Materials and contracted services to maintain infrastructure and equipment and terminal services at intermodal and automotive facilities.Purchased services and materialsPurchased Services And MaterialCondensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) [Abstract]Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Income [Line Items]Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Financial Position [Line Items]Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows [Line Items]Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Common Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited) [Abstract]Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) [Abstract]Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) [Abstract]Change In Accounting Principle Tables [Abstract]Financial Instruments Tables [Abstract]Effects Of The Change In Policy For Rail Grinding Costs On The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements [Text Block]Effects of the change in our policy for rail grinding costs on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.Effects of the change in policy for rail grinding costs on the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements [Text Block]Cash received from termination of fair value interest rate hedge.Early termination cash receivedImpact to Income Statement from termination of fair value interest rate hedge due to accrued but unpaid interest.Cash received for accrued but unpaid interest receivableDisclosure of those nonoperating income or nonoperating expense that may include amounts earned from dividends, interest on securities, profits (losses) on securities, net and miscellaneous other income or income deductions.Schedule Of Other Nonoperating Income Expense By Component [Text Block]Other Income Tables [Text Block]Adoption Of New Accounting Pronouncement [Abstract]Equipment and other rentsRent 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, office and other rentals.Expense associated with maintaining the receivables securitization facility.Receivable securitization feesReceivable securitization feesReceivable securitization feesAmount of receivable securization fees classified as interest expense.Receivable securitization fees (Parenthetical)Receivable Securitization Fees Parenthetical [Abstract]Any other income or expense items resulting from secondary business-related activities, excluding those considered part of the normal operations of the business that have not been previously categorized. Major component is expenses associated with environmental costs on nonoperating property.Nonoperating Environmental Costs And OtherNon-operating environmental costs and otherNonoperating environmental costs and otherAggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of unapplied materials and supplies to be used in the performance or support of carrier operations.Materials and suppliesProceeds from sale of assets financedThe cash inflow associated with the acquisition of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale; and are pending financingThe cash outflow associated with the acquisition of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale; and are pending financingAcquisition of equipment pending financingAcquisition of equipment pending financingPayments to acquire property plant and equipment pending financingThe net change during the reporting period in the aggregate value of all materials and supplies held by the reporting entity, associated with underlying transactions that are classified as operating activities.Materials and supplies.Increase decrease in material and suppliesReacquired common stock during the period but not yet paidCommon shares repurchased but not yet paidRepurchase of common stock not yet paidThis element is used to disclose the repurchase of common stock through the company's repurchase programShare Repurchase Program [Text Block]Cash paid refunded for abstractCash (paid)/refunded for [Abstract]Company common shares that have been repurchased by the entity.Treasury Stock (Units) [Member]Operations and Segmentation [Abstract]Stock Options and Other Stock Plans [Abstract]Retirement Plans [Abstract]Retirement Plans Tables [Abstract]The components of the net periodic pension cost/(benefit).Net Periodic Pension Cost (Benefit) [Text Block]Net Periodic Pension Cost/(Benefit) [Text Block]Net Periodic Opeb Cost Benefit [Text Block]The components of the net periodic OPEB cost/(benefit).Net Periodic OPEB Cost/(Benefit) [Text Block]Other Income [Abstract]Income Taxes [Abstract]Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Abstract]Properties [Abstract]Accounts Payable And Other Current Liabilities [Abstract]Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]Financial Instruments [Abstract]Debt [Abstract]Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]Share Repurchase Program [Abstract]This element is used as a single block of text to encapsulate the entire disclosure for new accounting pronouncement that has been adopted.Description Of New Accounting Pronouncements Adopted [Text Block]Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncement [Text Block]Document and Entity Information [Abstract]Capital Lease IncentivesProceedsFromLongTermCapitalObligationsProceeds from long term capital obligationsAgriculturalFreight revenue from transporting agricultural products, including whole grains, commodities produced from these grains, and food and beverage products.Freight revenue from transporting finished vehicles and automotive parts.AutomotiveFreight revenue from transporting containers from international and domestic shippers.IntermodalFreight revenue from transporting coal and coke.EnergyFreight revenue from transporting industrial products, including lumber, steel, rock cement, and paper and consumer goods.Industrial ProductsFreight revenue from transporting chemical products, including industrial chemicals, plastics and liquid petroleum products.ChemicalsBasis of Presentation [Abstract]Operations And Segmentation Tables [Abstract]Other Income Tables [Abstract]Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Abstract]Current liability for unrecognized tax benefitsThe current portion of unrecognized tax benefits (tax reductions recognized in financial reports but excluded from tax returns) pertaining to uncertain tax positions taken in tax returns as of the beginning balance sheet date, excluding amounts pertaining to examined tax returns.Earnings Per Share Tables [Abstract]Dilutive effect of stock optionsWeighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding Dilutive Effect Of Stock OptionsAggregate awards of share options issued to an employee under a share-based compensation arrangement are considered options for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share. Such share-based awards shall be considered to be outstanding as of the grant date for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share even though their exercise may be contingent upon vesting. Those share-based awards are included in the diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) computation even if the employee may not receive (or be able to sell) the stock until some future date. Accordingly, all shares to be issued shall be included in computing diluted EPS if the effect is dilutive. The dilutive effect of share-based compensation arrangements shall be computed using the treasury stock method. If the equity share options or other equity instruments are outstanding for only part of a period, the shares issuable shall be weighted to reflect the portion of the period during which the equity instruments were outstanding.Dilutive effect of retention shares and unitsWeighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding Dilutive Effect Of Retention Shares And UnitsAggregate awards of retention and performance retention shares issued to an employee under a share-based compensation arrangement are considered options for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share. Such share-based awards shall be considered to be outstanding as of the grant date for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share even though their exercise may be contingent upon vesting. Those share-based awards are included in the diluted Earnings Per Share (EPS) computation even if the employee may not receive (or be able to sell) the stock until some future date. Accordingly, all shares to be issued shall be included in computing diluted EPS if the effect is dilutive. The dilutive effect of share-based compensation arrangements shall be computed using the treasury stock method. If the equity share options or other equity instruments are outstanding for only part of a period, the shares issuable shall be weighted to reflect the portion of the period during which the equity instruments were outstanding.Reconciliation Between Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share [Text Block]Reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share.Comprehensive Income (Loss) Tables [Abstract]Comprehensive Income [Text Block]Components of comprehensive income/loss.Comprehensive Income (Loss) Tables [Text Block]After Tax Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Text Block]After-tax components of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss).After-Tax Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Text Block]Comprehensive Income Loss Details Parentheticals [Abstract]Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Parentheticals) [Abstract]Properties [Line Items]Line items represent major categories of property and equipment.Properties [Axis]Depcreciation information about each major category of property and equipment.Cost [Member]Cost basis of property and equipment.Properties [Domain]Listing of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, building and production equipment.Accumulated Depreciation [Member]Accumulated depreciation of property and equipment.Net Book Value [Member]Net book value of property and equipment.Depreciation Rate [Member]Depreciation rate for time period, includes a weighted-average composite rate for rail in high-density traffic corridors.Road [Abstract]Rail and other track materialThe