Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity [Abstract]
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity [Abstract]
Statement [Table]
Statement [Table]
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]
Statement [Line Items]
Statement [Line Items]
Beginning Balance
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent
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
Ending Balance
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
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
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
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accumulated depreciation
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment
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
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowance for credit loss
Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Net receivables from contracts with customers
Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax
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.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
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 tax expense
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Net income
Debt
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]
Remaining performance obligations
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount
Disaggregation of Revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Accounting Policies and Interim Results
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]
Revenue from Contract with Customer
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]
Assets
Assets [Abstract]
Current assets:
Assets, Current [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value
Accounts receivable, net
Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current
Materials and supplies
Materials, Supplies, and Other
Other current assets
Other Assets, Current
Total current assets
Assets, Current
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $12,198 and $12,101, respectively
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Goodwill
Goodwill
Operating lease right-of-use assets
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset
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 and finance leases due within one year
Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation, Current
Total current liabilities
Liabilities, Current
Long-term debt and finance leases
Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation
Deferred income taxes
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net
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.
Pension and retiree health and welfare liability
Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent
Other liabilities
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent
Total liabilities
Liabilities
Commitments and contingencies (see Note 5)
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
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
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]
Parent Company
Parent Company [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cash distributions
Tax payments to parent company
Income Tax Payments, To Parent By Reporting Entity
Income Tax Payments, To Parent By Reporting Entity
Accounts Payable, Related Parties
Accounts Payable, Related Parties
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
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Ownership Percentage in TTX Company
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage
Equity Method Investments
Equity Method Investments
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
Retirement Plan Type [Axis]
Retirement Plan Type [Axis]
Retirement Plan Type [Domain]
Retirement Plan Type [Domain]
Pension Plan
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Number of months for highest consecutive compensation
Number of months for Highest Consecutive Compensation
Number of months for Highest Consecutive Compensation
Total number of years of salaried employees to qualify for pension plans
Total Number of Years of Salaried Employees to qualify for Pension Plan Retirement
Total Number of Years of Salaried Employees to qualify for Pension Plan Retirement
Number of funded plans
Defined Contribution Plan, Number of Funded Plans
Defined Contribution Plan, Number of Funded Plans
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
Curtailment gain
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Curtailment
Amortization of prior service credits
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)
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)
Net cost recognized
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)
Related Party Transactions
Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]
Schedule of Related Party Transactions
Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table]
Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table]
Ownership [Axis]
Ownership [Axis]
Ownership [Domain]
Ownership [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]
Guarantee Entity Name [Axis]
Guarantee Entity Name [Axis]
Guarantee Entity Name [Axis]
Guarantee Entity Name [Domain]
Guarantee Entity Name [Domain]
Guarantee Entity Name [Domain]
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
Loss Contingencies [Table]
Loss Contingencies [Table]
Loss Contingency Nature [Axis]
Loss Contingency Nature [Axis]
Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain]
Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain]
Personal Injury
Personal Injury [Member]
Personal Injury [Member]
Statistical Measurement [Axis]
Statistical Measurement [Axis]
Statistical Measurement [Domain]
Statistical Measurement [Domain]
Minimum
Minimum [Member]
Maximum
Maximum [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency, estimate of possible loss
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss
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
Current portion of ending balance
Loss Contingency, Accrual, Current
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]
Environmental Issue
Environmental Issue [Member]
Number of alleged environmental contamination sites
Administrative Judicial and Other Mandatory Cleanup Efforts Total Sites
Administrative, Judicial and Other Mandatory Cleanup Efforts, Total Sites
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
Current portion of ending balance
Accrued Environmental Loss Contingencies, Current
Schedule of Guarantor Obligations
Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table Text Block]
Employment Benefit Plans
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Table]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Table]
Segments [Axis]
Segments [Axis]
Segments [Domain]
Segments [Domain]
Consumer Products
Consumer Products [Member]
Consumer Products commodity group portion of total freight revenues.
Industrial Products
Industrial Products [Member]
Industrial Products commodity group portion of total freight revenues.
Agricultural Products
Agricultural Products [Member]
Agricultural Products commodity group portion of total freight revenues.
Coal
Coal [Member]
Non-rail logistics subsidiary
non-rail logistics subsidiary [Domain]
non-rail logistics subsidiary [Domain]
Accessorial and other
Accessorial and other [Domain]
Accessorial and other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total freight revenues
Total Freight Revenues
Total Freight Revenues
Total other revenues
Total other revenues
Total other revenues
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
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Consolidated Entities [Axis]
Consolidated Entities [Axis]
Consolidated Entities [Domain]
Consolidated Entities [Domain]
Equity Method Investments
Equity Method Investee [Member]
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 income (loss), net 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
Ending Balance
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
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 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table]
Subsequent Event Type [Axis]
Subsequent Event Type [Axis]
Subsequent Event Type [Domain]
Subsequent Event Type [Domain]
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Axis]
Debt Instrument [Axis]
Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]
Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]
Three Point Fifty Five Percent Debenture Due Feb 15 2050
Three Point Fifty Five Percent Debenture Due Feb 15 2050 [Member]
Three Point Fifty Five Percent Debenture Due Feb 15 2050 [Member]
Three Point Zero Five Percent Due February 15, 2051
Three Point Zero Five Percent Due February 15, 2051 [Member]
Three Point Zero Five Percent Due February 15, 2051 [Member]
Three Point Six Percent Debenture Due September 1, 2020
Three Point Six Percent Debenture Due September 1, 2020 [Member]
Three Point Six Percent Debenture Due September 1, 2020 [Member]
Long-term Debt, Type [Axis]
Long-term Debt, Type [Axis]
Long-term Debt, Type [Domain]
Long-term Debt, Type [Domain]
Corporate Debt Securities
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
SEC Debt Shelf Registration
SEC Debt Shelf Registration [Member]
SEC Debt Shelf Registration [Member]
Junior Subordinated Debt
Junior Subordinated Debt [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
Remaining Debt Securities Authorized by the Board
Remaining Debt Securities Authorized by the Board
Remaining Debt Securities Authorized by the Board
Debt Instrument, Face Amount
Debt Instrument, Face Amount
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage
Subordinated notes related to financial covenants
Debt Instrument, Covenant Debt
Certain issued and outstanding junior subordinated notes pertaining to certain financial covenants.
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]
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]
Payments on long-term debt and finance leases
Repayments of Long-term Debt
Cash distributions
Net cash used for financing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Excluding Exchange Rate Effect
Cash and cash equivalents:
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value [Abstract]
Beginning of period
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents
End of period
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized
Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities
Capital investments accrued but not yet paid
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid
Income taxes paid, net of refunds
Income Taxes Paid, Net
Non-cash asset financing
Lease Obligation Incurred
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis]
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis]
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain]
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain]
Commercial Paper, Bank Time Deposits, and Money Market Funds
Commercial Paper, Bank Time Deposits, and Money Market Funds [Member]
Commercial Paper, Bank Time Deposits, and Money Market Funds [Member]
BNSF Insurance Company
BNSF Insurance Company [Member]
BNSF Insurance Company [Member]
Estimated insurance recoveries
Estimated Insurance Recoveries
Insurance recoveries
Insurance Recoveries
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]
Accounts Receivable, Net
Accounts and Nontrade Receivable [Text Block]