Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Financing [Axis] Financing [Axis] Financing [Domain] Financing [Domain] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Successor [Member] Successor [Member] Predecessor [Member] Predecessor [Member] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Current Liabilities [Member] Current Liabilities [Member] Current Liabilities [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Cash Equivalents Cash Equivalents [Member] Time Deposits, and Money Market Funds [Member] Time Deposits, and Money Market Funds [Member] Time Deposits, and Money Market Funds [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Subsidiaries Subsidiaries [Member] BNSF Insurance Company BNSF Insurance Company [Member] BNSF Insurance Company [Member] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Asbestos, non-malignant [Member] Asbestos, non-malignant [Member] Asbestos, non-malignant [Member] Unasserted Claim Unasserted Claim [Member] Personal Injury Personal Injury [Member] Personal Injury [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Asbestos and Personal Injury [Abstract] Loss Contingency, Estimate [Abstract] Percent of total number of future asbestos claims Percent of total number of future asbestos claims Percent of total number of future asbestos claims Percent of total cost of future asbestos claims Percent of total cost of future asbestos claims Percent of total cost of future asbestos claims Reduction in expense due to settlements of personal injury liabiltiies Reduction in expense due to settlements of personal injury liabilities Reduction in expense due to settlements of personal injury liabilities Percent of future unasserted asbestos claims to be filed within the next ten years Percent of Future Unasserted Asbestos Claims To be Filed Within the Next Ten Years Percent of Future Unasserted Asbestos Claims To be Filed Within the Next Ten Years Percent of future unasserted asbestos claims to be filed within the next fifteen years Percent of Future Unasserted Asbestos Claims to be Filed Within the Next Fifteen Years Percent of Future Unasserted Asbestos Claims to be Filed Within the Next Fifteen Years Percent of future unasserted asbestos claims to be filed within the next twenty-five years Percent of Future Unasserted Asbestos Claims to be Filed Within the Next Twenty-five Years Percent of Future Unasserted Asbestos Claims to be Filed Within the Next Twenty-five Years Length in Years for 60 Percent of Future Unasserted Asbestos Claims to be Filed Length in Years for 60 Percent of Future Unasserted Asbestos Claims to be Filed Length in Years for 60% of Future Unasserted Asbestos Claims to be Filed Length in Years for 80 Percent of Future Unasserted Asbestos Claims to be Filed Length in Years for 80 Percent of Future Unasserted Asbestos Claims to be Filed Length in Years for 80 Percent of Future Unasserted Asbestos Claims to be Filed Length in Years for 95 Percent of Future Unasserted Claims to be Filed Length in Years for 95 Percent of Future Unasserted Claims to be Filed Length in Years for 95 Percent of Future Unasserted Claims to be Filed Accrued obligations for asbestos and other personal injury matters, current liabilities Loss Contingency, Accrual Carrying Value, Current Future costs to settle personal injury claims, minimum Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Minimum Future costs to settle personal injury claims, maximum Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum Loss Contingency Accrual [Roll Forward] Loss Contingency Accrual [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Loss Contingency Accrual, at Carrying Value Accruals Loss Contingency Accrual, Carrying Value, Provision Payments Loss Contingency Accrual, Carrying Value, Payments Ending balance Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Property and Equipment [Abstract] Property and Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Fuel Contracts Fuel Contracts [Member] Fuel Contracts [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Other Current Assets Other Current Assets [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, net Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Net Derivatives, gross Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Payables and Accruals [Abstract] Accounts Payable and Other Current Liablities [Table] Accounts Payable and Other Current Liablities [Table] Accounts Payable and Other Current Liablities [Table] Accounts Payable and Other Current Liablities [Line Items] Accounts Payable and Other Current Liablities [Line Items] [Line Items] for Accounts Payable and Other Current Liablities [Table] Compensation and benefits payable Accrued Employee Benefits, Current Property and income tax liabilities Accrued Property and Income Taxes, Current Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of the unpaid sum of the known and estimated amounts payable to satisfy all currently due property, state and federal income tax obligations. Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued interest Interest Payable, Current Casualty and environmental liabilities Rents and leases Accrued Rent, Current Customer incentives Customer Advances and Deposits, Current Other Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Pension Benefits Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Amortization of net loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Settlements Settlements recognized in net benefit cost Settlements recognized in net benefit cost Net cost recognized Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Treasury Lock [Member] Treasury Lock [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Interest Expense [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Fuel Expense Fuel Expense [Member] Fuel Expense [Member] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Axis] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Axis] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Other Comprehensive Income Location [Domain] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Cash Flow Hedging Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Net Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI) on Derivatives (Effective Portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Effective Portion, Net Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized from AOCL into Income (Effective Portion) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income, Effective Portion, Net Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing) Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income, Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing, Net Pre-tax hedge instrument gains estimated to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into earnings Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) Reclassification from Accumulated OCI to Income, Estimated Net Amount to be Transferred Recognized gain on unwind of four interest rate swaps, due 2018 Recognized gain on unwind of interest rate swaps Recognized gain on unwind of interest rate swaps Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract] Other Intangible Assets and Liabilities Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets and Liabilities [Text Block] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets and Liabilities [Text Block] Environmental Issue Environmental Issue [Member] Number of alleged environmental contamination sites (in sites) Administrative Judicial and Other Mandatory Cleanup Efforts Total Sites Administrative, Judicial and Other Mandatory Cleanup Efforts, Total Sites Number of environmental superfund sites (in sites) Administrative Judicial and Other Mandatory Cleanup Efforts Superfund Sites Administrative, Judicial and Other Mandatory Cleanup Efforts, Superfund Sites Liability for third-party tort claims Recorded Liability For Third Party Environmental Tort Claims Recorded Liability For Third Party Environmental Tort Claims Accrued obligations for environmental matters, current liabilities Accrued Environmental Loss Contingencies, Current Additional Expense Based on Actuarial Study Results Additional Expense Based on Actuarial Study Results Additional Expense Based on Actuarial Study Results Additional environmental