Union Pacific (UNP) 10-Q 25 Oct 18 2018 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 19, 2018
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document type	10-Q
Document period end date	Sep. 30, 2018
Amendment flag	false
Entity registrant name	UNION PACIFIC CORP
Entity central index key	100,885
Current fiscal year end date	--12-31
Entity filer category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document fiscal year focus	2,018
Document fiscal period focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	unp
Entity common stock shares outstanding		736,790,118
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Small Business	false

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Operating revenues:
Total operating revenues	$ 5,928	$ 5,408	$ 17,075	$ 15,790
Operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits	1,262	1,237	3,776	3,703
Fuel	659	450	1,891	1,344
Purchased services and materials	632	615	1,861	1,778
Depreciation	547	528	1,636	1,573
Equipment and other rents	272	275	803	824
Other	287	230	801	709
Total operating expenses	3,659	3,335	10,768	9,931
Operating income	2,269	2,073	6,307	5,859
Other income (Note 7)	48	90	48	212
Interest expense	(241)	(180)	(630)	(531)
Income before income taxes	2,076	1,983	5,725	5,540
Income taxes	(483)	(789)	(1,313)	(2,106)
Net income	$ 1,593	$ 1,194	$ 4,412	$ 3,434
Share and Per Share (Note 9):
Earnings per share - basic	$ 2.16	$ 1.50	$ 5.82	$ 4.27
Earnings per share - diluted	$ 2.15	$ 1.50	$ 5.79	$ 4.26
Weighted average number of shares - basic	737.4	794.5	758.1	803.4
Weighted average number of shares - diluted	740.9	797.6	761.4	806.5
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.80	$ 0.605	$ 2.26	$ 1.815
Cargo and Freight [Member]
Operating revenues:
Revenue from contract with customer excluding assessed tax	$ 5,558	$ 5,050	$ 15,997	$ 14,750
Other [Member]
Operating revenues:
Revenue from contract with customer excluding assessed tax	$ 370	$ 358	$ 1,078	$ 1,040

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018		Sep. 30, 2017		Sep. 30, 2018		Sep. 30, 2017
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 1,593		$ 1,194		$ 4,412		$ 3,434
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Defined benefit plans	19		40		56		66
Foreign currency translation	17		9		(7)		34
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	36	[1]	49	[1]	49	[2]	100	[2]
Comprehensive income	$ 1,629		$ 1,243		$ 4,461		$ 3,534
[1]	Net of deferred taxes of $(7) million and $(27) million during the three months ended September 30, 2018, and 2017, respectively.
[2]	Net of deferred taxes of $(20) million and $(59) million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parentheticals) [Abstract]
Deferred taxes activity other comprehensive income/(loss)	$ (7)	$ (27)	$ (20)	$ (59)

Condensed Consolidated Statem_4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,810	$ 1,275
Short-term investments (Note 14)	90	90
Accounts receivable, net (Note 11)	1,792	1,493
Materials and supplies	789	749
Other current assets	335	399
Total current assets	4,816	4,006
Investments	1,887	1,809
Net properties (Note 12)	52,210	51,605
Other assets	399	386
Total assets	59,312	57,806
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable and other current liabilities (Note 13)	3,061	3,139
Debt due within one year (Note 15)	1,468	800
Total current liabilities	4,529	3,939
Debt due after one year (Note 15)	20,943	16,144
Deferred income taxes	11,270	10,936
Other long-term liabilities	1,925	1,931
Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)
Total liabilities	38,667	32,950
Common shareholders' equity:
Common shares, $2.50 par value, 1,400,000,000 authorized; 1,111,778,144 and 1,111,371,304 issued; 737,518,106 and 780,917,756 outstanding, respectively	2,779	2,778
Paid-in-surplus	3,803	4,476
Retained earnings	44,313	41,317
Treasury stock	(28,858)	(22,574)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 10)	(1,392)	(1,141)
Total common shareholders' equity	20,645	24,856
Total liabilities and common shareholders' equity	$ 59,312	$ 57,806

Condensed Consolidated Statem_5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Parentheticals) [Abstract]
Common shares, par value	$ 2.50	$ 2.50
Common shares authorized	1,400,000,000	1,400,000,000
Common shares issued	1,111,778,144	1,111,371,304
Common shares outstanding	737,518,106	780,917,756

Condensed Consolidated Statem_6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Operating Activities
Net income	$ 4,412	$ 3,434
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	1,636	1,573
Deferred and other income taxes	312	514
Other operating activities, net	368	85
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	(299)	(170)
Materials and supplies	(40)	(25)
Other current assets	(65)	(58)
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	(175)	(43)
Income and other taxes	225	88
Cash provided by operating activities	6,374	5,398
Investing Activities
Capital investments	(2,428)	(2,379)
Purchases of short-term investments (Note 14)	(90)	(90)
Maturities of short-term investments (Note 14)	90	60
Proceeds from asset sales	39	152
Other investing activities, net	(45)	(3)
Cash used in investing activities	(2,434)	(2,260)
Financing Activities
Common share repurchases (Note 18)	(7,024)	(2,882)
Debt issued (Note 15)	6,992	2,285
Debt repaid	(1,807)	(471)
Dividends paid	(1,716)	(1,460)
Commercial paper issued, net	195
Other financing activities, net	(45)	(40)
Cash used in financing activities	(3,405)	(2,568)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	535	570
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	1,275	1,277
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	1,810	1,847
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Capital investments accrued but not yet paid	159	120
Capital lease financings	12
Common shares repurchased but not yet paid	10	29
Cash (paid for)/received from:
Income taxes, net of refunds	(845)	(1,557)
Interest, net of amounts capitalized	$ (577)	$ (532)

Condensed Consolidated Statem_7

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Common Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Common Shares [Member]	Paid-in-Surplus [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	AOCI [Member]	[1]	Total
Shareholders' equity, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 2,777	$ 4,421	$ 32,587	$ (18,581)	$ (1,272)		$ 19,932
Common shares, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2016	1,111,000,000			(295,200,000)
Net income			3,434				3,434
Other comprehensive income/(loss)					100		100	[2]
Conversion, stock option exercises, forfeitures, and other	$ 1	33		$ 22			56
Conversion, stock option exercises, forfeitures, and other (shares)	400,000			700,000
Share repurchases (Note 18)				$ (2,911)			$ (2,911)
Share repurchases (Note 18) (shares)				(27,100,000)			(27,121,338)
Cash dividends declared			(1,460)				$ (1,460)
Shareholders' equity, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2017	$ 2,778	4,454	34,561	$ (21,470)	(1,172)		19,151
Common shares, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2017	1,111,400,000			(321,600,000)
Shareholders' equity, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 2,778	4,476	41,317	$ (22,574)	(1,141)		$ 24,856
Common shares, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2017	1,111,400,000			(330,500,000)			780,917,756
Net income			4,412				$ 4,412
Other comprehensive income/(loss)					49		49	[2]
Conversion, stock option exercises, forfeitures, and other	$ 1	47		$ 30			78
Conversion, stock option exercises, forfeitures, and other (shares)	400,000			900,000
Share repurchases (Note 18)		(720)		$ (6,314)			$ (7,034)
Share repurchases (Note 18) (shares)				(44,700,000)			(44,728,401)
Cash dividends declared			(1,716)				$ (1,716)
Reclassification due to ASU 2018-02 adoption (Note 2)			300		(300)
Shareholders' equity, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018	$ 2,779	$ 3,803	$ 44,313	$ (28,858)	$ (1,392)		$ 20,645
Common shares, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2018	1,111,800,000			(374,300,000)			737,518,106
[1]	AOCI = Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Note 10)
[2]	Net of deferred taxes of $(20) million and $(59) million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

Condensed Consolidated Statem_8

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Common Shareholders' Equity (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Cash dividends declared per share	$ 0.80	$ 0.605	$ 2.26	$ 1.815

Basis Of Presentation

Basis Of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	For purposes of this report, unless the context otherwise requires, all references herein to the “Corporation”, “Company”, “UPC”, “we”, “us”, and “our” mean Union Pacific Corporation and its subsidiaries, including Union Pacific Railroad Company, which will be separately referred to herein as “UPRR” or the “Railroad”. 1. Basis of Presentation  Our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are unaudited and reflect all adjustments (consisting of normal and recurring adjustments) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for their fair presentation in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). Pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted. Accordingly, this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto contained in our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at December 31, 2017, is derived from audited financial statements. The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year ending December 31, 2018.  The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are presented in accordance with GAAP as codified in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC).

