory overhead. Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. As of December 31, 2010, approximately 39% of the total inventory cost was determined using the last-in-first-out (“LIFO”) method, 32% using the first-in-first-out (“FIFO”) method, with the remainder using the specific identification method or average cost methods. With respect to inventories carried at LIFO cost, the aggregate difference in value between LIFO cost and cost determined under FIFO methods was $637 million and $575 million as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.</font> </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"> </font> </div> <div> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="middle"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">  </font> </td> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">(i)</font></i> </div> </td> <td align="left" width="72%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-STYLE: italic">Property, plant and equipment</font></i> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Additions to property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost. The cost of major additions and betterments are capitalized, while the cost of replacements, maintenance and repairs, that do not improve or extend the useful lives of the related assets are expensed as incurred. Interest over the construction period is capitalized as a component of cost of constructed assets. The cost of constructed assets of certain of our regulated utility and energy subsidiaries that are subject to ASC 980 Regulated Operations also includes an equity allowance for funds used during construction. Also see Note 1(p).</font> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Depreciation is provided principally on the straight-line method over estimated useful lives. Depreciation of assets of regulated utility and energy subsidiaries is provided over recovery periods based on composite asset class lives. Railroad properties are depreciated using the group method in which a single depreciation rate is applied to the gross investment in a particular class of property, despite differences in the service life or salvage value of individual property units within the same class.</font> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">We evaluate property, plant and equipment for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable or the assets are being held for sale. Upon the occurrence of a triggering event, we review the asset to assess whether the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected from the use of the asset plus residual value from the ultimate disposal exceeds the carrying value of the asset. If the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable amounts, we write down the asset to the estimated fair value. Impairment losses are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Earnings, except with respect to impairments of assets of certain domestic regulated utility and energy subsidiaries where impairment losses are offset by the establishment of a regulatory asset to the extent recovery in future rates is probable.</font> </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"> </font> </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Our railroad business is very capital intensive and its large base of homogenous, network-type assets turns over on a continuous basis. Each year, a capital program is developed for the replacement of assets and for the acquisition or construction of assets to enhance the efficiency of operations, gain strategic benefit or provide new service offerings to customers. Assets purchased or constructed throughout the year are capitalized if they meet applicable minimum units of property criteria. Normal repairs and maintenance are charged to operating expense as incurred, while costs incurred that extend the useful life of an asset, improve the safety of our operations, or improve operating efficiency are capitalized. Rail grinding costs are expensed as incurred.</font> </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"> </font> </div> <div> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="middle"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">  </font> </td> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">(j)</font></i> </div> </td> <td align="left" width="72%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-STYLE: italic">Goodwill</font></i> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in business acquisitions. We evaluate goodwill for impairment at least annually. Evaluating goodwill for impairment involves a two-step process. The first step is to estimate the fair value of the reporting unit. There are several methods that may be used to estimate a reporting unit’s fair value, including market quotations, asset and liability fair values and other valuation techniques, including, but not limited to, discounted projected future net earnings or net cash flows and multiples of earnings. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds the estimated fair value, a second step is performed. Under the second step, the identifiable assets and liabilities of the reporting unit are estimated at fair value as of the current testing date. The excess of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit over the current estimated fair value of net assets establishes the implied value of goodwill. The excess of the recorded goodwill over the implied goodwill value is charged to earnings as an impairment loss. A significant amount of judgment is required in estimating the fair value of the reporting unit and performing goodwill impairment tests.</font> </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"> </font> </div> <div> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="middle"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">  </font> </td> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">(k)</font></i> </div> </td> <td align="left" width="72%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-STYLE: italic">Revenue recognition</font></i> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Insurance premiums for prospective property/casualty and health insurance and reinsurance are earned over the loss exposure or coverage period, in proportion to the level of protection provided. In most cases, premiums are recognized as revenues ratably over the term of the contract with unearned premiums computed on a monthly or daily pro rata basis. Premiums for retroactive reinsurance property/casualty policies are earned at the inception of the contracts, as all of the underlying loss events covered by these policies occurred in the past. Premiums for life reinsurance contracts are earned when due. Premiums earned are stated net of amounts ceded to reinsurers. Premiums are estimated with respect to certain reinsurance contracts where reports from ceding companies for the period are not contractually due until after the balance sheet date. For contracts containing experience rating provisions, premiums are based upon estimated loss experience under the contract.