Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Equity Method Investee [Member] Equity Method Investee [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Axis] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Domain] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Pension and Retiree Health and Welfare Benefit Items [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [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] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Beginning balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax 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, before Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Ending balance Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Trading Securities [Table] Trading Securities [Table] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Schedule of Trading Securities [Line Items] Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items] Trading Securities, Debt Trading Securities, Debt Trading Securities, Equity Trading Securities, Equity Trading Securities, Total Trading Securities Trading Securities, Recognized Gain Trading Securities, Realized Gain Trading Securities, Recognized (Loss) Trading Securities, Realized Loss Trading Securities, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Trading Securities, Realized Gain (Loss) Receivables [Abstract] Allowance for bill adjustments and uncollectible accounts Allowance for Bill Adjustments and Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current A valuation allowance for trade and other receivables due to an Entity within one year (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer) that have bill adjustments or are expected to be uncollectible. Accounts receivable greater than 90 days old Accounts Receivable, Current, Greater than 90 Days Past Due Accounts Receivable, Current, Greater than 90 Days Past Due 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] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Entities [Table] Entities [Table] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Insurance [Table] Insurance [Table] Insurance [Table] Affiliated Entity Affiliated Entity [Member] BNSF Insurance Company BNSF Insurance Company [Member] BNSF Insurance Company [Member] Insurance [Line Items] Insurance [Line Items] Insurance [Line Items] Insurance coverage premiums written Premiums Written By Related Insurance Entity Net Of Reimbursements Premiums written by related insurance entity, net of reimbursement form third parties Expense related to insurance premiums General Insurance Expense Related Insurance Entity The expense in the period incurred with respect to protection provided by related insurance entity against risks other than risks associated with production (which are allocated to cost of sales). Unamortized insurance premiums Prepaid Insurance Written By Related Insurance Entity Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of unamortized costs of insurance coverage written by related insurance entity, which will be charged against earnings ratably over the period in which contractually agreed upon coverage's will be in effect; such periods expire within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. Insurance claims paid Claim Payments Made By Related Insurance Entity To Related Subsidiary Total amount of payments made by related insurance entity to related subsidiary during the reporting period to settle insured claims. Insurance claims receivable Insurance Settlements Receivable From Related Insurance Entity Amount due in settlement of a claim for reimbursement from related insurance entity when the Company has suffered a loss covered under an insurance policy. Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] 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] Asbestos Issue [Member] Asbestos Issue [Member] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Unasserted Claim Unasserted Claim [Member] Personal Injury Personal Injury [Member] Personal Injury [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Current Liabilities Current Liabilities [Member] Current Liabilities [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Asbestos and Personal Injury [Abstract] Loss Contingency, Estimate [Abstract] Increase in asbestos liability Loss Contingency, Loss in Period 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 65 Percent of Future Unasserted Asbestos Claims to be Filed Length in Years for 65 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 80 Percent of Future Unasserted Asbestos Claims to be Filed Length in years for 95 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 Accrued obligations for asbestos and other personal injury matters, current liabilities Loss Contingency, Accrual, Current Future costs to settle claims and associated liability Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Loss Contingency Accrual [Roll Forward] Loss Contingency Accrual [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Loss Contingency Accrual Accruals Loss Contingency Accrual, Provision Payments Loss Contingency Accrual, Payments Ending balance Accounts Receivable, Net Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Fair value of debt excluding capital leases Long-term Debt, Fair Value Book value of debt excluding capital leases and the associated unamortized fair value adjustment Long-term Debt Related Party Transactions [Abstract] Related Party Transactions Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block] Employment Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Net income Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent 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 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 Net increase in intercompany notes receivable classified as equity Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivable, Related Parties Other, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash used for financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities 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 Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value End of period SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized Interest Paid, Net Capital investments accrued but not yet paid Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Income taxes paid, net of refunds Income Taxes Paid, Net Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Common Stock and Paid-in Capital [Member] Common Stock Including Additional Paid in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Intercompany Notes Receivable InterCompanyNotesReceivable [Member] InterCompanyNotesReceivable [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Change in intercompany notes receivable Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivable Classified as Equity, Related Parties Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivable Classified as Equity, Related Parties Comprehensive income, net of tax Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Balance Schedule of Loss Contingencies by Contingency Schedule of Loss Contingencies by Contingency [Table Text Block] Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Table Text Block] Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Table Text Block] Trading Securities [Table Text Block] Trading Securities [Table Text Block] Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Table Text Block] Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other comprehensive income: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Change in Pension and Retiree Health and Welfare benefits, net of tax expense of $0 million and $1 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, and net of tax benefit of $0 million and $1 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), Net of Tax Change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) of equity method investees Change in Other Comprehensive Income of Equity Method Investees Change in Other Comprehensive Income of Equity Method Investees Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total comprehensive income Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Maturity Schedule [Abstract] Amortized intangible assets, gross carrying amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Amortized intangible assets, accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Amortized