Accounting Pronouncements

Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
Accounting Pronouncements	2. Accounting Pronouncements  In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09 (ASU 2014-09), Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) . ASU 2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition guidance in Topic 605, Revenue Recognition. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods and services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in the exchange for those goods or services. This may require the use of more judgment and estimates in order to correctly recognize the revenue expected as an outcome of each specific performance obligation. Additionally, this guidance requires the disclosure of the nature, amount, and timing of revenue arising from contracts so as to aid in the understanding of the users of financial statements.  Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09 using the modified retrospective transition method. The Company analyzed its freight and other revenues and recognizes freight revenues as freight moves from origin to destination and recognizes other revenues as identified performance obligations are satisfied. We also analyzed freight and other revenues in the context of the new guidance on principal versus agent considerations and evaluated the required new disclosures. The ASU did not have an impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.  In January 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-01 (ASU 2016-01), Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (Subtopic 825-10) . ASU 2016-01 provides guidance for the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. Effective January 1, 2018, the Company adopted the ASU and it did not have an impact on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.  In March 2017, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2017-07 (ASU 2017-07), Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost (Topic 715) . ASU 2017-07 requires the service cost component be reported separately from the other components of net benefit costs in the income statement, provides explicit guidance on the presentation of the service cost component and the other components of net benefit cost in the income statement, and allows only the service cost component of net benefit cost to be eligible for capitalization. Effective January 1, 2018, we adopted the standard on a retrospective basis. As a result of the adoption, only service costs are recorded within compensation and benefits expense, and the other components of net benefit costs are now recorded within other income. The retrospective adoption of ASU 2017-07 is shown in the following table:     Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  Millions 2018 2017 2018 2017  Increase/(decrease) in operating income $ (3) 61 $ (11) $ 49  Increase/(decrease) in other income 3 (61) 11 (49)  On February 14, 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2018-02, (ASU 2018-02), Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income , which allows entities the option to reclassify from accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) to retained earnings the income tax effects that remain stranded in AOCI resulting from the application of the Tax Act. ASU 2018-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption of the ASU is permitted. We adopted ASU 2018-02 during the first quarter of 2018. As a result of this adoption, we elected to reclassify $300 million from AOCI to retained earnings. We adopted the policy that future income tax effects that are stranded in AOCI will be released only when the entire portfolio of the type of item is liquidated.  In February 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 (ASU 2016-02), Leases (Subtopic 842) . ASU 2016-02 will require companies to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. For public companies, this standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. The Company continues to evaluate the impact of this standard on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, and cash flows, and expects that the adoption will result in an increase in the Company’s assets and liabilities of over $2 billion. However, the ultimate impact of the standard will depend on our lease portfolio as of the adoption date. Additionally, we have implemented an enterprise-wide lease management system to support the new reporting requirements and are evaluating our processes and internal controls to ensure we meet the standard’s reporting and disclosure requirements. 

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies Update	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies Update [Text Block]	 3. Significant Accounting Policies Update  Our significant accounting policies are detailed in Note 2 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017. Changes to our accounting policies as a result of adopting ASU 2014-09 are discussed below.  Revenue Recognition – Freight revenues are derived from contracts with customers. We account for a contract when it has approval and commitment from both parties, the rights of the parties are identified, payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance, and collectability of consideration is probable. Our contracts include private agreements, private rate/letter quotes, public circulars/tariffs, and interline/foreign agreements. The performance obligation in our contracts is typically delivering a specific commodity from a place of origin to a place of destination and our commitment begins with the tendering and acceptance of a freight bill of lading and is satisfied upon delivery at destination. We consider each freight shipment to be a distinct performance obligation.  We recognize freight revenues over time as freight moves from origin to destination. The allocation of revenue between reporting periods is based on the relative transit time in each reporting period with expenses recognized as incurred. Outstanding performance obligations related to freight moves in transit totaled $151 million at September 30, 2018 and $154 million at December 31, 2017 and are expected to be recognized in the next quarter as we satisfy our remaining performance obligations and deliver freight to destination. The transaction price is generally specified in a contract and may be dependent on the commodity, origin/destination, and route. Customer incentives, which are primarily provided for shipping a specified cumulative volume or shipping to/from specific locations, are recorded as a reduction to operating revenues based on actual or projected future customer shipments.  Under typical payment terms, our customers pay us after each performance obligation is satisfied and there are no material contract assets or liabilities associated with our freight revenues. Outstanding freight receivables are presented in our Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as Accounts Receivables, net.  Freight revenue related to interline transportation services that involve other railroads are reported on a net basis. The portion of the gross amount billed to customers that is remitted by the Company to another party is not reflected as freight revenue.  Other revenues consist primarily of revenues earned by our other subsidiaries (primarily logistics and commuter rail operations) and accessorial revenues. Other subsidiary revenues are generally recognized over time as shipments move from origin to destination. The allocation of revenue between reporting periods is based on the relative transit time in each reporting period with expenses recognized as incurred. Accessorial revenues are recognized at a point in time as performance obligations are satisfied.  

Operations and Segmentation

Operations and Segmentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Operations and Segmentation [Abstract]
Operations and Segmentation	4. Operations and Segmentation  The Railroad, along with its subsidiaries and rail affiliates, is our one reportable operating segment. Although we provide and analyze revenue by commodity group, we treat the financial results of the Railroad as one segment due to the integrated nature of our rail network. Our operating revenues are primarily derived from contracts with customers for the transportation of freight from origin to destination. The following table represents a disaggregation of our freight and other revenues:     Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  Millions 2018 2017 2018 2017  Agricultural Products $ 1,133 $ 1,072 $ 3,345 $ 3,230  Energy 1,214 1,204 3,498 3,285  Industrial 1,497 1,324 4,274 3,922  Premium 1,714 1,450 4,880 4,313  Total freight revenues $ 5,558 $ 5,050 $ 15,997 $ 14,750  Other subsidiary revenues 228 223 656 660  Accessorial revenues 126 121 373 335  Other 16 14 49 45  Total operating revenues $ 5,928 $ 5,408 $ 17,075 $ 15,790 Although our revenues are principally derived from customers domiciled in the U.S., the ultimate points of origination or destination for some products we transport are outside the U.S. Each of our commodity groups includes revenue from shipments to and from Mexico. Included in the above table are freight revenues from our Mexico business which amounted to $636 million and $555 million, respectively, for the three months ended September 30, 2018, and September 30, 2017, and $ 1,850 million and $ 1,697 million, respectively for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, and September 30, 2017 .