</font> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Sales revenues derive from the sales of manufactured products and goods acquired for resale. Revenues from sales are recognized upon passage of title to the customer, which generally coincides with customer pickup, product delivery or acceptance, depending on terms of the sales arrangement.</font> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Service revenues are recognized as the services are performed. Services provided pursuant to a contract are either recognized over the contract period or upon completion of the elements specified in the contract depending on the terms of the contract. Revenues related to the sales of fractional ownership interests in aircraft are recognized ratably over the term of the related management services agreement as the transfer of ownership interest in the aircraft is inseparable from the management services agreement.</font> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Interest income from investments in fixed maturity securities and loans is earned under the constant yield method and includes accrual of interest due under terms of the agreement as well as amortization of acquisition premiums, accruable discounts and capitalized loan origination fees, as applicable. In determining the constant yield for mortgage-backed securities, anticipated counterparty prepayments are estimated and evaluated periodically. Dividends from equity securities are recognized when earned, which is on the ex-dividend date or the declaration date, when there is no ex-dividend date.</font> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Operating revenue of utilities and energy businesses resulting from the distribution and sale of natural gas and electricity to customers is recognized when the service is rendered or the energy is delivered. Amounts recognized include unbilled as well as billed amounts. Rates charged are generally subject to federal and state regulation or established under contractual arrangements. When preliminary rates are permitted to be billed prior to final approval by the applicable regulator, certain revenue collected may be subject to refund and a liability for estimated refunds is accrued.</font> </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"> </font> </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Railroad transportation revenues are recognized based upon the proportion of service provided as of the balance sheet date. Customer incentives, which are primarily provided for shipping a specified cumulative volume or shipping to/from specific locations, are recorded as a reduction to revenue on a pro-rata basis based on actual or projected future customer shipments. When using projected shipments, we rely on historic trends as well as economic and other indicators to estimate the liability for customer incentives.</font> </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"> </font> </div> <div> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="middle"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">  </font> </td> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">(l)</font></i> </div> </td> <td align="left" width="72%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-STYLE: italic">Losses and loss adjustment expenses</font></i> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Liabilities for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses represent estimated claim and claim settlement costs of property/casualty insurance and reinsurance contracts issued by our insurance subsidiaries with respect to losses that have occurred as of the balance sheet date. The liabilities for losses and loss adjustment expenses are recorded at the estimated ultimate payment amounts, except that amounts arising from certain workers’ compensation reinsurance business are discounted as discussed below. Estimated ultimate payment amounts are based upon (1) individual case estimates, (2) reports of losses from policyholders and (3) estimates of incurred but not reported losses.</font> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Provisions for losses and loss adjustment expenses are charged to earnings after deducting amounts recovered and estimates of amounts ceded under reinsurance contracts. Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the ceding company of its obligations to indemnify policyholders with respect to the underlying insurance and reinsurance contracts.</font> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">The estimated liabilities of workers’ compensation claims assumed under certain reinsurance contracts are carried at discounted amounts. Discounted amounts are based upon an annual discount rate of 4.5% for claims arising prior to January 1, 2003 and 1% for claims arising thereafter, consistent with discount rates used under insurance statutory accounting principles. The change in such reserve discounts, including the periodic discount accretion is included in earnings as a component of losses and loss adjustment expenses.</font> </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"> </font> </div> <div> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="middle"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">  </font> </td> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">(m)</font></i> </div> </td> <td align="left" width="72%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-STYLE: italic">Deferred charges reinsurance assumed</font></i> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Estimated liabilities for claims and claim costs in excess of the consideration received with respect to retroactive property and casualty reinsurance contracts that provide for indemnification of insurance risk are established as deferred charges at inception of such contracts. Deferred charges are subsequently amortized using the interest method over the expected claim settlement periods. Changes to the estimated timing or amount of loss payments produce changes in periodic amortization. Changes in such estimates are applied retrospectively and are included in insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses in the period of the change. The unamortized balances of deferred charges reinsurance assumed were $3,810 million and $3,957 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.</font> </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"> </font> </div> <div> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="middle"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">  </font> </td> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">(n)</font></i> </div> </td> <td align="left" width="72%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-STYLE: italic">Insurance premium acquisition costs</font></i> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Costs that vary with and are related to the issuance of insurance policies are deferred, subject to ultimate recoverability, and are charged to underwriting expenses as the related premiums are earned. Acquisition costs consist of commissions, premium taxes, advertising and certain other costs. The recoverability of premium acquisition costs generally reflects anticipation of investment income. The unamortized balances of deferred premium acquisition costs are included in other assets and were $1,768 million and $1,770 million at December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively.</font> </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"> </font> </div> <div> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="middle"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">  </font> </td> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">(p)</font></i> </div> </td> <td align="left" width="72%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-STYLE: italic">Regulated utilities and energy businesses</font></i> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Certain domestic energy subsidiaries prepare their financial statements in accordance with ASC 980 Regulated Operations, reflecting the economic effects from the ability to recover certain costs from customers and the requirement to return revenues to customers in the future through the regulated rate-setting process. Accordingly, certain costs are deferred as regulatory assets and obligations are accrued as regulatory liabilities which will be amortized over various future periods. At December 31, 2010, the Consolidated Balance Sheet includes $2,497 million in regulatory assets and $1,664 million in regulatory liabilities. At December 31, 2009, the Consolidated Balance Sheet includes $2,093 million in regulatory assets and $1,603 million in regulatory liabilities. Regulatory assets and liabilities are components of other assets and other liabilities of utilities and energy businesses.</font> </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"> </font> </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Regulatory assets and liabilities are continually assessed for probable future inclusion in regulatory rates by considering factors such as applicable regulatory or legislative changes and recent rate orders received by other regulated entities. If future inclusion in regulatory rates ceases to be probable, the amount no longer probable of inclusion in regulatory rates is charged to earnings or reflected as an adjustment to rates.</font> </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"> </font> </div> <div> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="middle"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">  </font> </td> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">(q)</font></i> </div> </td> <td align="left" width="72%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">Life, annuity and health insurance benefits</font></i> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">The liability for insurance benefits under life contracts has been computed based upon estimated future investment yields, expected mortality, morbidity, and lapse or withdrawal rates and reflect estimates for future premiums and expenses under the contracts. These assumptions, as applicable, also include a margin for adverse deviation and may vary with the characteristics of the reinsurance contract’s date of issuance, policy duration and country of risk. The interest rate assumptions used may vary by reinsurance contract or jurisdiction and generally range from approximately 3% to 6%. Annuity contracts are discounted based on the implicit rate of return as of the inception of the contracts and such interest rates range from approximately 1% to 7%.</font> </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"> </font> </div> <div> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="middle"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">  </font> </td> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">(r)</font></i> </div> </td> <td align="left" width="72%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-STYLE: italic">Foreign currency</font></i> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">The accounts of our non-U.S. based subsidiaries are measured in most instances using the local currency of the subsidiary as the functional currency. Revenues and expenses of these businesses are generally translated into U.S. Dollars at the average exchange rate for the period. Assets and liabilities are translated at the exchange rate as of the end of the reporting period. Gains or losses from translating the financial statements of foreign-based operations are included in shareholders’ equity as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Gains and losses arising from transactions denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the entity that is party to the transaction are included in earnings.</font> </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"> </font> </div> <div> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="middle"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">  </font> </td> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">(s)</font></i> </div> </td> <td align="left" width="72%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-STYLE: italic">Income taxes</font></i> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">We file a consolidated federal income tax return in the United States, which includes our eligible subsidiaries. In addition, we file income tax returns in state, local and foreign jurisdictions as applicable. Provisions for current income tax liabilities are calculated and accrued on income and expense amounts expected to be included in the income tax returns for the current year.</font> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Deferred income taxes are calculated under the liability method. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are based on differences between the financial statement and tax basis of assets and liabilities at the enacted tax rates. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities that are associated with components of other comprehensive income are charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income. Otherwise, changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities are included as a component of income tax expense. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities attributable to changes in enacted tax rates are charged or credited to income tax expense in the period of enactment. Valuation allowances are established for certain deferred tax assets where realization is not likely.</font> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">Assets and liabilities are established for uncertain tax positions taken or positions expected to be taken in income tax returns when such positions are judged to not meet the “more-likely-than-not” threshold based on the technical merits of the positions. Estimated interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions are generally included as a component of income tax expense.