cost of rails and other track material used in the construction of tracks for the movement or storage of locomotives and cars (including tracks in shops, fuel stations, supply yard areas, etc.); the cost of welding two or more lengths or rail into continuous lengths for use in construction of tracks; and the cost of labor associated with unloading and installation of the rail and other track material.TiesThe cost of cross, switch, bridge and other track ties used in the construction of tracks for the movement or storage of locomotives and cars (including tracks in shops, fuel stations, supply yard areas, etc.), and the cost of additional ties subsequently laid in such tracks. It also includes the cost of labor for unloading, distributing and placing ties in tracks.BallastThe cost of gravel, stone, slag, cinders, sand, and like material used in ballasting tracks (including tracks in shops, fuel stations, and supply yard areas, etc.), including cost of worktrain service and the cost of labor expended in placing ballast in tracks.Other roadOther RoadThe cost of all other road property owned by the carrier and devoted to transportation service other than rail and other track material, ties, and ballast.Total roadTotal cost of road property owned by the carrier and devoted to transportation service.Total roadEquipment [Abstract]LocomotivesThe cost of locomotives purchased or built by the carrier, and of appurtenances, furniture, and fixtures necessary to equip them for service, including the cost of inspection, setting up, and trying out after receipt from builders, and transportation charges to the carrier's line.Freight carsThe cost of freight-train cars of all classes purchased or built by the carrier, including all appurtenances, furniture, and fixtures necessary to equip them for service, and the cost of inspection and transportation charges to the carrier's line.Work equipment and otherThe cost of work equipment, including motor-driven equipment, purchased or built by the carrier; cost of highway vehicles used in revenue transportation service, including pickup and delivery service, substitute line-haul service, and TOFC/COFC service; and the cost of automobiles, trucks and other highway equipment not used in revenue transportation service and not provided for elsewhere; the cost of airplanes; cost of appurtenances, furniture, and fixtures necessary to equip it for service; and cost of inspection and transportation charges to the carrier's line.Total equipmentThe cost of the several classes of equipment vehicles and shop and power plant equipment owned by the carrier, or held under equipment trust agreements or other contractual obligation for purchase of the property.Total equipmentTechnology and otherThe cost of computer hardware and software that is not dedicated to a particular function. Essentially this account consists of all computer-related equipment and software that remains under the control of the information technologies department.Accounts Payable And Other Current Liabilities Tables [Abstract]Accounts Payable And Other Current Liabilities Tables [Text Block]Accounts payable and other current liabilities disclosure.Accrued casualty costsCosts accrued as of the balance sheet date for casualty, environmental and other loss contingencies. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).Equipment rents payableCosts accrued as of the balance sheet date for liabilities incurred (and for which invoices have typically been received) and payable to vendors for rent for freight cars owned by other railroads or private companies including lease expenses primarily for railcars, containers and trailers. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).Personal Injury [Member]Individual claims alleging that the company was responsible for the individual's injury that requires reserves to be provided for related medical claims and punitive damages.Personal Injury [Abstract]Percentage of the recorded personal injury liability related to asserted claims.Recorded Personal Injury Liability Related To Asserted ClaimsPercent of personal injury liability recorded related to asserted claimsRecorded Personal Injury Liability Related To Unasserted ClaimsPercentage of the recorded personal injury liability related to unasserted claims.Percent of personal injury liability recorded related to unasserted claimsEnvironmental [Abstract]Sites identified at which Railroad is or may be liable for remediation costs associated with alleged contamination or for violations of environmental requirements.Sites IdentifiedSites identified which we are or may be liable for remediation costsSites subject of actions taken by the U.S. government.Sites Subject Of Actions Taken By The Us GovernmentSites subject of actions taken by the U.S. governmentSites On The Superfund National Priorities ListSites on the Superfund National Priorities List.Sites on the Superfund National Priorities ListPercentage of Environmental Liability discounted.Percentage Environmental Liability DiscountedPercent of liability discountedGuarantees [Abstract]Shares Repurchased [Abstract]Assumptions used to value option grants.Stock Options Weighted-Average Assumptions [Text Block]Stock option activity roll forward from the beginning of a period to the end of a period.Stock Option Activity [Text Block]Stock option compensation, aggregate disclosures.Stock Option Exercises [Text Block]Retention award activity roll forward from the beginning of a period to the end of a period.Changes In Retention Awards [Text Block]Assumptions used to calculate the present value of estimated future dividends related to the performance retention award grants.Performance Retention Awards Present Value Calculation Assumptions [Text Block]Performance retention award activity roll forward from the beginning of a period to the end of a period.Changes In Performance Retention Awards [Text Block]Stock Based Compensation Tables [Abstract]Stock Based Compensation [Abstract]The aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration. This may include the value of stock options, amortization of restricted stock, and adjustment for officers compensation, net of taxes.Share Based Compensation Net Of TaxTotal stock-based compensation, after taxPertinent data describing and reflecting required disclosures pertaining to retention awards.Retention Awards [Member]Pertinent data describing and reflecting required disclosures pertaining to performance retention awards.Performance Retention Awards [Member]Stock Option Activity [Abstract]Value of treasury shares repurchased during period for employee payroll taxes related to share-based compensation awards.Treasury shares repurchased for employee payroll taxesAggregate grant-date fair value of stock options vested.Aggregate grant-date fair value of stock options vestedAwards Activity [Abstract]Change in Accounting Principle Details [Abstract]Retirement Plans Details [Abstract]Properties Details [Abstract]Commitments and Contingencies Details [Abstract]Unrecognized Compensation Expense AbstractAllowable Debt Per Debt To Net Worth Coverage Ratio As Defined In The FacilityTotal amount of debt (as defined in the facility) the debt-to-net-worth coverage ratio allowable under the revolving credit facility.Allowable debt per debt-to-net-worth coverage ratio (as defined in the facility)Outstanding debt (as defined by facility)Outstanding debt as defined by the credit facility.Receivables Securitization Facility [Abstract]Shelf Registration Statement and Significant New Borrowings [Abstract]Board of Directors authorized debt issuanceAmount of debt issuance authorized by Board of Directors.Debt reclassified as long-termAmount of short-term borrowings reclassified as long-term based on our ability and intent to refinance.Debt Redemption [Abstract]Fair Value of Debt Instruments [Abstract]Fair value of total debt in excess of carrying valueFair value of total debt in excess of carrying value.Fixed rate debt securities containing call provisionsAmount of debt securities that contain a provision to retire the debt instrument prior to final maturity, with the payment of fixed call premiums, or in certain cases, at par.Total Capacity To Transfer Undivided Interests To Investors Under The Receivables Securitization FacilityTotal capacity to transfer undivided interest to investors under receivables securitization facility.Total capacity to transfer undivided interests to investors under the receivables securitization facilityValue Of The Outstanding Undivided Interest Held By Investors Under The Receivables Securitization FacilityValue of the outstanding undivided interest held by investors under the receivables securitization facility.Value of the outstanding undivided interest held by investors under the receivables securitization facilityAccounts Receivable Supporting The Undivided Interest Held By InvestorsThe value of the accounts receivable that supported the value of the undivided interest held by investors.Accounts receivable supporting the undivided interest held by investorsValue of interest retained by Union Pacific Receivables, Inc.The value of the accounts receivable retained by our bankruptcy remote subsidiary.Receivables Collected By The RailroadTotal amount collected on the sold receivables during the time period.Receivables collected by the RailroadCost Of The Receivables Securitization Facility Interest ExpenseInterest expense associated with maintaining the receivables securitization facility.Cost of the receivables securitization facility - interest expenseAsbestos [Member]Individual or consolidated class action claims alleging that asbestos caused cancer to persons exposed to it that requires reserves to be provided for related medical claims and punitive damages, and to remove the hazard and repair any damages from such removal.Environmental [Member]Ecological or external issues that require reserves to be provided for costs required to remediate problems from improper operations of the past, to restore or clean up property for current operations or regulatory compliance, or to sell, abandon or dispose of such property.Share Repurchase Program Tables [Abstract]Share Repurchase Program Table [Text