Stock-based Compensation

Stock-based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Stock-based compensation [Abstract]
Stock-based Compensation	5. Stock-Based Compensation  We have several stock-based compensation plans under which employees and non-employee directors receive stock options, nonvested retention shares, and nonvested stock units. We refer to the nonvested shares and stock units collectively as “retention awards”. We have elected to issue treasury shares to cover option exercises and stock unit vestings, while new shares are issued when retention shares are granted. Information regarding stock-based compensation appears in the table below:     Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  Millions 2018 2017 2018 2017  Stock-based compensation, before tax:  Stock options $ 5 $ 6 $ 13 $ 15  Retention awards 21 24 64 68  Total stock-based compensation, before tax $ 26 $ 30 $ 77 $ 83  Excess tax benefits from equity compensation plans $ 7 $ 4 $ 26 $ 29 Stock Options – We estimate the fair value of our stock option awards using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The table below shows the annual weighted-average assumptions used for valuation purposes:     Weighted-Average Assumptions 2018 2017  Risk-free interest rate 2.6% 2.0%  Dividend yield 2.3% 2.3%  Expected life (years) 5.3 5.3  Volatility 21.1% 21.7%  Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted $ 21.70 $ 18.19 The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant; the expected dividend yield is calculated as the ratio of dividends paid per share of common stock to the stock price on the date of grant; the expected life is based on historical and expected exercise behavior; and expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of our stock price over the expected life of the option.  A summary of stock option activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, is presented below:    Options (thous.) Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value (millions)  Outstanding at January 1, 2018 5,630 $ 83.37 5.8 yrs. $ 286  Granted 800 124.86 N/A N/A  Exercised (1,055) 71.05 N/A N/A  Forfeited or expired (103) 97.71 N/A N/A  Outstanding at September 30, 2018 5,272 $ 91.85 5.7 yrs. $ 374  Vested or expected to vest at September 30, 2018 5,218 $ 91.67 5.7 yrs. $ 371  Options exercisable at September 30, 2018 3,471 $ 83.78 4.3 yrs. $ 274 Stock options are granted at the closing price on the date of grant, have ten -year contractual terms, and vest no later than three years from the date of grant. None of the stock options outstanding at September 30, 2018, are subject to performance or market-based vesting conditions.  At September 30, 2018, there was $22 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.1 years. Additional information regarding stock option exercises appears in the table below:     Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  Millions 2018 2017 2018 2017  Intrinsic value of stock options exercised $ 30 $ 10 $ 77 40  Cash received from option exercises 26 11 71 39  Treasury shares repurchased for employee payroll taxes (6) (3) (19) (12)  Tax benefit realized from option exercises 7 4 19 15  Aggregate grant-date fair value of stock options vested - - 18 19 Retention Awards – The fair value of retention awards is based on the closing price of the stock on the grant date. Dividends and dividend equivalents are paid to participants during the vesting periods.  Changes in our retention awards during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, were as follows:     Shares (thous.) Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value  Nonvested at January 1, 2018 2,313 $ 95.04  Granted 535 125.17  Vested (626) 88.33  Forfeited (75) 101.84  Nonvested at September 30, 2018 2,147 $ 104.27 Retention awards are granted at no cost to the employee or non-employee director and vest over periods lasting up to four years. At September 30, 2018, there was $101 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested retention awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years.  Performance Retention Awards – In February 2018, our Board of Directors approved performance stock unit grants. The basic terms of these performance stock units are identical to those granted in February 2017, except for different annual return on invested capital (ROIC) performance targets. The plan also includes relative operating income growth (OIG) as a modifier compared to the companies included in the S&P 500 Industrials Index. We define ROIC as net operating profit adjusted for interest expense (including interest on the present value of operating leases) and taxes on interest divided by average invested capital adjusted for the present value of operating leases. The modifier can be up to +/- 25% of the award earned based on the ROIC achieved.  Stock units awarded to selected employees under these grants are subject to continued employment for 37 months and the attainment of certain levels of ROIC, modified for the relative OIG. We expense the fair value of the units that are probable of being earned based on our forecasted ROIC over the 3 -year performance period, and with respect to the third year of the plan, the relative OIG modifier. We measure the fair value of these performance stock units based upon the closing price of the underlying common stock as of the date of grant, reduced by the present value of estimated future dividends. Dividend equivalents are paid to participants only after the units are earned.  The assumptions used to calculate the present value of estimated future dividends related to the February 2018 grant were as follows:     2018  Dividend per share per quarter $ 0.73  Risk-free interest rate at date of grant 2.3% Changes in our performance retention awards during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, were as follows:     Shares (thous.) Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value  Nonvested at January 1, 2018 1,138 $ 92.92  Granted 348 117.80  Vested (94) 112.19  Unearned (201) 114.97  Forfeited (75) 89.32  Nonvested at September 30, 2018 1,116 $ 95.33 At September 30, 2018, there was $47 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested performance retention awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.4 years. This expense is subject to achievement of the performance measures established for the performance stock unit grants.

Retirement Plans

Retirement Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Retirement Plans	6. Retirement Plans  Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits  Pension Plans – We provide defined benefit retirement income to eligible non-union employees through qualified and non-qualified (supplemental) pension plans. Qualified and non-qualified pension benefits are based on years of service and the highest compensation during the latest years of employment, with specific reductions made for early retirements.  Other Postretirement Benefits (OPEB) – We provide medical and life insurance benefits for eligible retirees. These benefits are funded as medical claims and life insurance premiums are paid.  Expense  Both pension and OPEB expense are determined based upon the annual service cost of benefits (the actuarial cost of benefits earned during a period) and the interest cost on those liabilities, less the expected return on plan assets. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is applied to a calculated value of plan assets that recognizes changes in fair value over a five -year period. This practice is intended to reduce year-to-year volatility in pension expense, but it can have the effect of delaying the recognition of differences between actual returns on assets and expected returns based on long-term rate of return assumptions. Differences in actual experience in relation to assumptions are not recognized in net income immediately, but are deferred in accumulated other comprehensive income and, if necessary, amortized as pension or OPEB expense.  The components of our net periodic pension cost were as follows:     Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended  September 30, September 30,   Millions 2018 2017 2018 2017  Service cost $ 26 $ 21 $ 79 $ 66  Interest cost 36 35 108 106  Expected return on plan assets (68) (66) (204) (198)  Curtailment cost - 20 - 20  Special termination cost - 47 - 47  Amortization of actuarial loss 24 20 69 59  Net periodic pension cost $ 18 $ 77 $ 52 $ 100  The components of our net periodic OPEB cost were as follows:     Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended  September 30, September 30,   Millions 2018 2017 2018 2017  Service cost $ - $ - $ 1 $ 1  Interest cost 3 3 8 8  Amortization of:  Prior service cost - - 1 -  Actuarial loss 2 2 7 7  Net periodic OPEB cost $ 5 $ 5 $ 17 $ 16  As a result of the adoption of ASU 2017-07 effective January 1, 2018, only service costs are recorded within compensation and benefits expense, and the other components of net benefit costs are now recorded within other income.  Cash Contributions  For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we did not make any cash contributions to the qualified pension plan. Any contributions made during 2018 will be based on cash generated from operations and financial market considerations. Our policy with respect to funding the qualified plans is to fund at least the minimum required by law and not more than the maximum amount deductible for tax purposes. At September 30, 2018, we do not have minimum cash funding requirements for 2018.

