Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
ASSETS    
Investments in fixed maturity securities $ 19,898 $ 21,353
Investments in equity securities 172,757 [1] 170,540 [2]
Loans and finance receivables 16,280 13,748
Inventories 19,069 17,366
Goodwill 81,025 81,258
Deferred charges under retroactive reinsurance contracts 14,104 15,278
Total assets 707,794 702,095
LIABILITIES    
Income taxes, principally deferred 51,375 56,607
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses 68,458 61,122
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses under retroactive reinsurance contracts 41,834 42,937
Total liabilities 355,294 350,141
Shareholders' equity:    
Common stock 8 8
Capital in excess of par value 35,707 35,694
Accumulated other comprehensive income (5,015) 58,571
Retained earnings 321,112 255,786
Treasury stock, at cost (3,109) (1,763)
Berkshire Hathaway shareholders' equity 348,703 348,296
Noncontrolling interests 3,797 3,658
Total shareholders' equity 352,500 351,954
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 707,794 702,095
Insurance and Other [Member]    
ASSETS    
Cash and cash equivalents [3] 27,749 28,673
Short-term investments in U.S. Treasury Bills 81,506 84,371
Investments in fixed maturity securities 19,898 21,353
Investments in equity securities 172,757 170,540
Equity method investments 17,325 21,024
Loans and finance receivables 16,280 13,748
Other receivables 31,564 29,392
Inventories 19,069 17,366
Property, plant and equipment 20,628 19,868
Equipment held for lease 14,298 10,167
Goodwill 56,323 56,478
Other intangible assets 31,499 32,518
Deferred charges under retroactive reinsurance contracts 14,104 15,278
Other 9,307 9,391
Total assets 532,307 530,167
LIABILITIES    
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses 68,458 61,122
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses under retroactive reinsurance contracts 41,834 42,937
Unearned premiums 18,093 16,040
Life, annuity and health insurance benefits 18,632 17,608
Other policyholder liabilities 7,675 7,654
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities 25,776 24,569
Derivative contract liabilities 2,452 2,172
Aircraft repurchase liabilities and unearned lease revenues 4,593  
Notes payable and other borrowings 34,975 40,409
Total liabilities 222,488 212,511
Railroad, Utilities and Energy [Member]    
ASSETS    
Cash and cash equivalents [3] 2,612 2,910
Receivables 3,666 3,531
Property, plant and equipment 131,780 128,184
Goodwill 24,702 24,780
Regulatory assets 3,067 2,950
Other 9,660 9,573
Total assets 175,487 171,928
LIABILITIES    
Accounts payable, accruals and other liabilities 11,410 11,334
Regulatory liabilities 7,506 7,511
Notes payable and other borrowings 62,515 62,178
Total liabilities $ 81,431 $ 81,023
[1] Approximately 68% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company - $14.5 billion; Apple Inc. - $40.3 billion; Bank of America Corporation - $22.6 billion; The Coca-Cola Company - $18.9 billion and Wells Fargo & Company - $20.7 billion).
[2] Approximately 65% of the aggregate fair value was concentrated in five companies (American Express Company - $15.1 billion; Apple Inc. - $28.2 billion; Bank of America Corporation - $20.7 billion; The Coca-Cola Company - $18.4 billion and Wells Fargo & Company - $29.3 billion).
[3] Cash and cash equivalents includes U.S. Treasury Bills with maturities of three months or less when purchased of $3.9 billion at December 31, 2018 and $5.7 billion at December 31, 2017.