Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Additions to capital leases 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 1. The Company [Abstract] 1. The Company [Abstract] 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. Agricultural Products [Member] Agricultural Products [Member] Agricultural Products commodity group portion of total freight revenues. Coal [Member] Coal [Member] Nature Of Operations [Line Items] Nature Of Operations [Line Items] [Line Items] for Nature Of Operations [Table] Rail Route Network Distance in miles 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 Percentage of outstanding shares acquired by parent company 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. Holders of Membership Interests Holders of Membership Interests Holders of Membership Interests Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent [Abstract] U.S. Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent State income taxes, net of federal tax benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent Tax law change Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Percent Other, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent Effective Tax Rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent, Before Impacts from Tax Rate Change Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent, Before Impacts from Tax Rate Change Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent, Before Impacts from Tax Rate Change Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Pension Plan [Member] Pension Plan [Member] Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits [Member] Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [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 (Loss) on Plan Assets Amortization of prior service credits Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization of net loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Settlements Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement Net (benefit) cost recognized Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Property and Equipment [Abstract] Property and Equipment [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] 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] Quaterly Financial Data Unaudited [Abstract] Quaterly Financial Data Unaudited [Abstract] Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] 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] Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate 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, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Reductions for tax positions taken in prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Additions for tax positions as a result of settlements Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Reductions for tax positions as a result of lapse of statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Ending Balance Total accrued liabilities for interest and penalites Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Total interest and penalties recognized as expense (benefit) Increases (decreases) for interest and penalties Increases (decreases) for interest and penalties New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2017-07, Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Decrease in operating income New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Net Income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Change in Pension and Retiree Health and Welfare benefits, net of taxes of ($37 million), ($45 million), and ($31 million), respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, after 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 income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent 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 Plan participants' contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Contributions by Plan Participant Actuarial loss (gain) Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Benefits Paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid Settlements Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, (Increase) Decrease for Settlement Plan amendment Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Increase (Decrease) for Plan Amendment 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, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Schedule of Net Benefit Costs Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [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 2018 - 2027 [Table Text Block] Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Materials and supplies Materials, Supplies, and Other Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $8,627 and $6,130, respectively Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Goodwill Intangible assets, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable and other current liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Long-term debt due within one year Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, 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. 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 Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies (see Notes 11 and 12) Commitments and Contingencies Equity: Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Member's Equity Members' Equity Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] 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] Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Minimum capital lease payments - 2018 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Minimum capital lease payments - 2019 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years Minimum capital lease payments - 2020 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years Minimum capital lease payments - 2021 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years Minimum capital lease payments - 2022 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 - 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Minimum operating lease payments - 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years Minimum operating lease payments - 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years Minimum operating lease payments - 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years Minimum operating lease payments - 2022 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 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Rent Expense for Operating Leases, excluding per diem 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. 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] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Equipment Equipment [Member] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Future minimum lease payments Entities [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key 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 Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Projected Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation Accumulated Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Fair Value of Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Fair Value of Plan Assets 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 Accounts payable Accounts Payable, 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. Accrued interest Interest Payable, Current Customer incentives Customer Advances and Deposits, Current Capital expenditure estimated liabilities Capital expenditure estimated liabilities Capital expenditure estimated liabilities Casualty and environmental liabilities Loss Contingency Accrual Rents and leases Accrued Rent, Current Other Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues Revenue, Net Operating expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Compensation and benefits Labor and Related Expense Fuel Fuel Costs Purchased services Purchased services The amount of expense for contract services provided to the Company. Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Equipment rents Equipment rents Rent paid for freight cars owned by other railroads or private companies, net of rents received, including lease expenses primarily for locomotives, railcars, containers and trailers. Materials and other Materials and other Materials and other operating expenses not separately disclosed. This element is used when other, more specific, elements are not appropriate. Total operating expenses Operating Expenses Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Interest expense Interest and Debt Expense Other expense, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Schedule of Multiemployer Plans [Table] Schedule of Multiemployer Plans [Table] Multiemployer Plans [Line Items] Multiemployer Plans [Line Items] Collective bargaining agreements description Multiemployer Plans, Plan Benefits, Description Multiemployer Plan, insurance premiums paid Multiemployer Plan, Contributions by Employer 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 Defined Contribution Plan [Table] Defined Contribution Plan [Table] Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Description of 401(k) plans and non-qualified defined contribution plan Defined Contribution Plan, Description 401(k) matching expense Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [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 Other Equipment [Member] Freight Cars and Other Equipment [Member] Property and equipment, net, designated as freight cars and other equipment. Computer Hardware, Software and Other [Member] Computer Equipment [Member] Construction in Progress [Member] Construction in Progress [Member] Property and Equipment under Capital Lease [Member] Property and Equipment under Capital Lease [Member] Property and Equipment under Capital Lease [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 and Amortization Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property 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 Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Junior Subordinated Debt [Member] Junior Subordinated Debt [Member] Subordinated notes related to financial covenants Debt Instrument, Covenant Debt Certain issued and outstanding junior subordinated notes pertaining to certain financial covenants. Debt Maturities [Abstract] Debt Maturities [Abstract] Debt Maturities [Abstract] Debt maturities - 2018 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months Debt maturities - 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two Debt maturities - 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three Debt maturities - 2021 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four Debt maturities - 2022 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 excluding capital leases Long-term Debt Total Debt excluding capital leases, Fair Value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Outstanding variable rate debt Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Amount 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 - 2018 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 - 2019 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 - 2020 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 - 2021 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 - 2022 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 Effective Interest Rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Equity Method Investee [Member] Equity Method Investee [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net of Tax, Period Change [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Net of Tax, Period Change [Abstract] Balance Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Amounts reclassified from AOCI Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Balance Equipment Trust Certificate [Member] Equipment Trust Certificate [Member] Three Point Four Four Two Percent 13-Year Equipment Obligation [Member] Three Point Four Four Two Percent 13-Year Equipment Obligation [Member] Three Point Four Four Two Percent 13-Year Equipment Obligation [Member] Debt Instrument issued amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt instrument interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] 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 Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax Amortization of net loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax Amortization of prior service credits Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax Actuarial (loss) gain Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax Settlements Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plans Settlements Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plans Settlements Prior Service credit Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Ending balance Expected Amortization of Prior Service Credit, Next Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit), Next Fiscal Year Expected Amortization of Loss, Next Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Amortization of Gain (Loss), Next Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax [Abstract] Net gain (loss) Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Gain (Loss), before Tax Prior Service Credits Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, 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 AOCI at December 31, After-tax amount recognized in AOCI at December 31, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Tax Principles of 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] Accounts Receivable, Net, 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] Investments in Equity and Fixed Maturity Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Materials and Supplies, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets and 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 and Equipment, Net, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] 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 Taxes, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Employment Benefit Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block] Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Tax Period [Axis] Tax Period [Axis] Tax Period [Domain] Tax Period [Domain] Earliest Tax Year [Member] Earliest Tax Year [Member] 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 declared and paid Cash Distributions/ Dividends Paid The cash outflow from the distribution of an entity's earnings in the form of dividends to common shareholders or distributions to the parent company. Tax Refunds from Parent Company Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds Tax payments to parent company Income Taxes Paid Receivable from parent company Accounts Receivable, Related Parties Payable to parent company Accounts Payable, Related Parties Tax payable to parent by reporting entity Tax payable to parent by reporting entity Tax payable to parent by reporting entity Revenues earned for services provided to related parties Revenue from Related Parties Expenditures to related parties Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Ownership Percentage in TTX Company Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Investments related to TTX Equity Method Investments Receivables [Abstract] Accounts Receivable, Net Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Retirement Plan Funding Status [Axis] Retirement Plan Funding Status [Axis] Retirement Plan Funding Status [Domain] Retirement Plan Funding Status [Domain] Funded Plan [Member] Funded Plan [Member] Participant Age [Axis] Participant Age [Axis] Age demographic of plan participants Participant Age [Domain] Participant Age [Domain] [Domain] for Age demographic of plan participants Over 65 [Member] Over 65 [Member] Plan participants over the age of 65 Under 65 [Member] Under 65 [Member] Participants under the age of 65 Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] 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 - net cost Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets - net cost Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets Rate of Compensation Increase - net cost 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 Pre-funded amount towards the retiree health and welfare benefits Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer 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 Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed, Next Fiscal Year Rate to which health care cost trend rate for participants under 65 is expected to decline and remain Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate Defined Benefit Plan, Year Health Care Cost Trend Rate Reaches Ultimate Trend Rate 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 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 Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Postretirement Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Postretirement Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation 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] Nature of Operations [Text Block] Nature of Operations [Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Accumulated depreciation Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Debt securities Trading Securities, Debt Equity securities Trading Securities, Equity Total Trading Securities Other Assets Other Asset, Investment in Variable Interest Entity [Text Block] Other Asset, Investment in Variable Interest Entity [Text Block] 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] Intangible assets, gross carrying amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Intangible assets, accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization 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. 