Other Income

Other Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Other Income [Abstract]
Other Income	7. Other Income  Other income included the following:     Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended  September 30, September 30,   Millions 2018 2017 2018 2017  Early extinguishment of debt [a] $ - $ - $ (85) $ -  Rental income [b] 33 89 91 152  Interest income 10 4 19 10  Net gain on non-operating asset dispositions [c] 6 63 19 108  Net periodic pension and OPEB costs 3 (61) 11 (49)  Non-operating environmental costs and other (4) (5) (7) (9)  Total $ 48 $ 90 $ 48 $ 212  [a] 2018 includes a debt extinguishment charge for the early redemption of certain bonds and debentures in the first quarter (Note 15). [b] 2 017 includes $65 million related to a favorable litigation settlement in the third quarter. [c] 2017 includes $26 million related to a real estate sale in the first quarter and $57 million related to a real estate sale in the third quarter.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Tax [Abstract]
Income Taxes	8. Income Taxes  On December 22, 2017, The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Tax Act) was enacted. The Tax Act made significant changes to federal tax law, including a reduction in the federal income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018, 100% bonus depreciation for certain capital expenditures, stricter limits on deductions for interest and certain executive compensation, and a one-time transition tax on previously deferred earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries. As a result of our initial analysis of the Tax Act and existing implementation guidance, we remeasured our deferred tax assets and liabilities and computed our transition tax liability net of offsetting foreign tax credits. This resulted in a $5.9 billion reduction in our income tax expense in the fourth quarter of 2017. We also recorded a $212 million reduction to our operating expense related to income tax adjustments at equity-method affiliates in the fourth quarter of 2017.  The SEC provided guidance in SAB 118 on accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Act. In accordance with that guidance, some of the income tax effects recorded in 2017 are provisional, including those related to our analysis of 100% bonus depreciation for certain capital expenditures, stricter limits on deductions for certain executive compensation, the one-time transition tax, and the reduction to our operating expense related to income tax adjustments at equity-method affiliates. The accounting for the income tax effects may be adjusted during 2018 as a result of continuing analysis of the Tax Act; additional implementation guidance from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), state tax authorities, the SEC, the FASB, or the Joint Committee on Taxation; and new information from domestic or foreign equity affiliates. We had no material adjustments to our initial analysis of the Tax Act in the nine months ended September 30, 2018.  The IRS is examining UPC’s 2016 tax return. The statute of limitations has run for all years prior to 2015. In 2017, UPC amended its 2013 income tax return, primarily to claim deductions resulting from the resolution of prior year IRS examinations. The IRS and Joint Committee on Taxation have completed their review of the 2013 return, and in the second quarter of 2018 we received a refund of $19 million. Several state tax authorities are examining our state tax returns for years 2010 through 2016.  In May of 2018, Iowa enacted legislation to reduce its corporate tax rate beginning in 2021. The rate change reduced our deferred tax expense by $17 million in the second quarter of 2018.  In June of 2018, Missouri enacted legislation to reduce its corporate tax rate beginning in 2020. The rate change reduced our deferred tax expense by $14 million in the second quarter of 2018.  At September 30, 2018, we had a net liability for unrecognized tax benefits of $177 million. 

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	9. Earnings Per Share  The following table provides a reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share:      Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  Millions, Except Per Share Amounts 2018 2017 2018 2017  Net income $ 1,593 $ 1,194 $ 4,412 $ 3,434  Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:  Basic 737.4 794.5 758.1 803.4  Dilutive effect of stock options 2.0 1.7 1.9 1.7  Dilutive effect of retention shares and units 1.5 1.4 1.4 1.4  Diluted 740.9 797.6 761.4 806.5  Earnings per share – basic $ 2.16 $ 1.50 $ 5.82 $ 4.27  Earnings per share – diluted $ 2.15 $ 1.50 $ 5.79 $ 4.26  Stock options excluded as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive - 1.9 0.4 1.8 

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)	10. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)  Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, and 2017, were as follows (net of tax):     Millions Defined benefit plans Foreign currency translation Total  Balance at July 1, 2018 $ (1,217) $ (211) $ (1,428)  Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications - 17 17  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) [a] 19 - 19  Net quarter-to-date other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes of $(7) million 19 17 36  Balance at September 30, 2018 $ (1,198) $ (194) $ (1,392)   Balance at July 1, 2017 $ (1,106) $ (115) $ (1,221)  Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications 3 9 12  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) [a] 37 - 37  Net quarter-to-date other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes of $(27) million 40 9 49  Balance at September 30, 2017 $ (1,066) $ (106) $ (1,172)  [a] The accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) reclassification components are 1) prior service cost/(credit) and 2) net actuarial loss which are both included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 6 Retirement Plans for additional details.      Millions Defined benefit plans Foreign currency translation Total  Balance at January 1, 2018 $ (1,029) $ (112) $ (1,141)  Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications (1) (7) (8)  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) [a] 57 - 57  Net year-to-date other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes of $(20) million 56 (7) 49  Reclassification due to ASU 2018-02 adoption (Note 2) (225) (75) (300)  Balance at September 30, 2018 $ (1,198) $ (194) $ (1,392)   Balance at January 1, 2017 $ (1,132) $ (140) $ (1,272)  Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications 1 34 35  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) [a] 65 - 65  Net year-to-date other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes of $(59) million 66 34 100  Balance at September 30, 2017 $ (1,066) $ (106) $ (1,172)  [a] The accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) reclassification components are 1) prior service cost/(credit) and 2) net actuarial loss which are both included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 6 Retirement Plans for additional details.   

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable	11. Accounts Receivable  Accounts receivable includes freight and other receivables reduced by an allowance for doubtful accounts. The allowance is based upon historical losses, credit worthiness of customers, and current economic conditions. At both September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, our accounts receivable were reduced by $3 million. Receivables not expected to be collected in one year and the associated allowances are classified as other assets in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position. At September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, receivables classified as other assets were reduced by allowances of $27 million and $17 million, respectively.  Receivables Securitization Facility – The Railroad maintains a $650 million, 3 -year receivables securitization facility (the Receivables Facility) maturing in July 2019 . Under the Receivables Facility, the Railroad sells most of its eligible third-party receivables to Union Pacific Receivables, Inc. (UPRI), a consolidated, wholly-owned, bankruptcy-remote subsidiary that may subsequently transfer, without recourse, an undivided interest in accounts receivable to investors. The investors have no recourse to the Railroad’s other assets except for customary warranty and indemnity claims. Creditors of the Railroad do not have recourse to the assets of UPRI.  The amount outstanding under the Receivables Facility was $40 0 million and $500 million at September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively. The Receivables Facility was supported by $1.4 billion and $1.1 billion of accounts receivable as collateral at September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively, which, as a retained interest, is included in accounts receivable, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.  The outstanding amount the Railroad is allowed to maintain under the Receivables Facility, with a maximum of $650 million, may fluctuate based on the availability of eligible receivables and is directly affected by business volumes and credit risks, including receivables payment quality measures such as default and dilution ratios. If default or dilution ratios increase one percent, the allowable outstanding amount under the Receivables Facility would not materially change.  The costs of the Receivables Facility include interest, which will vary based on prevailing benchmark and commercial paper rates, program fees paid to participating banks, commercial paper issuance costs, and fees of participating banks for unused commitment availability. The costs of the Receivables Facility are included in interest expense and were $3 million and $1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, and 2017, respectively, and $11 million and $4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

