Business Combinations [Abstract] Merger Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] The Company Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] Accounting Pronouncements Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Employment Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Property and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Other Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Other Assets Other Asset, Investment in Variable Interest Entity [Text Block] Other Asset, Investment in Variable Interest Entity [Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Statement, Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Predecessor [Member] Successor Successor [Member] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Parent Parent [Member] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock Including Additional Paid in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Member's Equity Members Equity [Member] Member's equity. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] NetContribution NetContribution Net contribution from Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance, Shares, Value Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Balance, Shares, Issued Shares, Issued Comprehensive income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Change in unrecognized prior service credit and actuarial losses, net of tax expense/(benefit) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Change in fuel hedge mark-to-market, net of tax expense/(benefit) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Recognized loss on derivative instruments discontinued hedges, net of tax expense/(benefit) Recognized Loss On Derivative Instruments Discontinued Hedges Net Of Tax Net of tax effect of discontinuance of hedge accounting on certain derivative instruments included in accumulated comprehensive income that was recognized in net income during the period. Change In Other Comprehensive Income Of Equity Method Investees Change In Other Comprehensive Income Of Equity Method Investees Change In Other Comprehensive Income Of Equity Method Investees. Total comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Common Stock Dividends Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Cash distributions to Parent Cash Distributions To Parent Company By Reporting Entity Cash distributions declared to parent company by the reporting entity. Restricted stock and stock options expense Restricted stock and stock options expense The compensation expense recognized during the period pertaining to the share-based compensation plan. Restricted Stock Activity Shares Restricted Stock Activity And Related Tax Benefit (Expense) Shares Number of shares related to restricted stock activity and associated tax benefit (expense) during the period as a result of the share-based compensation plan. Restricted Stock Activity Value Restricted Stock Activity And Related Tax Benefit (Expense) The net tax benefit (expense) resulting from restricted stock activity during the period as a result of the share-based compensation plan. Exercise of stock options and related tax benefit, shares Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Exercise of stock options and related tax expense/(benefit), value Exercise of stock options and related tax benefit The net tax benefit resulting from the issuance of stock during the period as a result of the exercise of stock options. Exercise of stock options and related tax benefit, value Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised, Net of Tax Benefit (Expense) Purchase of BNSF Common Stock, Shares Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Purchase of BNSF Common Stock, Value Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method Balance, Shares, Issued Balance, Shares, Value Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Predecessor Revenues Revenue, Net Operating expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Compensation and benefits Labor and Related Expense Fuel Fuel Costs Purchased services Purchased services The amount of expense for contract services provided to the Company. Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Equipment rents Equipment rents Rent paid for freight cars owned by other railroads or private companies, net of rents received, including lease expenses primarily for locomotives, railcars, containers and trailers. Materials and other Materials and other Materials and other operating expenses not separately disclosed. This element is used when other, more specific, elements are not appropriate. Total operating expenses Operating Expenses Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Interest expense Interest and Debt Expense Other expense, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income before income taxes Income before income taxes Sum of operating profit (loss) and non-operating income (expense) before income taxes. Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Long-term casualty and environmental liabilities, net Long term casualty and environmental liabilities, net The net change during the reporting period in the amount of noncurrent costs accrued for casualty, environmental and other loss contingencies. Contributions to qualified pension plan Pension Contributions Other, net Other, net The net cash inflow (outflow) from other operating activities. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element in the taxonomy. Changes in current assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable, net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Change in accounts receivable securitization program Change in Accounts Receivable Securitization Program Change in Accounts Receivable Securitization Program Materials and supplies Inc(Dec) in Materials and Supplies The net change during the reporting period in the aggregate value of all materials and supplies held by the reporting entity, associated with underlying transactions that are classified as operating activities. Other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Accounts payable and other current liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Capital expenditures excluding equipment Capital Expenditures Excluding Equipment The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of long-lived, physical assets, excluding equipment, that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale; includes cash outflows to pay for construction of self-constructed assets. Acquisition of equipment Acquisition of equipment The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of equipment which includes locomotive, freight cars and other equipment, some or all of which may be sold and leased back by the Company through either an operating or capital lease. Proceeds from sale of equipment financed Sale Leaseback Transaction, Gross Proceeds Construction costs for facility financing obligation Construction costs for facility financing obligation Payments for construction costs of a facility that the Company intended to sell to a third party and subsequently lease back. Partnership investment Payments for (Proceeds from) Limited Partnership Other, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash used for investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Net decrease in commercial paper and bank borrowings Repayments of Commercial Paper Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Payments on long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Cash distributions/dividends paid Cash Distributions/ Dividends Paid The cash outflow from the distribution of an entity's earnings in the form of dividends to common shareholders or distributions to the parent company. Proceeds from stock options exercised Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Purchase of BNSF common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Excess tax benefits from equity compensation plans Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Proceeds from facility financing obligation Proceeds from facility financing obligation Proceeds from the financing related to the construction of a facility that the Company intends to sell to a third party and subsequently lease back. Other, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash used for by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities (Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents: Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value [Abstract] Beginning of period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value End of period SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized Interest Paid, Net Income taxes paid, net of refunds Income Taxes Paid, Net Non-cash asset financing Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Receivables [Abstract] Accounts Receivable, Net Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Quarterly Financial Data - Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Activities Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Materials and supplies Materials and supplies Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of unapplied materials and supplies to be used in the performance or support of carrier operations. Current portion of deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1056 and $660, respectively Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Goodwill Intangible assets, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable and other current liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Long-term debt due within one year Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Intangible liabilities, net Intangible liabilities, net The aggregate sum of gross carrying value of a major finite-lived intangible liability class, less accumulated amortization and any impairment charges. Casualty and environmental liabilities Casualty and environmental liabilities Noncurrent portion of costs accrued as of the balance sheet date for casualty, environmental and other loss contingencies. Pension and retiree health and welfare liability Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies (see Notes 6, 13 and 14) Commitments and Contingencies Equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Member's equity (see Note 2) Member's equity Total of Member's Capital (deficit) items, which includes both contributed capital and earned capital. Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total equity Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets and Liabilities Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Change in unrecognized prior service credit and actuarial losses, net of tax expense/(benefit) Change in fuel hedge mark-to-market, net of tax expense/(benefit) Fuel Interest Hedge Mark To Market Tax Benefit (Expense) The net tax benefit (expense) resulting from the change in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instrument designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges, net of tax effect. Recognized loss on derivative instruments-discontinued hedges, net of tax expense/(benefit) Recognized Loss On Derivative Instruments Discontinued Hedges Tax Benefit The tax effect of discontinuance of hedge accounting on certain derivative instruments included in accumulated comprehensive income that was recognized in net income during the period. Common stock dividends, per share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Exercise of stock options and related tax expense/(benefit), value Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Entities [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Public Float Entity Public Float