expense due to changes in estimates Additional environmental expense due to changes in estimates Additional environmental expense due to changes in estimates Number of complex sites Number of complex sites Number of complex sites Reduction in environmental expense due to additional test results Reduction in environmental expense due to additional test results Reduction in environmental expense due to additional test results Reduction In expense due to settlements of environmental liabilities Reduction In Expense Due to Settlements of Environmental Liabilities Reduction In Expense Due to Settlements of Environmental Liabilities Estimated time frame for accrued cost distributions Site Contingency, Estimated Time Frame for Accrued Cost Distributions Site Contingency, Estimated Time Frame for Accrued Cost Distributions Future costs for environmental liabilities, minimum Future costs for environmental liabilities, maximum Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward] Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies Accruals Accrual For Environmental Loss Contingencies Provision Accrual For Environmental Loss Contingencies Provision Payments Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Payments Ending balance 1. The Company [Abstract] 1. The Company [Abstract] Nature of Operations [Text Block] Nature of Operations [Text Block] Quaterly Financial Data Unaudited [Abstract] Quaterly Financial Data Unaudited [Abstract] Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information Unaudited [Table] schedule of quarterly financial information Unaudited [Table] Tabular disclosure of the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure includes financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, operating income and net income. schedule of quarterly financial information Unaudited [Line Items] schedule of quarterly financial information Unaudited [Line Items] [Line Items] for Tabular disclosure of the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure includes financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, operating income and net income. Revenue, Net Revenue, Net Operating Income (Loss) Operating Income (Loss) Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity [Abstract] Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Parent Parent [Member] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock Including Additional Paid in Capital [Member] Common Stock Including Additional Paid in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Members Equity Members Equity [Member] Member's equity. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Comprehensive income, net of tax Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Shares, Issued Shares, Issued Common stock dividends, $0.26 per share Dividends, Common Stock, Cash 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 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. Excercise of stock options Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Exercise of stock options and related tax benefit of $10 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. Purchase of BNSF common stock Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired Balance Increase (Decrease) in Member's Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) In Members Equity [Roll Forward] [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) In Members Equity [Roll Forward] [Roll Forward] Net contribution from Berkshire Hathaway Inc. NetContribution Net contribution from Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. Cash distributions to Parent 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. Comprehensive income, net of tax Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table] Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table] Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table] Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items] Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items] Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Line Items] Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Hedging Deferred Tax Liabilities, Hedging Amount of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary differences from hedging activities. Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred Tax Asset, Tax Deferred Expense, Intangible Assets and Liabilities Deferred Tax Asset, Tax Deferred Expense, Intangible Assets and Liabilities Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences from intangible assets and liabilities. Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Casualty and environmental Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Long-term Debt Fair Value Adjustment Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Long-term Debt Fair Value Adjustment Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences from long-term debt fair value adjustment under acquisition method accounting. Deferred Tax Asset, Deferred Tax Expense, Pension and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Deferred Tax Asset, Deferred Tax Expense, Pension and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Deferred Tax Asset, Deferred Tax Expense, Pension and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Other Deferred Tax Assets, Other Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] [Line Items] for Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Unrecognized actuarial losses and prior service credit, net of tax (see Note 15) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax Fuel hedge mark-to-market, net of tax (see Note 6) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss of equity method investees Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Equity Method Investees, Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Equity Method Investees, Net of Tax Total accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Employment Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Successor Predecessor OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net income 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] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Deferred income taxes 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 defined benefit pension plan Pension Contributions Other, net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Changes in current assets and liabilities: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable, net Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Materials and supplies Increase (Decrease) in Materials and Supplies 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. 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] 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 Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised Excess Tax Benefit from equity compensation plans Excess Tax Benefit (Tax Deficiency) from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Other, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash used for financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Increase/(decrease) 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 End of period SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized Interest Paid, Net Capital investments accrued but not yet paid Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Income taxes paid, net of refunds Income Taxes Paid, Net Non-cash asset financing Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Pension Plan Type [Axis] Pension Plan Type [Axis] Pension Plan Type [Axis] Pension Plan Type [Domain] Pension Plan Type [Domain] [Domain] for Pension Plan Type [Axis] Funded Pension Plan [Member] Funded Pension Plan [Member] Funded Pension Plan [Member] Unfunded Non-Qualified Pension Plan [Member] Unfunded Non-Qualified Pension Plan [Member] Unfunded Non-Qualified Pension Plan [Member] [Member] Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Description of 401(k) plans and non-qualified defined contribution plan Description of Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans 401(k) matching expense Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Collective bargaining agreements description Multiemployer Plans, Plan Benefits, Description Multiemployer Plan, insurance premiums Multiemployer Plan, Period Contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year Average number of employees covered under multi-employer benefit plans Average number of employees covered under multi-employer benefit plans Average number of employees covered under multi-employer benefit plans Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Merger Acquirer [Axis] Business Merger [Axis] Business Merger [Axis] Business Merger Acquirer [Domain] Business Merger Acquirer [Domain] Business Merger Acquirer [Domain] Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. [Member] Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. [Member] Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Cash and cash equivalents Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Cash and Cash Equivalents The amount of cash and cash equivalents recognized as of the acquisition date. Accounts receivable Business Combination, Acquired Receivables, Fair Value Materials and supplies Business Combination, Acquired Materials and Supplies, Fair Value For materials and supplies acquired in a business combination, this element represents the fair value of materials and supplies acquired. Current portion of deferred income taxes Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Portion Deferred Income Taxes The amount of current portion deferred income taxes recognized as of the acquisition date. Other current assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Current Assets The amount of other current assets recognized as of the acquisition date. Property and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Goodwill Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Goodwill The amount of goodwill recognized as of the acquisition date. Intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangibles Other assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Other Noncurrent Assets The amount of other noncurrent assets recognized as of the acquisition date. Total assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Total Assets The amount of total assets recognized as of the acquisition date. Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities The amount of accounts payable and other current liabilities recognized as of the acquisition date. Long-term debt due within one year Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Current Portion Long Term Debt The amount of current portion long term debt recognized as of the acquisition date. Long-term debt Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Long Term Debt The amount of long term dent recognized as of the acquisition date. Deferred income taxes Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Income Taxes The amount of noncurrent portion of deferred income taxes recognized as of the acquisition date. Intangible liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Liabilities The amount of intangible liabilities recognized as of the acquisition date. Casualty and environmental liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Casualty and Environmental Liabilities The amount of casualty and environmental liabilities recognized as of the acquisition date. Pension and retiree health and welfare liability Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Pension and Retiree Health and Welfare Liability The amount of pension and retiree health and welfare liability recognized as of the acquisition date. Other liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Other Liabilities The amount of other noncurrent liabilities recognized as of the acquisition date. Net assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Net Assets Acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired And Liabilities Assumed Net Assets Acquired Total liabilities and net assets acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Total Liabilities and Net Assets Acquired The amount of total liabilities and net assets acquired recognized as of the acquisition date. Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Cash paid as merger consideration Business Acquisition, Cost of Acquired Entity, Cash Paid Value of Berkshire common stock issued as merger consideration Value of Acquiring Company Common Stock Issued as Merger Consideration Value of Acquiring Company Common Stock Issued as Merger Consideration Total merger consideration to acquire the remaining shares of Predecessor Total Merger Consideration to Acquire the Remaining Shares of Predecessor Total Merger Consideration to Acquire the Remaining Shares of Predecessor Value of Predecessor already owned by Berkshire valued at merger price of $100.00 per share Value of Predecessor already owned by Berkshire Valued at Merger Price of $100.00 per Share Value of Predecessor already owned by Berkshire Valued at Merger Price of $100.00 per Share Value of Berkshire equity awards to replace pre-existing Predecessor equity awards Value of Berkshire Equity Awards to Replace Pre-existing Predecessor Equity Awards Value of Berkshire Equity Awards to Replace Pre-existing Predecessor Equity Awards Total purchase price recorded Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Including Equity Interest in Acquiree Held Prior to Combination Nature Of Operations [Table] Nature Of Operations [Table] Nature Of Operations [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Northern Sante Fe Corporation [Member] Northern Sante Fe Corporation [Member] Northern Sante Fe Corporation [Member] Freight Revenue by Commodity Group [Axis] Freight Revenue by Commodity Group [Axis] Description of total freight revenues broken out between commodity groups. Freight Revenue by Commodity Group [Domain] Freight Revenue by Commodity Group [Domain] [Domain] for Description of total freight revenues broken out between commodity groups. Consumer Products [Member] Consumer Products [Member] Consumer Products commodity group portion of total freight revenues. Industrial Products [Member] Industrial Products [Member] Industrial Products commodity group portion of total freight revenues. Coal [Member] Coal [Member] Agricultural Products [Member] Agricultural Products [Member] Agricultural Products commodity group portion of total freight revenues. Nature Of Operations [Line Items] Nature Of Operations [Line Items] [Line Items] for Nature Of Operations [Table] Rail Route Network Distance Rail Route Network Distance Approximate distance of railroad network Number of States in which Entity Operates Number of States in which Entity Operates Number of Canadian Provinces In Which Entity Operates Number of Canadian Provinces In Which Entity Operates Number of Canadian Provinces In Which Entity Operates in as of the Balance Sheet Date Percentage of Total Freight Revenues Percentage of Total Freight Revenues Percentage of Total Freight Revenues Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Remaining Equity Interest Acquired, Percentage Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Remaining Equity Interest Acquired, Percentage In a business combination achieved in stages, this element represents the percentage aquired of the remaining equity interest in the acquiree not already owned. Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Guarantor Obligations Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property and Equipment under Capital Lease [Member] Property and Equipment under Capital Lease [Member] Property and Equipment under Capital Lease [Member] Land [Member] Land [Member] Track Structure [Member] Track Structure [Member] Property and equipment, net, designated as track structure. Other Roadway [Member] Other Roadway [Member] Property and equipment, net, designated as other roadway. Locomotives [Member] Locomotives [Member] Property and equipment, net, designated as locomotives. Freight Cars and Othe Equipment [Member] Freight Cars and Other Equipment [Member] Property and equipment, net, designated as freight cars and other equipment. Computer Equipment [Member] Computer Equipment [Member] Construction in Progress [Member] Construction in Progress [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Capital Leased Asset, Net Capital Leased Asset, Net Property, plant or equipment held under lease agreements classified as an asset. Interest Costs Capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] SEC Debt Shelf Registration SEC Debt Shelf Registration [Member] SEC Debt Shelf Registration [Member] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Authorization of Debt Authorization of Debt [Member] Authorization of Debt [Member] Additional debt securities authorized for issuance by the Board of Managers Additional Debt Securities Authorized For Issuance By The Board of Managers Additional Debt Securities Authorized For Issuance By The Board of Managers Remaining amount of debt securities that may be issued Debt Instrument, Unused Borrowing Capacity, Amount Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Statement of Financial Performance [Table Text Block] Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table] Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table] Guarantee Entity Name [Axis] Guarantee Entity Name [Axis] Guarantee Entity Name [Axis] Guarantee Entity Name [Domain] Guarantee Entity Name [Domain] Guarantee Entity Name [Domain] Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P. Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P. [Member] Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P. [Member] Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, LP Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, LP [Member] Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, LP [Member] All Other Guarantee Entities All Other Guarantee Entities [Member] All Other Guarantee Entities [Member] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Payment Guarantee Payment Guarantee [Member] Indemnification Agreement Indemnification Agreement [Member] Guarantor Obligations [Line Items] Guarantor Obligations [Line Items] BNSF Ownership Percentage Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Principal Amount Guaranteed Principal Amount Guaranteed Principal Amount Guaranteed Maximum Future Payments Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Maximum Recourse Amount Maximum Recourse Amount Maximum Recourse Amount Remaining Term (in years) Remaining Term Remaining Term Capitalized Obligations Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary [Member] Parties to Contractual Arrangement [Axis] Parties to Contractual Arrangement [Axis] Parties to Contractual Arrangement [Domain] Parties to Contractual Arrangement [Domain] Reporting Entity Reporting Entity [Member] Equipment Equipment [Member] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Future minimum lease payments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Expense [Abstract] Income Tax Examination [Table] Income Tax Examination [Table] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Examination [Line Items] Income Tax Examination [Line Items] Income Tax Examination, Description Income Tax Examination, Description Total accrued liabilities for interest and penalites Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Accrued Total interest and penalties recognized as expense (benefit) Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Expense Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Maturities [Abstract] Debt Maturities [Abstract] Debt Maturities [Abstract] Debt maturities - 2013 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months Debt maturities - 2014 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two Debt maturities - 2015 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three Debt maturities - 2016 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four Debt maturities - 2017 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Debt maturities - Thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Total Debt Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Total Debt excluding capital leases Long-term Debt Total Debt excluding capital leases, Fair Value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Weighted Average Interest Rate on Debt and Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract] Weighted Average Interest Rate on Debt and Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract] Weighted Average Interest Rate on Debt and Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract] Weighted Average Interest Rate On Debt And Capital Lease Obligations - 2013 Weighted Average Interest Rate On Debt And Capital Lease Obligations In Next Twelve Months Weighted average interest rate n debt and capital lease obligations maturing in the next fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Weighted Average Interest Rate On Debt And Capital Lease Obligations - 2014 Weighted Average Interest Rate On Debt And Capital Lease Obligations In Year Two Weighted average interest rate on debt and capital lease obligations maturing in the second fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Weighted Average Interest Rate On Debt And Capital Lease Obligations - 2015 Weighted Average Interest Rate On Debt And Capital Lease Obligations In Year Three Weighted average interest rate on debt and capital lease obligations maturing in the third fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Weighted Average Interest Rate On Debt And Capital Lease Obligations - 2016 Weighted Average Interest Rate On Debt And Capital Lease Obligations In Year Four Weighted average interest rate on debt and capital lease obligations maturing in the fourth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Weighted Average Interest Rate On Debt And Capital Lease Obligations - 2017 Weighted Average Interest Rate On Debt And Capital Lease Obligations In Year Five Weighted average interest rate on debt and capital lease obligations maturing in the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Weighted Average Interest Rate On Debt And Capital Lease Obligations - Thereafter Weighted Average Interest Rate On Debt And Capital Lease Obligations After Year Five Weighted average interest rate on debt and capital lease obligations maturing after the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year. Total Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns RollForward [Abstract] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns RollForward [Abstract] Reconciliation of Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefits Liabilities / (Assets) [Table] Reconciliation of Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefits Liabilities / (Assets) [Table] Reconciliation of Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefits Liabilities / (Assets) [Table] Reconciliation of Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefits Liabilities / (Assets) [Line Items] Reconciliation of Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefits Liabilities / (Assets) [Line Items] [Line Items] for Reconciliation of Changes in Unrecognized Tax Benefits Liabilities / (Assets) [Table] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Unrecognized Tax Benefits Additions for tax positions related to current year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Reductions for tax positions taken in prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Additions for tax positions as a result of settlements Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increases Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Reductions for tax positions as a result of settlements Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decreases Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Reductions for tax positions as a result of lapse of statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reductions Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Ending Balance Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits Receivables [Abstract] Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Business Segments [Axis] Business Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segment [Domain] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill, Beginning Balance Goodwill Goodwill, Acquired During Period Goodwill, Acquired During Period Goodwill, Ending Balance Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Amortized intangible assets, gross carrying amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Amortized intangible assets, accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Amortized intangible liabilities, gross carrying