Properties

Properties	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Properties [Abstract]
Properties	12. Properties  The following tables list the major categories of property and equipment, as well as the weighted-average estimated useful life for each category (in years):     Millions, Except Estimated Useful Life Accumulated Net Book Estimated  As of September 30, 2018 Cost Depreciation Value Useful Life  Land $ 5,268 $ N/A $ 5,268 N/A  Road:  Rail and other track material 16,670 6,093 10,577 43  Ties 10,395 3,027 7,368 33  Ballast 5,518 1,573 3,945 34  Other roadway [a] 19,375 3,700 15,675 48  Total road 51,958 14,393 37,565 N/A  Equipment:  Locomotives 9,715 3,836 5,879 19  Freight cars 2,242 939 1,303 24  Work equipment and other 989 297 692 19  Total equipment 12,946 5,072 7,874 N/A  Technology and other 1,128 492 636 12  Construction in progress 867 - 867 N/A  Total $ 72,167 $ 19,957 $ 52,210 N/A     Millions, Except Estimated Useful Life Accumulated Net Book Estimated  As of December 31, 2017 Cost Depreciation Value Useful Life  Land $ 5,258 $ N/A $ 5,258 N/A  Road:  Rail and other track material 16,327 5,929 10,398 43  Ties 10,132 2,881 7,251 33  Ballast 5,406 1,509 3,897 34  Other roadway [a] 18,972 3,482 15,490 47  Total road 50,837 13,801 37,036 N/A  Equipment:  Locomotives 9,686 3,697 5,989 19  Freight cars 2,255 983 1,272 24  Work equipment and other 936 267 669 19  Total equipment 12,877 4,947 7,930 N/A  Technology and other 1,105 460 645 11  Construction in progress 736 - 736 N/A  Total $ 70,813 $ 19,208 $ 51,605 N/A  [a] Other roadway includes grading, bridges and tunnels, signals, buildings, and other road assets.

Accounts Payable and Other Curr

Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilties [Abstract]
Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities	13. Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities     Sep. 30, Dec. 31,  Millions 2018 2017  Accounts payable $ 905 $ 1,013  Income and other taxes payable 644 547  Accrued wages and vacation 381 384  Interest payable 240 220  Accrued casualty costs 200 194  Equipment rents payable 113 110  Other 578 671  Total accounts payable and other current liabilities $ 3,061 $ 3,139

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Financial Instruments[Abstract]
Financial Instruments	14. Financial Instruments  Short-Term Investments – The Company’s short-term investments consist of time deposits ( $90 million as of September 30, 2018). These investments are considered Level 2 investments and are valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. All short-term investments have a maturity of less than one year and are classified as held-to-maturity. There were no transfers out of Level 2 during the nine months ended September 30, 2018.  Fair Value of Financial Instruments – The fair value of our short- and long-term debt was estimated using a market value price model, which utilizes applicable U.S. Treasury rates along with current market quotes on comparable debt securities. All of the inputs used to determine the fair market value of the Corporation’s long-term debt are Level 2 inputs and obtained from an independent source. At September 30, 2018, the fair value of total debt was $22.2 billion, approximately $0.2 billion less than the carrying value. At December 31, 2017, the fair value of total debt was $18.2 billion, approximately $1.3 billion more than the carrying value. The fair value of the Corporation’s debt is a measure of its current value under present market conditions. At September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, approximately $0 and $155 million, respectively of debt securities contained call provisions that allow us to retire the debt instruments prior to final maturity, at par, without the payment of fixed call premiums. The fair value of our cash equivalents approximates their carrying value due to the short-term maturities of these instruments.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt [Abstract]
Debt	15. Debt  Credit Facilities – During the second quarter of 2018, we replaced our $1.7 billion revolving credit facility, which was scheduled to expire in May 2019, with a new $2.0 billion facility that expires in June 2023 (the Facility). The Facility is based on substantially similar terms as those in the previous credit facility. At September 30, 2018, we had $ 2.0 billion of credit available under our revolving credit facility, which is designated for general corporate purposes and supports the issuance of commercial paper. We did not draw on either facility at any time during the nine months ended September 30, 2018. Commitment fees and interest rates payable under the Facility are similar to fees and rates available to comparably rated, investment-grade borrowers. The Facility allows for borrowings at floating rates based on London Interbank Offered Rates, plus a spread, depending upon credit ratings for our senior unsecured debt. The prior facility required UPC to maintain a debt-to-net-worth coverage ratio. The new five -year facility requires UPC to maintain a debt-to-EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) coverage ratio.  The definition of debt used for purposes of calculating the debt-to-EBITDA coverage ratio includes, among other things, certain credit arrangements, capital leases, guarantees, unfunded and vested pension benefits under Title IV of ERISA, and unamortized debt discount and deferred debt issuance costs. At September 30, 2018, the Company was in compliance with the debt-to-EBITDA coverage ratio, which allows us to carry up to $37.3 billion of debt (as defined in the Facility), and we had $23.3 billion of debt (as defined in the Facility) outstanding at that date. Under our current financial plans, we expect to continue to satisfy the debt-to-EBITDA coverage ratio; however, many factors beyond our reasonable control could affect our ability to comply with this provision in the future. The Facility does not include any other financial restrictions, credit rating triggers (other than rating-dependent pricing), or any other provision that could require us to post collateral. The Facility also includes a $150 million cross-default provision and a change-of-control provision.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we issued $6.46 billion and repaid $6.26 billion of commercial paper with maturities ranging from 1 to 34 days, and at September 30, 2018, we had $200 million of commercial paper outstanding. Our revolving credit facility supports our outstanding commercial paper balances, and, unless we change the terms of our commercial paper program, our aggregate issuance of commercial paper will not exceed the amount of borrowings available under the Facility.  In May 2018, we entered into a short-term bilateral line of credit agreement with $1.0 billion of credit available. During the three months ended June 30, 2018, we drew and repaid $750 million. The line of credit matured in August 2018 . We used the proceeds for general corporate purposes, including the repurchase of common stock pursuant to our share repurchase programs.  Shelf Registration Statement and Significant New Borrowings – We filed an automatic shelf registration statement with the SEC that became effective on February 12, 2018 (the Shelf). The Board of Directors authorized the issuance of up to $6 billion of debt securities, replacing the prior Board authorization in July 2016, which had $1.55 billion of authority remaining. Under our Shelf registration, we may issue, from time to time, any combination of debt securities, preferred stock, common stock, or warrants for debt securities or preferred stock in one or more offerings.  During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we issued the following unsecured, fixed-rate debt securities under our current Shelf registration:    Date Description of Securities  June 8, 2018 $600 million of 3.200% Notes due June 8, 2021  $650 million of 3.500% Notes due June 8, 2023  $500 million of 3.750% Notes due July 15, 2025  $1.5 billion of 3.950% Notes due September 10, 2028  $750 million of 4.375% Notes due September 10, 2038  $1.5 billion of 4.500% Notes due September 10, 2048  $500 million of 4.800% Notes due September 10, 2058  We used the net proceeds from this offering for general corporate purposes, including the repurchase of common stock pursuant to our share repurchase programs. These debt securities include change-of-control provisions.  On July 26, 2018, the Board of Directors renewed its authorization for the Company to issue up to $6.0 billion of debt securities under the Shelf. This authorization replaces the original Board authorization in February 2018 which had no remaining authority. At September 30, 2018 , we had remaining authority to issue up to $6.0 billion of debt securities under our Shelf registration.  Receivables Securitization Facility – As of September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, we recorded $400 million and $500 million, respectively, of borrowings under our Receivables Facility as secured debt. (See further discussion of our receivables securitization facility in Note 11).  Debt Redemption – Effective as of March 15, 2018 , we redeemed, in entirety, the Missouri Pacific 5% Income Debentures due 2045 , the Chicago and Eastern Illinois 5% Income Debentures due 2054 , and the Missouri Pacific 4.75% General Mortgage Income Bonds Series A due 2020 and Series B due 2030 . The debentures had principal outstanding of $96 million and $2 million, respectively, and the bonds had principal outstanding of $30 million and $27 million, respectively. The bonds and debentures were assumed by the Railroad in the 1982 acquisition of the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company, with a weighted average interest rate of 4.9% . The carrying value of all four bonds and debentures at the time of redemption was $70 million, due to fair value purchase accounting adjustments related to the acquisition. The redemption resulted in an early extinguishment charge of $85 million in the first quarter of 2018 .