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, 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months Amortization of intangible liabilities, 2018 Finite-lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months Finite-lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months Amortization of intangible assets, 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Amortization of intangible liabilities, 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Two Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Two Amortization of intangible assets, 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Amortization of intangible liabilities, 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Three Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Three Amortization of intangible assets, 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four Amortization of intangible liabilities, 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Four Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Four Amortization of intangible assets, 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Amortization of intangible liabilities, 2022 Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Five Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Five Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Right to use fixed assets [Member] Right to use fixed assets [Member] Right to use fixed assets [Member] Right to use fixed assets Right to use fixed assets Right to use fixed assets OCI Parenthetical [Abstract] OCI Parenthetical [Abstract] Change in Pension and Retiree Health and Welfare benefits, taxes Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, Tax 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] 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 Remaining Term Remaining Term Remaining Term 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 Capitalized Obligations Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Investments in Debt and Marketable Equity Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Expense [Abstract] Income Tax Examination [Table] Income Tax Examination [Table] Income Tax Examination [Line Items] Income Tax Examination [Line Items] Income Tax Examination, Description Income Tax Examination, Description Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] 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] Deferred income taxes, adjusted Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Adjusted Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Adjusted Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Long-term casualty and environmental liabilities, net Long term casualty and environmental liabilities, net The net change during the reporting period in the amount of noncurrent costs accrued for casualty, environmental and other loss contingencies. 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. Purchases of Investments and investments in time deposits Payments to Acquire Investments Proceeds from sales of investments and maturities of time deposits Proceeds from Sale of Trading Securities Held-for-investment 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 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 Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Actual return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) Employer contributions Plan participants' contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Plan Participant Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Benefits Paid Settlements Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Payment for Settlement Fair value of plan assets at measurement date Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Combined Pension and Health and Welfare Benefit Asset / (Liability) Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position Pension and Health and Welfare Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Current Pension and Health and Welfare Benefit Plans, Other Assets Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan Funded status (plan assets less projected benefit obligations) Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Environmental Issue [Member] Environmental Issue [Member] Annual actuary study [Axis] Annual actuary study [Axis] Annual actuary study [Axis] Annual actuary study [Domain] Annual actuary study [Domain] [Domain] for annual actuary study [Axis] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Accrual for Loss Contingencies, Revision in Estimates Accrual for Loss Contingencies, Revision in Estimates Amount of expense (reversal of expense) which increases (decreases) the accrual for loss contingencies from revisions in estimates to existing obligations. 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 Increase in environmental expense Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Revision in Estimates 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 to settle claims and associated liability Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward] Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies Accruals / changes in estimates Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Provision and Changes in Estimates Amount of expense for newly incurred environmental loss contingencies and revisions to previously reported estimates Payments Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Payments Ending balance Equity [Abstract] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Benefit cost component type [Axis] Benefit cost component type [Axis] Benefit cost component type [Axis] Benefit cost component type [Domain] Benefit cost component type [Domain] [Domain] for Benefit cost component type [Axis] Amortization of prior service costs/ credits [Member] Amortization of prior service costs/ credits [Member] Amortization of prior service costs/ credits [Member] Amortization of Actuarial Gains/ Losses [Member] Amortization of Actuarial Gains/ Losses [Member] Amortization of Actuarial Gains/ Losses [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Prior Service Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net Prior Service Attributable to Parent [Member] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Total before Tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Tax (expense) / benefit Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax Net of Tax 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 General partner holding interest, percentage Limited Liability Company (LLC) or Limited Partnership (LP), Managing Member or General Partner, Ownership Interest Tax Credits, reduction to income tax expense Affordable Housing Tax Credits and Other Tax Benefits, Amount Unamortized investment balance classified as Other Assets Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Unamortized Investment Balance Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Unamortized Investment Balance Maximum exposure to loss Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount 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] Expected benefit payments, 2018 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Next Twelve Months Expected benefit payments, 2019 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Two Expected benefit payments, 2020 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Three Expected benefit payments, 2021 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Four