amount Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Gross Amount before amortization of liabilities, excluding financial liabilities, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Amortized intangible liabilities, accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Accumulated Amortization Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization of Intangible Liabilities Amortization of Intangible Liabilities Amortization of Intangible Liabilities Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Amortization of intangible assets, 2013 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months Amortization of intangible liabilities, 2013 Finite-lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months Finite-lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months Amortization of intangible assets, 2014 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Amortization of intangible liabilities, 2014 Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Two Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Two Amortization of intangible assets, 2015 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Amortization of intangible liabilities, 2015 Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Three Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Three Amortization of intangible assets, 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four Amortization of intangible liabilities, 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Four Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Four Amortization of intangible assets, 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Amortization of intangible liabilities, 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Five Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Five Entities [Table] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding 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 Public Float Entity Public Float Corporate Debt Securities Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Junior Subordinated Debt Junior Subordinated Debt [Member] Four Point Four Zero Percent Debentures Due March 15, 2042 [Member] Four Point Four Zero Percent Debentures Due March 15, 2042 [Member] Four Point Four Zero Percent Debentures Due March 15, 2042 [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Mortgage Bonds [Member] Mortgage Bonds [Member] Mortgage Bonds [Member] Three Point Zero Five Percent Debentures Due September 1, 2022 [Member] Three Point Zero Five Percent Debentures Due September 1, 2022 [Member] Three Point Zero Five Percent Debentures Due September 1, 2022 [Member] Four Point Three Seven Five Percent Debentures Due September 1, 2042 [Member] Four Point Three Seven Five Percent Debentures Due September 1, 2042 [Member] Four Point Three Seven Five Percent Debentures Due September 1, 2042 [Member] Three Point Zero Five Percent Debentures Due March 15, 2022 Three Point Zero Five Percent Debentures Due March 15, 2022 [Member] Three Point Zero Five Percent Debentures Due March 15, 2022 [Member] Three Point Four Five Percent Debentures Due September 15, 2021 [Member] Three Point Four Five Percent Debentures Due September 15, 2021 [Member] Three Point Four Five Percent Debentures Due September 15, 2021 [Member] Four Point Nine Five Percent Debentures Due September 15, 2041 [Member] Four Point Nine Five Percent Debentures Due September 15, 2041 [Member] Four Point Nine Five Percent Debentures Due September 15, 2041 [Member] Four Point One Zero Percent Debentures Due June 1, 2021 [Member] Four Point One Zero Percent Debentures Due June 1, 2021 [Member] Four Point One Zero Percent Debentures Due June 1, 2021 [Member] Five Point Four Zero Percent Debentures Due June 1, 2041 [Member] Five Point Four Zero Percent Debentures Due June 1, 2041 [Member] Five Point Four Zero Percent Debentures Due June 1, 2041 [Member] Three Point Six Zero Percent Debentures Due September 1, 2020 [Member] Three Point Six Zero Percent Debentures Due September 1, 2020 [Member] Three Point Six Zero Percent Debentures Due September 1, 2020 [Member] Five Point Zero Five Percent Debentures Due March 1, 2041 [Member] Five Point Zero Five Percent Debentures Due March 1, 2041 [Member] Five Point Zero Five Percent Debentures Due March 1, 2041 [Member] Five Point Seven Five Percent Debentures Due May 1, 2040 [Member] Five Point Seven Five Percent Debentures Due May 1, 2040 [Member] Five Point Seven Five Percent Debentures Due May 1, 2040 [Member] Debentures issued amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debentures interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Subordinated notes related to financial covenants Debt Instrument, Covenant Debt Certain issued and outstanding junior subordinated notes pertaining to certain financial covenants. Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets and Liabilities Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets and Liabilities Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets and Liabilities Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets and Liabilities Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets and Liabilities, Future Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets and Liabilities, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets and Liabilities, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Discount Rate - expense Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Expected Long-term Return on Assets - expense Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets Rate of Compensation Increase - expense Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract] Discount Rate - benefit obligations Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Rate of Compensation Increase - benefit obligations Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase Assumptions Sensitivity Analysis [Abstract] Assumptions Sensitivity Analysis [Abstract] Assumptions Sensitivity Analysis [Abstract] Effect of 50 basis point decrease in discount rate Effect of 50 basis point decrease in discount rate Effect of 50 basis point decrease in the discount rate on future net benefit costs. Effect of 50 basis point increase in discount rate Effect of 50 basis point increase in discount rate Effect of 50 basis point increase in the discount rate on future net benefit costs. Effect of 50 basis point decrease in rate of return on plan assets Effect of 50 basis point decrease in rate of return on plan assets Effect of 50 basis point decrease in the rate of return on plan assets on future net benefit costs. Effect of 50 basis point increase in rate of return on plan assets Effect of 50 basis point increase in rate of return on plan assets Effect of 50 basis point increase in the rate of return on plan assets on future net benefit costs. Defined Benefit Plan, Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Abstract] Assumed health care cost trend rate for next year (participants under 65) Assumed health care cost trend rate for next year (participants under 65) Assumed health care cost trend rate for next year (participants under 65) Assumed health care cost trend rate for next year (participants over 65) Assumed health care cost trend rate for next year (participants over 65) Assumed health care cost trend rate for next year (participants over 65) Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Year that Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Year that Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Fuel Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Revenues Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Net Income Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) OCI Parenthetical [Abstract] OCI Parenthetical [Abstract] Change in amortization of accumulated actuarial losses, net of tax (benefit)/expense Change In Unrecognized Prior Service Credit And Actuarial Losses Tax Benefit (Expense) Change In Unrecognized Prior Service Credit And Actuarial Losses Tax Benefit (Expense) 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. Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Schedule of Recognized Identified Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block] Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract] Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract] Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes Tax law change (Medicare Part D) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credits Other, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments Effective Tax Rate Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case Type [Domain] Litigation Case Type [Domain] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Table Text Block] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Table Text Block] Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Sensitivity analysis of impact on future net benefit cost resulting from hypothetical change in assumptions [Text Block] Sensitivity analysis of impact on future net benefit cost resulting from hypothetical change in assumptions [Table Text Block] Sensitivity analysis of impact on future net benefit cost reulting from hypothetical change in assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block] Schedule of Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block] Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments Years 2013 - 2022 [Table Text Block] Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other comprehensive income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Change in amortization of accumulated actuarial losses, net of tax benefit of $16 million, tax benefit of $125 million, tax benefit of $8 million and tax expense of $1 million, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Net of Tax Change in fuel hedge mark-to-market, net of tax benefit of $7 million, tax benefit of $18 million, tax expense of $26 million and tax benefit of $28 million, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of equity method investees Change in Other Comprehensive Income of Equity Method Investees Change in Other Comprehensive Income of Equity Method Investees Other comprehensive loss, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total comprehensive income Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Burlington Northern Santa Fe 1999 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] Burlington Northern Santa Fe 1999 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] Burlington Northern Santa Fe 1999 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] 1996 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan [Member] 1996 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan [Member] 1996 Non-Employee Directors' Stock Plan [Member] Berkshire Hathaway Inc. 2010 Umbrella Plan for BNSF Equity Plans [Member] Berkshire Hathaway Inc. 2010 Umbrella Plan for BNSF Equity Plans [Member] Berkshire Hathaway Inc. 2010 Umbrella Plan for BNSF Equity Plans [Member] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Domain] Award Type [Domain] Option With Reload Feature [Member] Option With Reload Feature [Member] Option With Reload Feature [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Berkshire Class B Common Stock [Member] Berkshire Class B Common Stock [Member] Berkshire Class B Common Stock [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Initial common stock authorized and reserved for issuance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Additional common stock authorized and reserved for issuance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Additional Shares Authorized Shares of common stock authorized and available Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Segment, Geographical [Domain] Segment, Geographical [Domain] UNITED STATES UNITED STATES International [Member] International [Member] International [Member] Equity Securities [Member] Equity Securities [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Registered investment companies [Member] Registered investment companies [Member] Registered investment companies [Member] US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] Real Estate [Member] Real Estate [Member] Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Collateralized Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] Common/collective trust [Member] CommonCollective trust [Member] Common/collective trust [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Accrued dividend and interest receivable Accrued Investment Income Receivable Fair Value of Plan Assets Excluding Accrued Dividend And Interest Receivable Defined Benefit Plans, Fair Value of Plan Assets Excluding Accrued Dividend And Interest Receivable Defined benefit plans, fair value of plan assets excluding accrued dividend and interest receivable. Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues 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. 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 Interest expense Interest and Debt Expense Other expense, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Accumulated depreciation Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Report Date [Axis] Report Date [Axis] Financial Statements Date [Domain] Financial Statements Date [Domain] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Axis] Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Axis] Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Domain] Adjustments for Change in Accounting Principle [Domain] Adjustments for Error Corrections [Axis] Adjustments for Error Corrections [Axis] Adjustments for Error Correction [Domain] Adjustments for Error Correction [Domain] Exercise of stock options and related tax expense/(benefit) Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Company limited partner holding interest, percentage Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Ownership Percentage Unconsolidated Partnership, assets Variable Interest Entity, Assets Variable Interest Entity, Assets Unamortized investment balance classified as Other Assets Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Unamortized Investment Balance Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Unamortized Investment Balance Remaining commitments classified as Other Liabilities Other Commitment Maximum exposure to loss Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount Remaining commitments due at the end of 2013 Other Commitment, Due in Next Twelve Months Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital and Operating Leases [Table] Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital and Operating Leases [Table] Tabular disclosure of future minimum lease payments as of the date of the latest balance sheet presented, in aggregate and for each of the five years succeeding fiscal years, with separate deductions from the total for the amount representing executor costs, including any profit thereon, included in the minimum lease payments and for the amount of the imputed interest necessary to reduce the net minimum lease payments to present value. Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital and Operating Leases [Line Items] Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital and Operating Leases [Line Items] [Line Items] for Tabular disclosure of future minimum lease payments as of the date of the latest balance sheet presented, in aggregate and for each of the five years succeeding fiscal years, with separate deductions from the total for the amount representing executor costs, including any profit thereon, included in the minimum lease payments and for the amount of the imputed interest necessary to reduce the net minimum lease payments to present value. Rent Expense for Operating Leases Rent Expense for Operating Leases Rent expense for operating leases with terms exceeding one month. Excludes non-cancelable lease terms of less than one year and per diem leases. Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Minimum capital lease payments - 2013 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Minimum capital lease payments - 2014 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years Minimum capital lease payments - 2015 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years Minimum capital lease payments - 2016 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years Minimum capital lease payments - 2017 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years Minimum capital lease payments - Thereafter Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter Total minimum capital leases payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Capital lease payments - amount representing interest Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments Present value of minimum capital lease payments Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Minimum operating lease payments - 2013 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Minimum operating lease payments - 2014 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years Minimum operating lease payments - 2015 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years Minimum operating lease payments - 2016 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years Minimum operating lease payments - 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Minimum operating lease payments - Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total minimum operating lease payments Other Assets Other Asset, Investment in Variable Interest Entity [Text Block] Other Asset, Investment in Variable Interest Entity [Text Block] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Actual return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Employer contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Plan participants' contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Plan Participants Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid Administration expenses Defined Benefit Plan, Administration Expenses Settlements Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Plan Assets Ending balance Funded status (plan assets less projected benefit obligations) Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract] Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Materials and supplies Materials, Supplies, and Other Current portion of deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $1,626 and $1,056, respectively 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 Long-term debt due within one year Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Deferred income taxes 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. Pension and retiree health and welfare liability Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent 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. 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 Members' Equity Accumulated other comprehensive loss Total equity Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Gains (Losses) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Net Gains (Losses) Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Roll Forward] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Roll Forward] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Amortization of actuarial loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Net Periodic Benefit Cost, before Tax Actuarial loss (gain) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Plan amendment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost Arising During Period, before Tax Settlements Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plans Settlements Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plans Settlements Ending balance Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract] Net actuarial loss Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), before Tax Plan Amendment Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Settlements Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Settlements Before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Settlements Before Tax Pre-tax amount recognized in AOCL at December 31, Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), after Tax [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), after Tax [Abstract] After-tax amount recognized in AOCL at December 31, Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), after Tax Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Parent Company Parent Company [Member] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Cash distributions Tax refund from parent company Tax Refund From Parent Tax Refund From Parent Tax payments to parent company Income Tax Payments, To Parent By Reporting Entity Income Tax Payments, To Parent By Reporting Entity New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Projected benefit obligation at beginning of period Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Administrative expenses Defined Contribution Plan, Administrative Expenses Settlements Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Benefit Obligation Plan amendment Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments Medicare Subsidy Defined Benefit Plan, Gross Prescription Drug Subsidy Receipts Received Projected benefit obligation at end of period Component representing future salary increases Component representing future salary increases Component representing future salary increases Accumulated benefit obligation at end of period Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Accumulated Benefit Obligation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill And Intangible Assets And Intangible Liabilities Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill And Intangible Assets And Intangible Liabilities Policy [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for goodwill, intangible assets and intangible liabilities. This accounting policy also may address how an entity assesses and measures impairment of goodwill, intangible assets and intangible liabilities. Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Planned Major Maintenance Activities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Planned Major Maintenance Activities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Rail Grinding Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Rail Grinding Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for rail grinding costs. Environmental Liabilities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Environmental Liabilities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for environmental liabilities which may include cleanup costs when deemed both probable and reasonably estimable. Personal Injury Claims, Policy [Policy Text Block] Personal Injury Claims, Policy [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of accounting policy for personal injury claims that allege that the Company was responsible for the individual's injury. Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block] Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Number of options outstanding, Beginning of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Options, Granted in the period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Options, Exercised in the period Options, Cancelled in the period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Number of options outstanding, End of period Options, Exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested and Expected to Vest, Exercisable, Number Weighted Average Exercise Price, Beginning of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options, Cancelled in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted Average Exercise Price, End of period Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate intrinsic value, Beginning of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Aggregate intrinsic value, End of period Options, Exercisable, Aggregate Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Total intrinsic value of options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value Common stock shares owned by acquiring company prior to Merger Common Stock Shares Owned by Acquiring Company Prior to Merger Common stock shares of Predecessor owned by acquiring company prior to the Merger. Percentage of the acquired company's total common stock shares issued and outstanding owned by the acquiring company prior to the Merger Percentage of the Acquired Company's Total Common Stock Shares Issued and Outstanding Owned by the Acquiring Company Prior to the Merger Percentage of total Predecessor issued and outstanding shares of common stock owned by acquiring company prior to the Merger. Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Right to receive amount if consideration paid in cash Right To Receive Amount If Consideration Paid In Cash Amount of cash, without interest, each share of common stock converted into the right to receive if cash was paid as consideration. Right to receive calculation numerator if consideration issued in stock Right to receive calculation numerator if consideration issued in stock Numerator amount of the exchange ratio to calculate the amount of acquirer common stock included as the right to receive per share of common stock if the consideration was issued in acquirer stock. Percentage of total merger consideration paid in the form of cash Percentage of total merger consideration paid in the form of cash Percentage of total merger consideration paid in the form of cash. Percentage of total merger consideration paid in the form of common stock Percentage of total merger consideration paid in the form of acquirer common stock Percentage of total merger consideration paid in the form of acquirer common stock. Costs related to the merger Business Combination, Acquisition Related Costs Gross amount due under contracts included in the fair value of accounts receivable acquired Business Combination, Acquired Receivables, Gross Contractual Amount Estimated uncollectible amount included in the fair value of accounts receivable acquired Business Combination, Acquired Receivables, Estimated Uncollectible Weighted average amortization life of intangible assets acquired Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Weighted Average Useful Life Weighted average amortization life of intangible liabilities acquired Acquired Finite Lived Intangible Liabilities Weighted Average Useful Life Weighted average amortization period of finite-lived intangible liabilities acquired either individually or as part of a group of liabilities, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Contingencies related to casualty and environmental liabilities acquired Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Contingent Liability Notes and Debentures [Member] Notes and Debentures [Member] Notes and Debentures issued with the net proceeds from the sale of the debentures being used for general corporate purposes. Equipment Obligations [Member] Equipment Obligations [Member] Equipment obligations entered into to finance locomotives and railcars. Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Financing Obligation [Member] Financing Obligation [Member] Sales leaseback transactions accounted for as financing obligations due to continuing involvement. Unamortized Fair Value Adjustment [Member] Unamortized Fair Value Adjustment [Member] Unamortized fair value adjustment under acquisition method acounting, discount and other, net. Total Debt Total long-term debt Current portion of debt Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Schedule of Variable Interest Entities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Beginning balance Actual return on plan assets still held at reporting date Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Still Held Actual Return on Plan Assets Sold During Period Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Sold During Period Purchases, Sales, and Settlements Defined Benefit Plan, Purchases, Sales, and Settlements Transfers out of Level 3 Defined Benefit Plan, Transfers Between Measurement Levels Ending balance Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital and Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital and Operating Leases [Table Text Block] [Table Text Block] for Tabular disclosure of future minimum lease payments as of the date of the latest balance sheet presented, in aggregate and for each of the five years succeeding fiscal years, with separate deductions from the total for the amount representing executor costs, including any profit thereon, included in the minimum lease payments and for the amount of the imputed interest necessary to reduce the net minimum lease payments to present value. Schedule of Loss Contingencies by Contingency Schedule of Loss Contingencies by Contingency [Table Text Block] Accrued Obligations for Environmental Matters Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Table Text Block] Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Allowance for bill adjustments and uncollectible accounts Allowance for Bill Adjustments and Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current A valuation allowance for trade and other receivables due to an Entity within one year (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer) that have bill adjustments or are expected to be uncollectible. Accounts receivable greater than 90 days old Accounts Receivable, Current, Greater than 90 Days Past Due Accounts Receivable, Current, Greater than 90 Days Past Due Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Cost of Fuel [Member] Cost of Fuel [Member] Cost of Fuel [Member] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Operating Expense [Member] Operating Expense [Member] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Fuel cost percentage of total operating costs Concentration Risk, Percentage Number of Gallons of Fuel Covered by Fuel-derivative Agreements Number of Gallons of Fuel Covered by Fuel-derivative Agreements Number of Gallons of Fuel Covered by Fuel-derivative Agreements Maximum Potential Future Exposure on Credit Risk Derivatives Maximum Potential Future Exposure on Credit Risk Derivatives Outstanding interest rate swaps Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedge Derivative at Fair Value, Net Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Performance Based Units [Member] Performance Based Units [Member] Performance Based Units [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Total Non-Vested Awards [Member] Total Non-Vested Awards [Member] Total Non-Vested Awards [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward] Non-vested awards, Beginning of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Awards vesting during the period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Awards forfeited during the period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Non-vested awards, End of period Outstanding non-vested weighted average grant date fair value, Beginning of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested weighted average grant date fair value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited weighted average grant date fair value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Outstanding non-vested weighted average grant date fair value, End of period Total fair value of shares vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Total Fair Value Compensation cost Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Income tax benefit from compensation cost Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Compensation cost, net of tax Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense, Net of Tax Compensation cost capitalized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs, Capitalized Amount Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Other Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Nonvested Share Activity [Table Text Block] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Table Text Block] Total Fair Value of Vested [Table Text Block] Total Fair Value of Vested [Table Text Block] Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block] Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block] Expected benefit payments, 2013 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months Expected benefit payments, 2014 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two Expected benefit payments, 2015 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three Expected benefit payments, 2016 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four Expected benefit payments, 2017 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five Expected benefit payments, 2018 - 2022 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter Capital leases entered into to finance maintenance of way and other vehicles and equipment Capital leases entered into to finance maintenance of way and other vehicles and equipment Capital leases entered into to finance maintenance of way and other vehicles and equipment Lease Term Lease Term Lease Term Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]