Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Rolling Maturity [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity [Abstract] Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity [Abstract] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member] [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Member's Equity Members Equity [Member] Member's equity. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption 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. Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Balance 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 tax 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 Leases [Abstract] 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] Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Lease Payments for Capital Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Related Party Transactions [Abstract] 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] 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 Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds Proceeds from Income Tax Refunds Tax payments to parent company Income Tax Payments, To Parent By Reporting Entity Income Tax Payments, To Parent By Reporting Entity Related Party Transaction Revenue with Affiliates Revenue from Related Parties Related Party Transaction Expenditures from Transactions with Related Party Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Accounts Payable, Related Parties Accounts Payable, Related Parties Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Ownership Percentage in TTX Company Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Accounting Policies and Interim Results [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Contract with Customer, Basis of Pricing [Axis] Contract with Customer, Basis of Pricing [Axis] Contract with Customer, Basis of Pricing [Domain] Contract with Customer, Basis of Pricing [Domain] Contract with Customer, Duration [Axis] Contract with Customer, Duration [Axis] Contract with Customer, Duration [Domain] Contract with Customer, Duration [Domain] Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Axis] Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Axis] Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Domain] Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Domain] Contract with Customer, Sales Channel [Axis] Contract with Customer, Sales Channel [Axis] Contract with Customer, Sales Channel [Domain] Contract with Customer, Sales Channel [Domain] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Disaggregation of Revenue [Abstract] 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] Non-rail logistics subsidiary [Domain] non-rail logistics subsidiary [Domain] non-rail logistics subsidiary [Domain] Accessorial and other [Domain] Accessorial and other [Domain] Accessorial and other [Member] Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Cargo and Freight Revenue Total Freight Revenues Total Freight Revenues Total other revenues Total other revenues Total other revenues 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 $11,206 and $10,004, respectively Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Goodwill Operating lease right-of-use assets Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $297 and $279, respectively 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 Operating lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability, 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 of accumulated amortization of $1,036 and $1,022, respectively 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 5 and 6) 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 Total liabilities and equity Liabilities and Equity New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] Disclosure of Contract Asset and Liability [Abstract] Disclosure of Contract Asset and Liability [Abstract] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Accounts Receivable, Net Accounts Receivable, Net Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] 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] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] BNSF Insurance Company [Member] BNSF Insurance Company [Member] BNSF Insurance Company [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Schedule of Guarantor Obligations Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table Text Block] Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] 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] Transition period Defined Benefit Plan, Transition Period Defined Benefit Plan, Transition Period Curtailment gain as a result of plan amendments Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Increase (Decrease) for Plan Amendment 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 net gain Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Amortization of prior service credits Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Curtailment gain Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailment Net cost recognized Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Operating Leases, 2019 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 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, 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 Operating Lease, Liability Finance Lease, 2019 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 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, Thereafter Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Finance Lease, Total lease payments Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Finance Lease, Less amount representing interest Finance Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Finance Lease, Total Finance Lease, Liability Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [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 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 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 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 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, 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 Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Employment Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [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 Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues Revenues Operating expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Compensation and benefits Labor and Related Expense Purchased services Purchased services The amount of expense for contract services provided to the Company. Fuel Fuel Costs 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 Operating Income (Loss) 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 Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income 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] Personal Injury [Member] Personal Injury [Member] Personal Injury [Member] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Accrual for loss contingencies, revisions in estimates Accrual for loss contingencies, revisions in estimates Amount of expense (reversal of expense) which increases (decreases) the accrual for loss contingencies from revisions in estimates to existing obligations. Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Asbestos and Personal Injury [Abstract] Loss Contingency, Estimate [Abstract] Loss Contingency Accrual [Roll Forward] Loss Contingency Accrual [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Loss Contingency Accrual 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 Loss Contingency, Accrual, Current Loss Contingency, Accrual, Current Investments related to TTX Equity Method Investments Payable to parent company 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] Three Point Fifty Five Percent Debenture Due Feb 15 2050 [Member] Three Point Fifty Five Percent Debenture Due Feb 15 2050 [Member] Three Point Fifty Five Percent Debenture Due Feb 15 2050 [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] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Debt Securities [Member] Debt Securities [Member] SEC Debt Shelf Registration [Member] SEC Debt Shelf Registration [Member] SEC Debt Shelf Registration [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] 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 Subordinated notes related to financial covenants Debt Instrument, Covenant Debt Certain issued and outstanding junior subordinated notes pertaining to certain financial covenants. Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Remaining Debt Securities Authorized by the Board Remaining Debt Securities Authorized by the Board Remaining Debt Securities Authorized by the Board Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] 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 lease payments 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 lease payments 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 Receivables [Abstract] Accounts Receivable, Net Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts payable and other current liabilities Operating Lease, Liability, Current Total operating lease liabilities 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 Environmental Issue [Member] Environmental Issue [Member] Number of alleged environmental contamination sites (in sites) Administrative Judicial and Other Mandatory Cleanup Efforts Total Sites Administrative, Judicial and Other Mandatory Cleanup Efforts, Total Sites Accrued obligations for environmental matters, current liabilities Accrued Environmental Loss Contingencies, Current Future costs to settle claims and associated liability 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 Site Contingency, 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 Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation [Member] Northern Sante Fe Corporation [Member] Northern Sante Fe Corporation [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Acquired remaining outstanding shares, percentage Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Remaining Equity Interest Acquired, Percentage In a business combination achieved in stages, this element represents the percentage aquired of the remaining equity interest in the acquiree not already owned. Holders of membership interests Holders of Membership Interests Holders of Membership Interests Schedule of Net Benefit Costs Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] 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 Operating cash flows for operating leases Operating Lease, Payments Operating Cash Flows for Finance Leases Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Financing cash flows for finance leases Finance Lease, Principal Payments Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for lease obligations, Operating leases Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability 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 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [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 net gain Amortization of Actuarial Gains/ Losses [Member] Amortization of Actuarial Gains/ Losses [Member] Amortization of prior service costs/ credits Amortization of prior service costs/ credits [Member] Amortization of prior service costs/ credits [Member] Pension and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefit Items Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investee [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income 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] Beginning Balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive (loss) before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Reclassification from AOCI, Before Tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Tax expense (benefit) Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax Reclassification from AOCI, Net of tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Ending Balance Fair value of debt excluding capital leases and unamortized gains on interest rate swaps Long-term Debt, Fair Value Book value of debt excluding capital leases, the associated unamortized fair value adjustment and unamortized gains on interest rate swaps Long-term Debt Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] 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] 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 Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Remaining Performance Obligations [Abstract] Remaining Performance Obligations [Abstract] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount Allowance for Bill Adjustments and Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current 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. Leases Lessee, Operating Leases [Text Block]