Variable Interest Entities

Variable Interest Entities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities	16. Variable Interest Entities  We have entered into various lease transactions in which the structure of the leases contain variable interest entities (VIEs). These VIEs were created solely for the purpose of doing lease transactions (principally involving railroad equipment and facilities) and have no other activities, assets or liabilities outside of the lease transactions. Within these lease arrangements, we have the right to purchase some or all of the assets at fixed prices. Depending on market conditions, fixed-price purchase options available in the leases could potentially provide benefits to us; however, these benefits are not expected to be significant.  We maintain and operate the assets based on contractual obligations within the lease arrangements, which set specific guidelines consistent within the railroad industry. As such, we have no control over activities that could materially impact the fair value of the leased assets. We do not hold the power to direct the activities of the VIEs and, therefore, do not control the ongoing activities that have a significant impact on the economic performance of the VIEs. Additionally, we do not have the obligation to absorb losses of the VIEs or the right to receive benefits of the VIEs that could potentially be significant to the VIEs.  We are not considered to be the primary beneficiary and do not consolidate these VIEs because our actions and decisions do not have the most significant effect on the VIE’s performance and our fixed-price purchase options are not considered to be potentially significant to the VIEs. The future minimum lease payments associated with the VIE leases totaled $1.7 billion as of September 30, 2018.

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	17. Commitments and Contingencies  Asserted and Unasserted Claims – Various claims and lawsuits are pending against us and certain of our subsidiaries. We cannot fully determine the effect of all asserted and unasserted claims on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity. To the extent possible, we have recorded a liability where asserted and unasserted claims are considered probable and where such claims can be reasonably estimated. We do not expect that any known lawsuits, claims, environmental costs, commitments, contingent liabilities, or guarantees will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity after taking into account liabilities and insurance recoveries previously recorded for these matters.  Personal Injury – The cost of personal injuries to employees and others related to our activities is charged to expense based on estimates of the ultimate cost and number of incidents each year. We use an actuarial analysis to measure the expense and liability, including unasserted claims. The Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) governs compensation for work-related accidents. Under FELA, damages are assessed based on a finding of fault through litigation or out-of-court settlements. We offer a comprehensive variety of services and rehabilitation programs for employees who are injured at work. Our personal injury liability is not discounted to present value due to the uncertainty surrounding the timing of future payments. Approximately 94% of the recorded liability is related to asserted claims and approximately 6% is related to unasserted claims at September 30, 2018. Because of the uncertainty surrounding the ultimate outcome of personal injury claims, it is reasonably possible that future costs to settle these claims may range from approximately $273 million to $299 million. We record an accrual at the low end of the range as no amount of loss within the range is more probable than any other. Estimates can vary over time due to evolving trends in litigation.  Our personal injury liability activity was as follows :     Millions,  for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017  Beginning balance $ 285 $ 290  Current year accruals 53 58  Changes in estimates for prior years (15) (6)  Payments (50) (55)  Ending balance at September 30 $ 273 $ 287  Current portion, ending balance at September 30 $ 70 $ 69 We have insurance coverage for a portion of the costs incurred to resolve personal injury-related claims, and we have recognized an asset for estimated insurance recoveries at September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017. Any changes to recorded insurance recoveries are included in the above table in the Changes in estimates for prior years category. Environmental Costs – We are subject to federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. We have identified 346 sites at which we are or may be liable for remediation costs associated with alleged contamination or for violations of environmental requirements. This includes 33 sites that are the subject of actions taken by the U.S. government, 21 of which are currently on the Superfund National Priorities List. Certain federal legislation imposes joint and several liability for the remediation of identified sites; consequently, our ultimate environmental liability may include costs relating to activities of other parties, in addition to costs relating to our own activities at each site.  When we identify an environmental issue with respect to property owned, leased, or otherwise used in our business, we perform, with assistance of our consultants, environmental assessments on the property. We expense the cost of the assessments as incurred. We accrue the cost of remediation where our obligation is probable and such costs can be reasonably estimated. Our environmental liability is not discounted to present value due to the uncertainty surrounding the timing of future payments.  Our environmental liability activity was as follows:     Millions,  for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 2017  Beginning balance $ 196 $ 212  Accruals 62 31  Payments (41) (42)  Ending balance at September 30 $ 217 $ 201  Current portion, ending balance at September 30 $ 58 $ 56 The environmental liability includes future costs for remediation and restoration of sites, as well as ongoing monitoring costs, but excludes any anticipated recoveries from third parties. Cost estimates are based on information available for each site, financial viability of other potentially responsible parties, and existing technology, laws, and regulations. The ultimate liability for remediation is difficult to determine because of the number of potentially responsible parties, site-specific cost sharing arrangements with other potentially responsible parties, the degree of contamination by various wastes, the scarcity and quality of volumetric data related to many of the sites, and the speculative nature of remediation costs. Estimates of liability may vary over time due to changes in federal, state, and local laws governing environmental remediation. Current obligations are not expected to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.  Insurance – The Company has a consolidated, wholly-owned captive insurance subsidiary (the captive), that provides insurance coverage for certain risks including FELA claims and property coverage which are subject to reinsurance. The captive entered into annual reinsurance treaty agreements that insure workers compensation, general liability, auto liability and FELA risk. The captive cedes a portion of its FELA exposure through the treaty and assumes a proportionate share of the entire risk. The captive receives direct premiums, which are netted against the Company’s premium costs in other expenses in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. The treaty agreements provide for certain protections against the risk of treaty participants’ non-performance, and we do not believe our exposure to treaty participants’ non-performance is material at this time. In the event the Company leaves the reinsurance program, the Company is not relieved of its primary obligation to the policyholders for activity prior to the termination of the treaty agreements. We record both liabilities and reinsurance receivables using an actuarial analysis based on historical experience in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.  Guarantees – At September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, we were contingently liable for $26 million and $33 million, respectively, in guarantees. The fair value of these obligations as of both September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017 was $0 . We entered into these contingent guarantees in the normal course of business, and they include guaranteed obligations related to our affiliated operations. The final guarantee expires in 2022 . We are not aware of any existing event of default that would require us to satisfy these guarantees. We do not expect that these guarantees will have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or liquidity. Indemnities – We are contingently obligated under a variety of indemnification arrangements, although in some cases the extent of our potential liability is limited, depending on the nature of the transactions and the agreements. Due to uncertainty as to whether claims will be made or how they will be resolved, we cannot reasonably determine the probability of an adverse claim or reasonably estimate any adverse liability or the total maximum exposure under these indemnification arrangements. We do not have any reason to believe that we will be required to make any material payments under these indemnity provisions .  Operating Leases – At September 30, 2018, we had commitments for future minimum lease payments under operating leases with initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in excess of one year of approximately $2.3 billion .  Gain Contingency – UPRR filed multiple claims with the IRS for refunds of railroad retirement taxes (Railroad Retirement Taxes) paid on (i) certain stock awards to its employees and (ii) certain bonus payments it made to labor agreement employees during the years 1991-2017. In 2016, the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska (the District Court) denied UPRR recovery of these Railroad Retirement Taxes. UPRR appealed this denial to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8 th Circuit (8 th Circuit) and the 8 th Circuit ruled in favor of UPRR and remanded the case to the District Court. The IRS appealed the 8 th Circuit ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court. In June 2018, a similar case for another railroad was decided by the U.S. Supreme Court against the IRS and in favor of that railroad ( Wisconsin Central LTD., Et. Al. v. U.S. ). As a result, the U.S. Supreme Court denied the IRS request to appeal the 8 th Circuit ruling and our refund claims for 1991-2007 are currently pending review in the District Court. Claims from 2008-2017 are also pending before the IRS. These claims are considered gain contingencies and no refund amounts have been recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements as of September 30, 2018. The claims will be recognized when we are certain as to the amount and timing of the refunds. These refunds may significantly impact UPRR’s results of operations during the reporting period or periods in which they are recognized. 