Block]This element is used to disclose the repurchases of common stock through the company's repurchase program.Remaining number of shares yet to be repurchasedNumber of shares remaining that may be repurchased under current repurchase program approved by the Board of Directors.Remaining Number Of Shares Yet To Be RepurchasedChange In Accounting Principle Effects On Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Income [Table]Change In Accounting Principle Effects On Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Financial Position [Table]Change In Accounting Principle Effects On Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows [Table]Freight Revenue By Commodity Group [Text Block]Schedule Of Freight Revenue [Text Block]This element is used to capture the breakout of our one segment into our six commodity groups.Freight Revenue by Commodity Group [Abstract]Computed under Prior Method [Member]Domain member used to indicate financial results under the prior accounting principle.As Adjusted [Member]Domain member used to indicate revised financial results.Deferred Taxes Activity Other Comprehensive IncomeThe amount recorded to the deferred tax liability associated with the estimated future tax effects arising from unrealized gains on items included in other comprehensive income which will increase future taxable income when such gain is realized.Loss Contingency Accrual Carrying Value Change In Estimate Prior YearsChanges in estimates for prior yearsThe charge against earnings in the period to the change the loss contingency reserves for change in estimates from prior years.Subsequent Event - Debt Exchange [Abstract]Cash Consideration Debt ExchangeCash ConsiderationCash paid to the debtholder as consideration for the exchange of the existing debt to new debt.Accrued interestAccrued Interest Debt Exchange Existing NotesAccrued interest paid to debtholder on the existing debt at date of exchange.Variable Interest Entities Details [Abstract]Future Minimum Lease Payments ViesFuture Minimum Lease PaymentsThe total contractually required rental payments on leases in which the structure of the leases contain variable interest entities.Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]Depreciation rate for rail and other track materialDepreciation rate for rail and other track material.Depreciation rate for tiesDepreciation rate for ties.Depreciation rate for ballastDepreciation rate for ballast.Depreciation rate for other roadDepreciation rate for other road.Depreciation rate for total roadDepreciation rate for total road.Depreciation rate for locomotivesDepreciation rate for locomotives.Depreciation rate for freight carsDepreciation rate for freight cars.Depreciation rate for work equipment and otherDepreciation rate for work equipment and other.Depreciation rate for total equipmentDepreciation rate for total equipment.Depreciation rate for technology and otherDepreciation rate for technology and other.Debt Conversion Original Debt Interest RateThe rate of interest that was being paid on the original debt issue that is being converted in the noncash (or part noncash) transaction. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period.Original RateDebt Conversion Original Debt Due Date YearThe year (YYYY) in which the original debt was scheduled to mature.Due DateDebt Conversion Converted Instrument Issuance Date Date Month And YearThe day, month, and year (YYYY-MM-DD) the financial instrument was issued in exchange for the original debt being converted in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period.Date of exchangeDebt Conversion Converted Instrument Interest RateThe dividend or interest rate, if any, associated with the financial instrument issued in exchange for the original debt being converted in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period.New RateDebt Conversion Converted Instrument Expiration Or Due Date Day Month YearThe expiration, mandatory redemption, or due date, day, month and year (YYYY-MM-DD), of the financial instrument issued in exchange for the original debt being converted in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period.New Due DateCost Of The Receivables Securitization Facility Other IncomeOther expense associated with maintaining the receivables securitization facility.Cost of the receivables securitization facility - other incomeDebt Redemption Due Date Of Debt Day Month YearThe day, month, and year (YYYY-MM-DD) in which the original debt was scheduled to mature.Due date of debt redeemedEstimated Stock Repurchased And Retired During Period SharesEstimated number of shares that have been repurchased and retired during the period.Estimated shares repurchasedEstimated Treasury Stock Value Acquired Cost MethodEstimated total cost of common stock of repurchased.Estimated aggregate costDescription Of Accounting For Termination Of Interest Rate Fair Value HedgeDescription of the accounting for discontinuation of an interest rate fair value hedging relationship. Includes the accounting for the hedged item and the hedging instrument after discontinuation of the hedge