intangible liabilities, gross carrying amount Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Gross Amount before amortization of liabilities, excluding financial liabilities, lacking physical substance with a finite life. Amortized intangible liabilities, accumulated amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Accumulated Amortization Amortization of intangible assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization of intangible liabilities Amortization of Intangible Liabilities Amortization of Intangible Liabilities Finite-Lived Intangible Assets and Liabilities, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Amortization of intangible assets, Remainder of 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year Amortization of intangible liabilities, Remainder of 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year Amortization of intangible assets, 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Amortization of intangible liabilities, 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Two Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Two Amortization of intangible assets, 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Amortization of intangible liabilities, 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Three Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Three Amortization of intangible assets, 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four Amortization of intangible liabilities, 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Four Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Four Amortization of intangible assets, 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Amortization of intangible liabilities, 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Five Finite-Lived Intangible Liabilities, Amortization Expense, Year Five Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Accounting Policies and Interim Results Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements 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 common stock Holders of Membership Interests Holders of Membership Interests Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Axis] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Domain] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] 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 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 environmental 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 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 Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward] Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies Accruals Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Period Increase (Decrease) Payments Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Payments Ending balance 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] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Actuarial losses Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax Prior service credits Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Total before tax Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Tax (expense)/benefit Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net of tax 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 [Member] Equipment [Member] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Operating Leased Assets [Line Items] Future minimum lease payments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Variable Debt Rate Type [Axis] Variable Debt Rate Type [Axis] Variable Debt Rate Type [Axis] Variable Debt Rate Type [Domain] Variable Debt Rate Type [Domain] Variable Debt Rate Type [Domain] Effective Federal Funds Rate [Member] Effective Federal Funds Rate [Member] Effective Federal Funds Rate [Member] Parent Company Parent Company [Member] Federal and state income tax payments, net of refunds Income Tax Payments, Net of Refunds, To Parent By Reporting Entity Income Tax Payments, Net of Refunds, To Parent By Reporting Entity Intercompany receivables Accounts Receivable, Related Parties, Current Intercompany payables Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current Intercompany notes receivable Notes Receivable, Related Parties, Noncurrent Change in intercompany notes receivable Intercompany notes variable interest rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate 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 Schedule of Guarantor Obligations Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table Text Block] Pension Plans, Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] Retiree Health and Welfare Benefits Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] Net Cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Amortization of prior service credits Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization of net loss Defined Benefit Plan, Future Amortization of Gain (Loss) Net cost (benefit) recognized Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost OCI Parenthetical [Abstract] OCI Parenthetical [Abstract] Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Accumulated Depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract] Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Other Assets Other Asset, Investment in Variable Interest Entity [Text Block] Other Asset, Investment in Variable Interest Entity [Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Other Intangible Assets and Liabilities Other Intangible Assets and Liabilities [Text Block] Other Intangible Assets and Liabilities [Text Block] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table] Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table] Guarantee Entity Name [Axis] Guarantee Entity Name [Axis] Guarantee Entity Name [Axis] Guarantee Entity Name [Domain] Guarantee Entity Name [Domain] Guarantee Entity Name [Domain] Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P. Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P. [Member] Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P. [Member] Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, LP Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, LP [Member] Chevron Phillips Chemical Company, LP [Member] 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 Railway 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 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] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Materials and supplies Materials, Supplies, and Other Current portion of deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $5,669 and $4,864, respectively Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Goodwill Intangible assets, net Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable and other current liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Long-term debt due within one year Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Intangible liabilities, net Intangible liabilities, net The aggregate sum of gross carrying value of a major finite-lived intangible liability class, less accumulated amortization and any impairment charges. Casualty and environmental liabilities Casualty and environmental liabilities Noncurrent portion of costs accrued as of the balance sheet date for casualty, environmental and other loss contingencies. Pension and retiree health and welfare liability Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies (see Notes 6 and 7) Commitments and Contingencies Stockholder’s equity: Common stock, $1 par value, 1,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding and paid-in-capital Common Stocks, Including Additional Paid in Capital Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Intercompany notes receivable Accumulated other comprehensive income Total stockholder’s equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total liabilities and stockholder's equity Liabilities and Equity Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues Revenue, Net 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 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 Interest income, related parties Interest Income Related Parties Interest income received from related parties. Other (income) expense, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income before income taxes Income tax expense Net income Schedule of Equity Method Investments [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