Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Schedule of Related Party Transactions Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Leases [Abstract] Operating lease right-of-use assets Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Accounts payable and other current liabilities Operating Lease, Liability, Current Operating lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Total operating lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability Property and equipment Finance Lease, Right-Of-Use Asset, Gross Finance Lease, Right-Of-Use Asset, Gross Accumulated depreciation Finance Lease, Right-Of-Use Asset, Accumulated Depreciation Finance Lease, Right-Of-Use Asset, Accumulated Depreciation Property and equipment, net Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Long-term debt due within one year Finance Lease, Liability, Current Long-term debt Finance Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Total finance lease liabilities Finance Lease, Liability Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Level 1 Inputs Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Domain] Scenario [Domain] Forecast Forecast [Member] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Pension Benefits Pension Plan [Member] Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] 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 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. Receivables [Abstract] Accounts Receivable, Net Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] 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, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Fair Value of Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Plan Assets Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] The Company [Abstract] The Company [Abstract] The Company Nature of Operations [Text Block] Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] 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 Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, 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 Leases Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Pension and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefit Items Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investee [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Reclassification due to ASU 2016-01 adoption Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] Reclassification due to ASU 2018-02 adoption Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member] 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 net gain Amortization of Actuarial Gains/ Losses [Member] Amortization of Actuarial Gains/ Losses [Member] Amortization of prior service credits Amortization of prior service costs/ credits [Member] Amortization of prior service costs/ credits [Member] Settlement lossa Insurance Settlement [Member] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income (loss), net before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Total before Tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Net of Tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Tax expense (benefit) Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax Balance Quaterly Financial Data Unaudited [Abstract] Quaterly Financial Data Unaudited [Abstract] Revenues Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Net income Income Taxes [Abstract] Income Taxes [Abstract] 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 Current: Current Federal, State and Local, Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract] Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) State Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Total current Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred: Deferred Federal, State and Local, Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract] Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total deferred Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Property and Equipment [Abstract] Property and Equipment [Abstract] Property and Equipment, net Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Payables and Accruals [Abstract] Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue [Policy Text Block] Accounts Receivable, Net Accounts Receivable [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Materials and Supplies Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill And Other Intangible Assets and Liabilities 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 Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Leases Lessee, Leases [Policy Text Block] Planned Major Maintenance Activities Property, Plant and Equipment, Planned Major Maintenance Activities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Environmental Liabilities 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 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 Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Employment Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Deferred income taxes Increase (Decrease) in 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. 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 Debt and Equity Securities, FV-NI, Held-for-investment 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 and finance leases Repayments of Long-term Debt Cash distributions 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. Other, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash used for financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities (Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents: Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value [Abstract] Beginning of period Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents End of period Supplemental Cash Flow Information Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities 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 Lease Obligation Incurred Compensation and benefits payable Accrued Employee Benefits, Current Operating leases - 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 Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Quarterly Financial Data - Unaudited Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] 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 Northern Sante Fe Corporation [Member] Northern Sante Fe Corporation [Member] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Consumer Products Consumer Products [Member] Consumer Products commodity group portion of total freight revenues. Industrial Products Industrial Products [Member] Industrial Products commodity group portion of total freight revenues. Agricultural Products Agricultural Products [Member] Agricultural Products commodity group portion of total freight revenues. Coal 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 Number of operating transportation service segments Number of Operating Segments Percentage of total freight revenues from one operating segment 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 New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Revenue from Contract with Customer [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] 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 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, Plan Assets, Amount Actual return (loss) on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) Employer contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer 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] Funded status (plan assets less projected benefit obligations) Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan 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 Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Total freight revenues Freight Revenues [Member] Freight Revenues [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Non-rail logistics subsidiary Subsidiary Revenue Subsidiary Revenue Accessorial and other Accesorial and Other Revenues Accesorial and Other Revenues Total other revenues Revenue Not from Contract with Customer, Other Accounts receivable, after allowance for credit loss Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss Revenue, remaining performance obligation, amount Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount Weighted-average remaining lease term, Operating leases Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Weighted-average remaining lease term, Finance leases Finance Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Weighted-average discount rate, Operating lease Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Weighted-average discount rate, Finance lease Finance Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent 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 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 Additions (reductions) for tax positions taken in prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Additions (reductions) for tax positions taken in prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Lapse of statute of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Ending balance Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] BNSF Insurance Company BNSF Insurance Company [Member] BNSF Insurance Company [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 Commercial Paper, Bank Time Deposits, and Money Market Funds [Member] Commercial Paper, Bank Time Deposits, and Money Market Funds [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Estimated Insurance Recoveries Estimated Insurance Recoveries 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] 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 gain (loss) 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 Ending balance 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, 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] Notes and debentures, due 2020 to 2097 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 2020 to 2028 Equipment Obligations [Member] Equipment obligations entered into to finance locomotives and railcars. Mortgage bonds, due 2020 to 2047 Mortgage Bonds [Member] Mortgage Bonds [Member] Financing obligations, due 2020 to 2029 Financing Obligation [Member] Sales leaseback transactions accounted for as financing obligations due to continuing involvement. Unamortized fair value adjustment under acquisition method accounting, discount, debt issuance costs, and other, net Unamortized Fair Value Adjustment [Member] Unamortized fair value adjustment under acquisition method acounting, discount and other, net. Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Long-term Debt Less current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Total Debt, Weighted Average Effective Interest Rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Current portion of long-term debt, Weighted Average Effective Interest Rate Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time Property and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Operating cash flows for operating leases Operating Lease, Payments Operating cash flows for finance leases Finance Lease, Principal Payments Financing cash flows for finance leases Finance Lease, Interest Payment on Liability Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations, Operating leases Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability 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 Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Actuarial loss (gain) Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid Curtailments Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, (Increase) Decrease for Curtailment Settlements Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, (Increase) Decrease for Settlement 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 Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Personal Injury Personal Injury [Member] Personal Injury [Member] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] 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 Current portion of ending balance Loss Contingency, Accrual, Current Future costs to settle claims and associated liability Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Expected benefit payments, 2020 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Next Twelve Months Expected benefit payments, 2021 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Two Expected benefit payments, 2022 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Three Expected benefit payments, 2023 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Four Expected benefit payments, 2024 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Five Expected benefit payments, 2025 - 2029 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract] Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract] Operating Leases, 2020 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months Operating Leases, 2021 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two Operating Leases, 2022 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three Operating Leases, 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four Operating Leases, 2024 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Operating Leases, Thereafter Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Operating Leases, Total lease payments Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Operating Leases, Less amount representing interest Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Operating Leases, Total Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract] Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due [Abstract] Finance Lease, 2020 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Next Twelve Months Finance Lease, 2021 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two Finance Lease, 2022 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three Finance Lease, 2023 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four Finance Lease, 2024 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Finance Lease, Thereafter Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Finance Lease, Total lease payments Finance Lease, Liability, Payment, Due Finance Lease, Less amount representing interest Finance Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Total finance lease liabilities Operating and Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Net Minimum Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Net Minimum Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Operating Leases, 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Operating Leases, 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years Operating Leases, 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years Operating Leases, 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years Operating Leases, 2023 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Operating Leases, Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Operating Leases, Total Due Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Capital Leases, 2019 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Capital Leases, 2020 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years Capital Leases, 2021 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years Capital Leases, 2022 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years Capital Leases, 2023 Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years Capital Leases, Thereafter Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter Capital Leases, Total Due Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Capital Leases, Less amount representing interest Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments Capital Leases, Total Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments Less current obligations Capital Lease Obligations, Current Long-term lease obligations Capital Lease Obligations, Noncurrent Lease rental expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract] Debt Maturities [Abstract] Debt Maturities [Abstract] Debt Maturities [Abstract] Debt maturities - 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months Debt maturities - 2021 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two Debt maturities - 2022 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three Debt maturities - 2023 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four Debt maturities - 2024 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 and Lease Obligation 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 - 2020 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 - 2021 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 - 2022 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 - 2023 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 - 2024 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. Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Environmental Issue Environmental Issue [Member] 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 Current portion of ending balance Accrued Environmental Loss Contingencies, Current Number of sites the Company participates in environmental studies, cleanup or both Number of Sites The Company Participates in Environmental Studies, Cleanup or Both Number of Sites The Company Participates in Environmental Studies, Cleanup or Both Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Goodwill Goodwill Incurred impairment losses related to Goodwill Goodwill, Impairment Loss Accumulated impairment losses related to Goodwill Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss 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 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 Tax Refunds from Parent Company Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds Tax payments to parent company Income Taxes Paid 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 Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, 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 $12,101 and $10,004, respectively Property, Plant and Equipment, 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 and finance leases due within one year Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt and finance leases Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation 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. Pension and retiree health and welfare liability Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies (see Note 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 Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Domain] Cash and equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Equity Securities Equity Securities [Member] Government obligations US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] Other fixed maturity securities Other Debt Obligations [Member] Investment funds and other Investment funds and other [Member] Investment funds and other [Member] Level 2 Inputs Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 Inputs 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, Plan Assets, Investment Policy and Strategy, Description Percent of total assets that equity securities exceeding 10 percent of plan assets represent Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Actual Allocation, Percentage Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage Accrued dividend and interest receivable, Less than Accrued Investment Income Receivable Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Adoption of ASC Topic 606a Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 Reclassification upon early adoption of ASU 2018-02 Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member] [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member] Member’s Equity Members Equity [Member] Member's equity. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Total Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance Cash distributions Cumulative effect of new accounting principle in period of adoption Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Balance Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract] Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property and Equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Operating Lease Right-Of-Use-Assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Operating Lease Right-Of-Use-Assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Operating Lease Right-Of-Use-Assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Total Deferred Tax Liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Lease Liabilities Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Lease Liabilities Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Lease Liabilities Deferred Tax Assets, Compensation and Benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Casualty and environmental Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals Deferred Tax Assets, Other Deferred Tax Assets, Other Total Deferred Tax Assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Net Deferred Tax Liability Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Expense [Abstract] Change in enacted tax rate, amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Effective tax rate, before impact arising from Tax Act Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent, Before Impacts from Tax Rate Change Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent, Before Impacts from Tax Rate Change Unrecognized tax benefits Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Liability recorded for interest on income taxes expense Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Expense 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] Number of months for highest consecutive compensation Number of months for Highest Consecutive Compensation Number of months for Highest Consecutive Compensation Number of years of salaried employees to qualify for pension plan retirement Total Number of Years of Salaried Employees to qualify for Pension Plan Retirement Total Number of Years of Salaried Employees to qualify for Pension Plan Retirement Number of funded plans Defined Contribution Plan, Number of Funded Plans Defined Contribution Plan, Number of Funded Plans Curtailment gain Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailment Reduction in projected benefit obligation Amortization of prior service credits Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract] Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Amortization of net loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Amortization of prior service credits Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Curtailment gain Settlement loss (gain) 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) Number of Years For Current Employees To Be Transiitioned Away From Retirement Plans Number of Years For Current Employees To Be Transiitioned Away From Retirement Plans Number of Years For Current Employees To Be Transitioned Away From Retirement Plans Income Statement [Abstract] 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 Other Cost and Expense, Operating Total operating expenses Operating Expenses Operating income Interest expense Interest and Debt Expense Other (income) expense, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense (benefit) Net income Schedule of Net Benefit Costs Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations Schedule of Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Plan Assets Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Funded Status Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block] Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) 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] Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions [Table Text Block] Sensitivity analysis of impact on future net benefit cost resulting from hypothetical change in assumptions 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 Allocation of Plan Assets Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Mortgage Bonds Three Point Fifty Five Percent Debenture Due Feb 15 2050 Three Point Fifty Five Percent Debenture Due Feb 15 2050 [Member] Three Point Fifty Five Percent Debenture Due Feb 15 2050 [Member] Four Point One Five Percent Debentures Due December 15, 2048 Four Point One Five Percent Debentures Due December 15, 2048 [Member] [Member] [Member] [Member] Four Point One Five Percent Debentures Due December 15, 2048 Four Point Zero Five Percent Debentures Due June 15, 2048 Four Point Zero Five Percent Debentures Due June 15, 2048 [Member] [Member] [Member] Four Point Zero Five Percent Debentures Due June 15, 2048 [Member] [Member] [Member] Three Point Two Five Zero Percent Debentures Due June 15, 2027 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 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] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Junior Subordinated Debt Junior Subordinated Debt [Member] SEC Debt Shelf Registration SEC Debt Shelf Registration [Member] SEC Debt Shelf Registration [Member] Corporate Debt Securities Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Debt Subordinated notes related to financial covenants Debt Instrument, Covenant Debt Certain issued and outstanding junior subordinated notes pertaining to certain financial covenants. Outstanding variable rate debt Long-term Debt, Percentage Bearing Variable Interest, Amount Debt, fair value 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 Debt Instrument issued amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt instrument interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] ASU 2016-02 Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Cumulative effect of new accounting principle in period of adoption Operating lease cost Operating Lease, Cost Amortization of right-of-use assets Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset, Amortization Interest on lease liabilities Finance Lease, Interest Expense Short-term lease cost Short-term Lease, Cost Total lease cost Lease, Cost Employment Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Disaggregation of Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] 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 Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company 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 Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Land for transportation purposes Land [Member] Track structure Track Structure [Member] Property and equipment, net, designated as track structure. Other roadway Other Roadway [Member] Property and equipment, net, designated as other roadway. Locomotives Locomotives [Member] Property and equipment, net, designated as locomotives. Freight cars and other equipment Freight Cars and Other Equipment [Member] Property and equipment, net, designated as freight cars and other equipment. Computer hardware, software and other Computer Equipment [Member] Construction in progress Construction in Progress [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less accumulated depreciation and amortization Property and Equipment, Net Useful life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Finance lease, property and equipment, net Finance lease, accumulated amortization Capital eased asset, Net Capital Leased Asset, Net Property, plant or equipment held under lease agreements classified as an asset. capital lease, amortization Capitalized Lease, Accumulated Amortization Capitalized Lease, Accumulated Amortization Right-to-use fixed assets Right to use fixed assets Right to use fixed assets Amortization of leased asset, capital lease Amortization of Leased Asset Interest costs capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized Schedule of Debt Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Guarantor Obligations Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table Text Block] Defined Contribution Plan [Table] Defined Contribution Plan [Table] Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items] 401(k) matching expense Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Projected Benefit Obligation 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 Lease, Cost Lease, Cost [Table Text Block] Assets and Liabilities Assets and Liabilities, Lessee [Table Text Block] Assets and Liabilities, Lessee [Table Text Block] Finance Lease, Liability, Maturity Finance Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity [Table Text Block] 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.