designation. Also includes discussion of income statement and balance sheet effects of the discontinuation and the method of amortization of any adjustments to the carrying value of hedged items (if applicable).Termination of interest rate swapDebt Instrument Covenant In ComplianceStates whether the entity was in compliance with the debt covenants throughout the reporting period, and describes facts and circumstances of any compliance failure.Compliance with covenantTreasury Stock Acquired Repurchase Board AuthorizationDescription of share repurchase program authorized by an entity's Board of Directors. Include also the allocation of amounts paid to purchase treasury stock.BOD AuthorizedBoard Of Directors Remaining Debt IssuanceAmount of debt issuance remaining under current authority by Board of Directors.Board of Directors remaining debt issuanceShare Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Awards Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual TermShare-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term, Beginning of Period.Stock options weighted-average remaining contractual term, outstanding at January 1, 2010Debt Redemption AmountGross amount of debt extinguished.Debt redemptionReduction Personal Injury Liability Effect On Diluted Earnings Per ShareDiluted earnings per share impact due to the reduction of the personal injury liability.Reduction in personal injury liability effect on diluted earnings per shareShare Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Continued Employment RequirementDescription of the estimated period of time over which an employee is required to provide service in exchange for the share-based payment award, which often is the vesting period. This period may be explicit or implicit based on the terms of the award, and may be presented in a variety of ways (for example, year, month and year, day, month and year, quarter of a year).Continued employment requirementAccounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities [Text Block]Accounts receivable, net (Note 2)Environmental liability discount rateAccumulated other comprehensive income loss net of taxAccumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 10)TotalAfter-Tax Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) [Abstract]Paid-in-surplusAdditional Paid In CapitalRetention awardsDepreciationDepreciationDepreciationNet gain from asset salesNet gain on non-operating asset dispositionsNet gain on non-operating asset dispositionsStock optionsCash received fair value of swapConsolidated Statements of Financial Position [Abstract]Earnings per share - basicEarnings per share - basicEarnings per share - basicCash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents at end of periodCash and cash equivalents at beginning of yearInterest, net of amounts capitalizedAccounts payable and other current liabilitiesAccounts payable and other current liabilitiesAccounts receivable, net (Note 2)Increase Decrease In Accounts ReceivableIncrease decrease in operating capital abstractChanges in Current Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]Commercial paper outstandingCommitments And Contingencies [Text Block]Common shares authorizedCommon shares issuedCommon shares outstandingCommon shares, $2.50 par value, 800,000,000 authorized; 553,948,095 and 553,497,981 issued; 499,794,656 and 505,039,952 outstanding, respectivelyComprehensive Income (Loss) [Text Block]Construction in progressFuelForeign currency translation.Total current liabilitiesCurrent liabilitiesCurrent liabilities [Abstract]Debt due within one year (Note 14)Debt due after one year (Note 14)New DebtOriginal DebtDebt [Text Block]Fair value of total debtInterest rate on note redeemedDeferred income taxes and unrecognized tax benefitsDeferred income taxes and unrecognized tax benefitsCurrent deferred income taxesDeferred income taxesDeferred income taxesRetirement Plans [Domain]Amount of debt hedgedFinancial Instruments [Text Block]Recorded liability for fair value of guaranteesMaximum potential amount of guarantee paymentsExpiration year of final guaranteeEarnings per share - dilutedEarnings per share - dilutedEarnings per share - dilutedStock Option Aggregate Disclosures [Abstract]Unrecognized compensation expenseTotal unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested retention awardsTotal unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested performance retention awardsExpected weighted average period of nonvested stock options to be recognizedExpected weighted average period unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested performance retention awards to be recognizedTotal unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested retention awardsStock-based compensation expenseTotal stock-based compensation, before taxStock -based compensation, before tax:Effects of Adjustments [Member]Decrease in interest expense from interest rate hedgingChange in fair value of cash flow hedges as reported in accumulated other comprehensive lossEarly extinguishment of debtEarly extinguishment chargeEarly extinguishment chargeIncome