Share Repurchase Program

Share Repurchase Program	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Share Repurchase Program [Abstract]
Share Repurchase Program	18. Share Repurchase Programs  Effective January 1, 2017, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 120 million shares of our common stock by December 31, 2020 , replacing our previous repurchase program. As of September 30, 2018, we repurchased a total of $29.5 billion of our common stock since commencement of our repurchase programs in 2007. The table below represents shares repurchased under this repurchase program during 2017 and 2018.      Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid  2018 2017 2018 2017  First quarter 9,259,004 7,531,300 $ 132.84 $ 106.55  Second quarter [a] 33,229,992 7,788,283 142.74 109.10  Third quarter 2,239,405 11,801,755 151.94 106.69  Total 44,728,401 27,121,338 $ 141.15 $ 107.34  Remaining number of shares that may be repurchased under current authority 38,918,751  [a] Includes 19,870,292 shares repurchased in June 2018 under accelerated share repurchase programs.  Management's assessments of market conditions and other pertinent factors guide the timing and volume of all repurchases. We expect to fund any share repurchases under this program through cash generated from operations, the sale or lease of various operating and non-operating properties, debt issuances, and cash on hand. Repurchased shares are recorded in treasury stock at cost, which includes any applicable commissions and fees.  Accelerated Share Repurchase Programs – On June 14, 2018, the Company established accelerated share repurchase programs (ASRs) with two financial institutions to repurchase shares of our common stock. On June 15, 2018, the Company received 19,870,292 shares of its common stock repurchased under the ASRs for an aggregate of $3.6 billion. When the shares were received, the exchange was accounted for as an equity transaction with $2.9 billion of the aggregate amount allocated to treasury stock and the remaining $0.7 billion allocated to paid-in-surplus. The Company reflected the shares received as a repurchase of common stock in the weighted average common shares outstanding calculation for basic and diluted earnings per share.  Under these ASRs, we paid a specified amount to the financial institutions and received an initial delivery of shares. This delivery of shares represents the initial and likely minimum number of shares that we may receive under the ASRs. The final number of shares to be repurchased under the ASRs will be based on the volume weighted average stock price of the Company’s common stock during the ASR term, less a discount and subject to potential adjustments pursuant to the terms of such ASR.  On October 25, 2018, half of the remaining balance was settled through receipt of 2,220,380 additional shares from one of the financial institutions. The final settlement with the other financial institution is expected to be completed prior to the end of the fourth quarter of 2018.

Related Parties

Related Parties	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Related Parties [Abstract]
Related Parties	 19. Related Parties UPRR and other North American railroad companies jointly own TTX Company (TTX). UPRR has a 36.79% economic and voting interest in TTX while the other North American railroads own the remaining interest. In accordance with ASC 323 Investments - Equity Method and Joint Venture , UPRR applies the equity method of accounting to our investment in TTX.  TTX is a railcar pooling company that owns railcars and intermodal wells to serve North America’s railroads. TTX assists railroads in meeting the needs of their customers by providing railcars in an efficient, pooled environment. All railroads have the ability to utilize TTX railcars through car hire by renting railcars at stated rates.  UPRR had $1.3 billion and $1.2 billion recognized as investments related to TTX in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position as of September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively. TTX car hire expenses of $104 million and $100 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, and 2017, respectively, and $324 million and $284 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, and 2017, respectively, are included in equipment and other rents in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income. In addition, UPRR had accounts payable to TTX of $68 million and $69 million as of September 30, 2018, and December 31, 2017, respectively.

Significant Accounting Polici_2

Significant Accounting Policies Update (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition Policy [Text Block]	Revenue Recognition – Freight revenues are derived from contracts with customers. We account for a contract when it has approval and commitment from both parties, the rights of the parties are identified, payment terms are identified, the contract has commercial substance, and collectability of consideration is probable. Our contracts include private agreements, private rate/letter quotes, public circulars/tariffs, and interline/foreign agreements. The performance obligation in our contracts is typically delivering a specific commodity from a place of origin to a place of destination and our commitment begins with the tendering and acceptance of a freight bill of lading and is satisfied upon delivery at destination. We consider each freight shipment to be a distinct performance obligation.  We recognize freight revenues over time as freight moves from origin to destination. The allocation of revenue between reporting periods is based on the relative transit time in each reporting period with expenses recognized as incurred. Outstanding performance obligations related to freight moves in transit totaled $151 million at September 30, 2018 and $154 million at December 31, 2017 and are expected to be recognized in the next quarter as we satisfy our remaining performance obligations and deliver freight to destination. The transaction price is generally specified in a contract and may be dependent on the commodity, origin/destination, and route. Customer incentives, which are primarily provided for shipping a specified cumulative volume or shipping to/from specific locations, are recorded as a reduction to operating revenues based on actual or projected future customer shipments.  Under typical payment terms, our customers pay us after each performance obligation is satisfied and there are no material contract assets or liabilities associated with our freight revenues. Outstanding freight receivables are presented in our Consolidated Statement of Financial Position as Accounts Receivables, net.  Freight revenue related to interline transportation services that involve other railroads are reported on a net basis. The portion of the gross amount billed to customers that is remitted by the Company to another party is not reflected as freight revenue.  Other revenues consist primarily of revenues earned by our other subsidiaries (primarily logistics and commuter rail operations) and accessorial revenues. Other subsidiary revenues are generally recognized over time as shipments move from origin to destination. The allocation of revenue between reporting periods is based on the relative transit time in each reporting period with expenses recognized as incurred. Accessorial revenues are recognized at a point in time as performance obligations are satisfied.