Expected benefit payments, 2022 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Five Expected benefit payments, 2023 - 2027 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter Expected contributions to unfunded non-qualified pension plan in next fiscal year Equity Securities [Member] Equity Securities [Member] Government Obligations [Member] US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] Other fixed maturity securities [Member] Other Debt Obligations [Member] Investment funds and other [Member] Investment funds and other [Member] Investment funds and other [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] Fair Value of Plan Assets Excluding Accrued Dividend And Interest Receivable Equity securities exceeding 10 percent of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Significant Concentrations of Risk Percent of total assets that equity securities exceeding 10 percent of plan assets represent Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations Accrued dividend and interest receivable, Less than Accrued Investment Income Receivable Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Current State Tax Expense (Benefit) Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Total Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred State Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Incurred impairment losses related to Goodwill Goodwill, Impairment Loss Accumulated impairment losses related to Goodwill Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Carrying value of goodwill Additional Goodwill recognized Goodwill, Acquired During Period Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Rolling Maturity [Abstract] Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] Schedule of Financing Receivables Past Due [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivables Past Due [Table] Financing Receivables, Period Past Due [Axis] Financing Receivables, Period Past Due [Axis] Financing Receivables, Period Past Due [Domain] Financing Receivables, Period Past Due [Domain] Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member] Financing Receivables, Equal to Greater than 90 Days Past Due [Member] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [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 Notes and Debentures, due 2018 to 2097 [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, due 2018 to 2028 [Member] Equipment Obligations [Member] Equipment obligations entered into to finance locomotives and railcars. Capital Lease Obligations, due 2018 to 2029 [Member] Mortgage Bonds, due 2020 to 2047 [Member] Mortgage Bonds [Member] Mortgage Bonds [Member] Financing Obligations, due 2018 to 2029 [Member] Financing Obligation [Member] Sales leaseback transactions accounted for as financing obligations due to continuing involvement. Unamortized Fair Value Adjustment Under Acquisition Method Accounting [Member] Unamortized Fair Value Adjustment [Member] Unamortized fair value adjustment under acquisition method acounting, discount and other, net. Total Debt Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Current portion of long-term debt Current portion of long-term debt, Weighted Average Effective Interest Rate Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time Total long-term debt Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity [Abstract] Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity [Abstract] Members Equity Members Equity [Member] Member's equity. Increase (Decrease) in Total Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) In Members Equity [Roll Forward] [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) In Members Equity [Roll Forward] [Roll Forward] Comprehensive income, net of tax Cash distributions to Parent Employment Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Corporate Debt Securities Corporate Debt Securities [Member] SEC Debt Shelf Registration SEC Debt Shelf Registration [Member] SEC Debt Shelf Registration [Member] Three Point Two Five Zero Percent Debentures Due June 15, 2027 [Member] [Member] Three Point Two Five Zero Percent Debentures Due June 15, 2027 [Member] [Member] Three Point Two Five Zero Percent Debentures Due June 15, 2027 [Member] [Member] Four Point One Two Five Percent Debentures Due June 15, 2047 [Member] [Member] Four Point One Two Five Percent Debentures Due June 15, 2047 [Member] [Member] Four Point One Two Five Percent Debentures Due June 15, 2047 [Member] Three Point Nine Zero Zero Percent Debentures Due August 1, 2046 [Member] Three Point Nine Zero Zero Percent Debentures Due August 1, 2046 [Member] Three Point Nine Zero Zero Percent Debentures Due August 1, 2046 [Member] Three Point Six Five Zero Percent Debentures Due September 1, 2025 [Member] Three Point Six Five Zero Percent Debentures Due September 1, 2025 [Member] Three Point Six Five Zero Percent Debentures Due September 1, 2025 [Member] Four Point Seven Zero Zero Percent Debentures Due September 1, 2045 [Member] Four Point Seven Zero Zero Percent Debentures Due September 1, 2045 [Member] Four Point Seven Zero Zero Percent Debentures Due September 1, 2045 [Member] Three Point Zero Zero Zero Percent Debentures Due April 1, 2025 [Member] Three Point Zero Zero Zero Percent Debentures Due April 1, 2025 [Member] Three Point Zero Zero Zero Percent Debentures Due April 1, 2025 [Member] Four Point One Five Zero Percent Debentures Due April 1, 2045 [Member] Four Point One Five Zero Percent Debentures Due April 1, 2045 [Member] Four Point One Five Zero Percent Debentures Due April 1, 2045 [Member] The board of managers authorized additional debt securities for issuance The board of managers authorized additional debt securities for issuance The board of managers authorized additional debt securities for issuance Remaining amount of debt securities that may be issued Remaining Debt Securities Authorized by the Board Remaining Debt Securities Authorized by the Board 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] 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] Asbestos Issue [Member] Asbestos Issue [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Commercial Paper, Bank Time Deposits, and Money Market Funds [Member] Commercial Paper, Bank Time Deposits, and Money Market Funds [Member] Commercial Paper, Bank Time Deposits, and Money Market Funds [Member] BNSF Insurance Company [Member] BNSF Insurance Company [Member] BNSF Insurance Company [Member] 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 Increase (decrease) in asbestos liability 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 65 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, Current Loss Contingency Accrual [Roll Forward] Loss Contingency Accrual [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Accruals / changes in estimates Loss Contingency, Provision and Changes in Estimates Amount of expense for newly incurred loss contingencies and revisions to previously reported estimates Payments Loss Contingency Accrual, Payments Ending balance Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents related to third party investments 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] 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] [Line Items] for Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table] Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property and Equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Total Deferred Tax Liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred Tax Assets, Casualty and environmental Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals Deferred Tax Assets, Compensation and Benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Long-term Debt Fair Value Adjustment Under Acquisition Method Accounting 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, 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 Asset, 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 Total Deferred Tax Assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Net Deferred Tax Liability Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net 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. Revenues Operating Income (Loss) 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 Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Trading Securities [Table Text Block] Trading Securities [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]