Taxes [Text Block]Income taxes, net of refundsIncome Taxes Paid NetOther current assets.Other current assetsInterest expenseInterest expenseInterest rate cash flow hedges outstandingGross fair value asset positionInterest rate fair value hedges outstandingInterest Rate Derivatives [Abstract]InvestmentsCompensation and benefitsLandTotal liabilitiesLiabilitiesTotal liabilitiesSettlement of current liabilities for debtTotal liabilities and common shareholders' equityLiabilities and common shareholders' equityTotal liabilities and common shareholders' equityLiabilities and Common Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]Revolving credit facility withdrawalsFacility expiration dateRevolving credit facility available creditCredit Facilities [Abstract]Commitments and Contingencies [Axis]Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]Commitments and Contingencies [Table]Commitments and contingencies, carry valueCommitments and contingencies, ending balance at June 30Commitments and contingencies, beginning balanceCommitments and contingencies, current portion, ending balance at June 30Loss Contingency, Accrual Carrying Value, CurrentAccrualsPaymentsLiability Activity [Abstract]Commitments and Contingencies [Domain]Commitments And Contingencies Tables [Abstract]Cash provided by/(used in) financing activitiesCash used in financing activitiesFinancing Activities [Abstract]Cash used in investing activitiesCash used in investing activitiesCash used in investing activitiesInvesting Activities [Abstract]Cash provided by operating activitiesCash provided by operating activitiesCash provided by operating activitiesOperating Activities [Abstract]Net incomeNet incomeNet incomeNet incomeNet change in cash and cash equivalentsNet change in cash and cash equivalentsChange in Accounting Principle [Domain]Change In Accounting Principle AxisChange In Accounting Principle [Abstract]Change in Accounting Principle [Text Block]Terminated interest rate swap notional amountOperating incomeOperating incomeOperating incomeTotal operating revenuesOperating revenuesOperating revenues [Abstract]Basis of Presentation [Text Block]Other operating activities, netOther operating activities, netDefined benefit plansDerivativesForeign currency translationOther comprehensive income/(loss):Other comp. income/(loss)Total other comprehensive income/(loss)Other current assetsOther Income [Text Block]Other investing activities, netOther investing activities, netOther financing activities, netOther income (Note 7)TotalOther Income Details [Abstract]OPEB [Member]Dividends paidDividends paidCommon share repurchasesCommon share repurchases (Note 17)Cash contributions to qualified pension planRetirement Plans [Text Block]Pension [Member]Percentage of total debt portfolioAmortization of actuarial lossAmortization of prior service cost/(credit)Expected return on plan assetsInterest costNet periodic benefit costService costRetirement Plans [Axis]Net Periodic Pension And OPEB Cost/(Benefit) [Line Items]Retirement Plans [Table]Commercial paper issuedDebt issued (Note 2)Proceeds from asset salesNet properties (Note 11)Net propertiesTotal propertiesProperties Tables [Abstract]Capital investmentsCapital investmentsCapital investmentsRental incomeCommercial paper repaidDebt repaidDebt repaidPayments for repurchase of common stockRetained earnings accumulated deficitRetained EarningsCumulative effect of change in accounting principle (Note 3)Other revenuesOther revenuesInterest Rate Derivatives [Text Block]Stock Based Compensation [Text Block]Commitments And Contingencies Activity [Text Block]Properties Table [Text Block]Operations and Segmentation [Text Block]Awards, shares forfeitedAwards weighted-average grant-date fair value, forfeitedAwards, shares grantedAwards weighted-average grant-date fair value, grantedAwards, shares nonvested at January 1, 2010Awards, shares nonvested at June 30, 2010Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested NumberAwards weighted-average grant-date fair value, nonvested at January 1, 2010Awards weighted-average grant-date fair value, nonvested at June 30, 2010Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Nonvested Weighted Average Grant Date Fair ValueAwards, shares vestedAwards weighted-average grant-date fair value, vestedStock options, years until vestStock options, shares exercisedIntrinsic value of stock options exercisedStock options weighted-average exercise price exercisedStock options, shares grantedStock options weighted-average exercise price grantedWeighted-average grant-date fair value of options grantedStock options aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding at January 1, 2010Stock options aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding at June 30, 2010Stock options aggregate intrinsic valueShare Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual TermStock options weighted-average remaining contractual term, outstanding at June 30, 2010Stock options, shares outstanding at January 1, 2010Stock options, shares outstanding at June 30, 2010Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding NumberShare Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise PriceStock options weighted-average exercise price, outstanding at January 1, 2010Stock options weighted-average exercise price, outstanding at June 30, 2010Stock options aggregate intrinsic value, options exercisable at June 30, 2010Stock options weighted-average exercise price, options exercisable at June 30, 2010Stock options weighted-average remaining contractual term, options exercisable at June 30, 2010Contractual TermDividend yieldExpected life (years)VolatilityRisk-free interest rateRisk-free interest rate at date of grantSchedule of Share-Based Compensation Arrangments [Axis]Cash received from option exercisesSchedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangments [Domain]Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangments [Line Items]Schedule of Share-Based Compensation Arrangments [Table]Stock Options [Member]Common shareholders' equity [Abstract]Excess tax benefits from equity compensation plansTotal current assetsCurrent assetsCurrent assets [Abstract]Average purchase priceTreasury Stock [Member]Liability for unrecognized tax benefitsLiability for unrecognized tax benefitsWeighted average number of shares - dilutedDilutedWeighted average number of shares - basicBasicCommon Stock [Member]Properties Disclosure [Text Block]Total assetsAssetsTotal assetsInterest IncomeOther long-term liabilitiesDividends declared per share.Stock Options and Other Stock Plans [Text Block]As Reported [Member]Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Common Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited) [Line Items]Capital lease financingsTreasury stockTreasury stockDerivatives.Defined benefit plans.Defined benefit plans.Debt exchange feesCommon Stock (units) [Member]Tax benefit realized from option exercisesOtherOther assetsOperating expenses [Abstract]Total operating expensesTotal operating expensesTotal operating expensesEarnings Per Share Details [Abstract]Stock options excluded as their inclusion would be antidilutiveShare and Per Share (Note 9) [Abstract]Income before income taxesIncome before income taxesIncome before income taxesProperties [Table]Common shares, par valueTotal common shareholders' equityCommon shareholders' equityShareholders' equityTotal common shareholders' equityIncome taxesIncome taxesIncome taxesAs Originally Reported [Member]Dividends declared per shareComprehensive Income/(Loss) Details [Abstract]Guarantees [Member]Statement of Changes in common shareholders' equity components [Axis]Paid-in-Surplus [Member]Retained Earnings [Member]Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Note 10) [Member]Equity Components [Domain]Freight revenuesTotal freight revenuesCapital investments accrued but not yet paidStock options, shares forfeited or expiredStock options weighted-average exercise price forfeited or expiredConversion, stock option exercises, forfeitures, and otherShare repurchases (Note 17)Conversion, stock option exercises, forfeitures, and other (shares)Share repurchases (Note 17) (shares)Shares repurchasedImpact of Adjustment [Member]Non-cash investing and financing activities [Abstract]Aggregate costAggregate purchase priceStock options weighted-average exercise price, vested or expected to vest at June 30, 2010Stock options aggregate intrinsic value, vested or expected to vest at June 30, 2010Stock options weighted-average remaining contractual term, vested or expected to vest at June 30, 2010Stock options, share options exercisable at June 30, 2010Stock options, shares vested or expected to vest at June 30, 2010Assumptions For Stock Awards [Abstract]Common sharesCommon shares, beginning balanceCommon shares, ending balanceEarnings Per Share [Text Block]Weighted-average number of shares outstanding [Abstract]Comprehensive income [Abstract]Total comp. income (Note 10)Comp. incomeTotal comprehensive incomeStockholders' equity, beginning balanceStockholders' equity, ending balanceStockholders' equityCommitments and contingencies (Note 16)Cash dividends [Abstract]Dividend per share per quarterDividends declaredAdjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities [Abstract]Variable Interest Entities [Text Block]Accounts payableAccounts payable and other current liabilities (Note 12)Total accounts payable and other current liabilitiesAccrued wages and vacationDividends declared but not yet paidDividends and interestOther current liabilitiesIncome and other taxesAccounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities Details [Abstract]Market and Credit Risk [Abstract]Collateral for hedging activityCollateral Already Posted Aggregate Fair ValueEarnings Impact [Text Block]Earnings Impact [Abstract]Increase in pre-tax incomeAmendment descriptionAmendment flagCurrent fiscal year end dateDocument period end dateEntity well known seasoned issuerEntity voluntary filersEntity current reporting statusEntity filer categoryEntity public floatEntity registrant nameEntity central index keyEntity common stock shares outstandingDocument fiscal year focusDocument fiscal period focusDocument type