</font> </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"> </font> </div> <div> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman"> <tr> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="middle"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">  </font> </td> <td align="left" width="3%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">(t)</font></i> </div> </td> <td align="left" width="72%" valign="top"> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <i><font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-STYLE: italic; FONT-FAMILY: times new roman">New accounting pronouncements</font></i> </div> </td> </tr> </table> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">We adopted FASB Accounting Standards Updates (“ASU”) 2009-16 and ASU 2009-17 as of January 1, 2010. ASU 2009-16 eliminated the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity (“QSPE”) and the exemption of QSPEs from previous consolidation guidance and also modified the criteria for derecognizing financial assets by transferors. ASU 2009-17 amended the standards related to consolidation of variable interest entities. ASU 2009-17 included new criteria for determining the primary beneficiary of VIEs and increased the frequency in which reassessments must be made to determine the primary beneficiary of VIEs. The guidance in these standards is applied prospectively except that upon the adoption of ASU 2009-17 we reevaluated VIEs for purposes of determining whether or not those entities should be included in our Consolidated Financial Statements based on the new guidance. See Notes 7 and 14 for information concerning the most significant impact of adopting these pronouncements.</font> </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"> </font> </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06, “Improving Disclosures About Fair Value Measurements.” ASU 2010-06 requires the separate disclosure of significant transfers into and out of the Level 1 and Level 2 categories; requires fair value measurement disclosures for each class of assets and liabilities; and requires disclosures about valuation techniques and inputs used in Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements. These disclosure requirements became effective at the beginning of 2010. In addition, effective in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010, ASU 2010-06 also requires Level 3 disclosures of activity on a gross rather than a net basis. We do not anticipate that the remaining disclosures under ASU 2010-06 will have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.</font> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">In July 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-20, “Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses.” ASU 2010-20 requires increased disclosures about the credit quality of financing receivables and allowances for credit losses, including disclosure about credit quality indicators, past due information and modifications of finance receivables. The guidance regarding end of period reporting is effective for reporting periods ending after December 15, 2010, while guidance about activity during the reporting period is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2010, except for guidance regarding loan modifications, which has been delayed. We do not anticipate that the adoption of ASU 2010-20 will have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.</font> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">In October 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-26, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts.” ASU 2010-26 modifies the types of costs incurred by insurance entities that are deferred in the acquiring or renewing of insurance contracts. ASU 2010-26 requires that only direct incremental costs related to successful efforts are capitalized. Capitalized costs may include certain advertising costs which are allowed to be capitalized if the primary purpose of the advertising is to elicit sales to customers proven to have responded directly to the advertising and the probable future revenues generated from the advertising are proven to be in excess of expected future costs to be incurred in realizing those revenues. ASU 2010-26 is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011 and may be applied on a prospective or retrospective basis. We are evaluating the effect that the adoption of ASU 2010-26 will have on our Consolidated Financial Statements.</font> </div> <div align="justify" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt">   </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 54pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman">In December 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-28, “When to Perform Step 2 of the Goodwill Impairment Test for Reporting Units with Zero or Negative Carrying Amounts.” ASU 2010-28 modifies Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test for reporting units with zero or negative carrying amounts. For those reporting units, Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test is required if it is more likely than not that a goodwill impairment exists, after considering whether there are any adverse qualitative factors indicating that an impairment may exist. ASU 2010-28 is effective prospectively for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011. We do not anticipate the adoption of ASU 2010-28 will have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.</font> </div> <div align="left" style="margin-left: 0pt; display: block; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0pt; text-indent: 0pt"> <font style="DISPLAY: inline; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Times New Roman"> </font> </div> </div>
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<ElementDefenition> Represents disclosure of a) the nature of an entity's business, b) an entity's accounting policy regarding the principles it follows in consolidating or combining the separate financial statements, including the principles followed in determining the inclusion or exclusion of subsidiaries or other entities in the consolidated or combined financial statements, c) an entity's explanation that the preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires the use of management estimates, and d) an entity's significant accounting policies and accounting pronouncements to be adopted in the future. </ElementDefenition>
<ElementReferences> No authoritative reference available. </ElementReferences>
<IsTotalLabel> false </IsTotalLabel>
<IsEPS> false </IsEPS>
<Label> Significant accounting policies and practices </Label>
</Row>
</Rows>
<Footnotes/>
<NumberOfCols> 1 </NumberOfCols>
<NumberOfRows> 2 </NumberOfRows>
<ReportName> Significant accounting policies and practices </ReportName>
<MonetaryRoundingLevel> UnKnown </MonetaryRoundingLevel>
<SharesRoundingLevel> UnKnown </SharesRoundingLevel>
<PerShareRoundingLevel> UnKnown </PerShareRoundingLevel>
<ExchangeRateRoundingLevel> UnKnown </ExchangeRateRoundingLevel>
<HasCustomUnits> false </HasCustomUnits>
<SharesShouldBeRounded> true </SharesShouldBeRounded>
</InstanceReport>


2 Subsequent Filings that Reference this Filing

  As Of               Filer                 Filing    For·On·As Docs:Size             Issuer                      Filing Agent

 5/10/11  SEC                               UPLOAD10/16/17    1:45K  Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
 5/10/11  SEC                               UPLOAD10/16/17    1:55K  Berkshire Hathaway Inc.
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Filing Submission 0001193125-11-048914   –   Alternative Formats (Word / Rich Text, HTML, Plain Text, et al.)

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