Accounting Pronouncements (Tabl

Accounting Pronouncements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block]	 The retrospective adoption of ASU 2017-07 is shown in the following table:     Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  Millions 2018 2017 2018 2017  Increase/(decrease) in operating income $ (3) 61 $ (11) $ 49  Increase/(decrease) in other income 3 (61) 11 (49) 

Operations and Segmentation (Ta

Operations and Segmentation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Operations and Segmentation [Abstract]
Freight Revenue By Commodity Group	Our operating revenues are primarily derived from contracts with customers for the transportation of freight from origin to destination. The following table represents a disaggregation of our freight and other revenues:     Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  Millions 2018 2017 2018 2017  Agricultural Products $ 1,133 $ 1,072 $ 3,345 $ 3,230  Energy 1,214 1,204 3,498 3,285  Industrial 1,497 1,324 4,274 3,922  Premium 1,714 1,450 4,880 4,313  Total freight revenues $ 5,558 $ 5,050 $ 15,997 $ 14,750  Other subsidiary revenues 228 223 656 660  Accessorial revenues 126 121 373 335  Other 16 14 49 45  Total operating revenues $ 5,928 $ 5,408 $ 17,075 $ 15,790

Stock-based Compensation (Table

Stock-based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Stock-based compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Information regarding stock-based compensation appears in the table below:     Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  Millions 2018 2017 2018 2017  Stock-based compensation, before tax:  Stock options $ 5 $ 6 $ 13 $ 15  Retention awards 21 24 64 68  Total stock-based compensation, before tax $ 26 $ 30 $ 77 $ 83  Excess tax benefits from equity compensation plans $ 7 $ 4 $ 26 $ 29 
Stock Options Weight Average Assumptions	The table below shows the annual weighted-average assumptions used for valuation purposes:     Weighted-Average Assumptions 2018 2017  Risk-free interest rate 2.6% 2.0%  Dividend yield 2.3% 2.3%  Expected life (years) 5.3 5.3  Volatility 21.1% 21.7%  Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted $ 21.70 $ 18.19
Stock Options Activity	A summary of stock option activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, is presented below:    Options (thous.) Weighted-Average Exercise Price Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate Intrinsic Value (millions)  Outstanding at January 1, 2018 5,630 $ 83.37 5.8 yrs. $ 286  Granted 800 124.86 N/A N/A  Exercised (1,055) 71.05 N/A N/A  Forfeited or expired (103) 97.71 N/A N/A  Outstanding at September 30, 2018 5,272 $ 91.85 5.7 yrs. $ 374  Vested or expected to vest at September 30, 2018 5,218 $ 91.67 5.7 yrs. $ 371  Options exercisable at September 30, 2018 3,471 $ 83.78 4.3 yrs. $ 274
Stock Option Exercises	Additional information regarding stock option exercises appears in the table below:     Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  Millions 2018 2017 2018 2017  Intrinsic value of stock options exercised $ 30 $ 10 $ 77 40  Cash received from option exercises 26 11 71 39  Treasury shares repurchased for employee payroll taxes (6) (3) (19) (12)  Tax benefit realized from option exercises 7 4 19 15  Aggregate grant-date fair value of stock options vested - - 18 19
Retention Awards Activity	Changes in our retention awards during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, were as follows:     Shares (thous.) Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value  Nonvested at January 1, 2018 2,313 $ 95.04  Granted 535 125.17  Vested (626) 88.33  Forfeited (75) 101.84  Nonvested at September 30, 2018 2,147 $ 104.27
Performance Retention Awards Present Value Calculation Assumptions	The assumptions used to calculate the present value of estimated future dividends related to the February 2018 grant were as follows:     2018  Dividend per share per quarter $ 0.73  Risk-free interest rate at date of grant 2.3%
Performance Based Units Activity	Changes in our performance retention awards during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, were as follows:     Shares (thous.) Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value  Nonvested at January 1, 2018 1,138 $ 92.92  Granted 348 117.80  Vested (94) 112.19  Unearned (201) 114.97  Forfeited (75) 89.32  Nonvested at September 30, 2018 1,116 $ 95.33 

Retirement Plans (Tables)

Retirement Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Net Periodic Pension And OPEB Cost/(Benefit)	The components of our net periodic pension cost were as follows:     Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended  September 30, September 30,   Millions 2018 2017 2018 2017  Service cost $ 26 $ 21 $ 79 $ 66  Interest cost 36 35 108 106  Expected return on plan assets (68) (66) (204) (198)  Curtailment cost - 20 - 20  Special termination cost - 47 - 47  Amortization of actuarial loss 24 20 69 59  Net periodic pension cost $ 18 $ 77 $ 52 $ 100  The components of our net periodic OPEB cost were as follows:     Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended  September 30, September 30,   Millions 2018 2017 2018 2017  Service cost $ - $ - $ 1 $ 1  Interest cost 3 3 8 8  Amortization of:  Prior service cost - - 1 -  Actuarial loss 2 2 7 7  Net periodic OPEB cost $ 5 $ 5 $ 17 $ 16 

Other Income (Tables)

Other Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Other Income [Abstract]
Other Income	Other income included the following:     Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended  September 30, September 30,   Millions 2018 2017 2018 2017  Early extinguishment of debt [a] $ - $ - $ (85) $ -  Rental income [b] 33 89 91 152  Interest income 10 4 19 10  Net gain on non-operating asset dispositions [c] 6 63 19 108  Net periodic pension and OPEB costs 3 (61) 11 (49)  Non-operating environmental costs and other (4) (5) (7) (9)  Total $ 48 $ 90 $ 48 $ 212  [a] 2018 includes a debt extinguishment charge for the early redemption of certain bonds and debentures in the first quarter (Note 15). [b] 2 017 includes $65 million related to a favorable litigation settlement in the third quarter. [c] 2017 includes $26 million related to a real estate sale in the first quarter and $57 million related to a real estate sale in the third quarter.

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	The following table provides a reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share:      Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended  September 30, September 30,  Millions, Except Per Share Amounts 2018 2017 2018 2017  Net income $ 1,593 $ 1,194 $ 4,412 $ 3,434  Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:  Basic 737.4 794.5 758.1 803.4  Dilutive effect of stock options 2.0 1.7 1.9 1.7  Dilutive effect of retention shares and units 1.5 1.4 1.4 1.4  Diluted 740.9 797.6 761.4 806.5  Earnings per share – basic $ 2.16 $ 1.50 $ 5.82 $ 4.27  Earnings per share – diluted $ 2.15 $ 1.50 $ 5.79 $ 4.26  Stock options excluded as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive - 1.9 0.4 1.8 

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) [Abstract]
After-Tax Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, and 2017, were as follows (net of tax):     Millions Defined benefit plans Foreign currency translation Total  Balance at July 1, 2018 $ (1,217) $ (211) $ (1,428)  Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications - 17 17  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) [a] 19 - 19  Net quarter-to-date other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes of $(7) million 19 17 36  Balance at September 30, 2018 $ (1,198) $ (194) $ (1,392)   Balance at July 1, 2017 $ (1,106) $ (115) $ (1,221)  Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications 3 9 12  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) [a] 37 - 37  Net quarter-to-date other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes of $(27) million 40 9 49  Balance at September 30, 2017 $ (1,066) $ (106) $ (1,172)  [a] The accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) reclassification components are 1) prior service cost/(credit) and 2) net actuarial loss which are both included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 6 Retirement Plans for additional details.      Millions Defined benefit plans Foreign currency translation Total  Balance at January 1, 2018 $ (1,029) $ (112) $ (1,141)  Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications (1) (7) (8)  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) [a] 57 - 57  Net year-to-date other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes of $(20) million 56 (7) 49  Reclassification due to ASU 2018-02 adoption (Note 2) (225) (75) (300)  Balance at September 30, 2018 $ (1,198) $ (194) $ (1,392)   Balance at January 1, 2017 $ (1,132) $ (140) $ (1,272)  Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications 1 34 35  Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) [a] 65 - 65  Net year-to-date other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes of $(59) million 66 34 100  Balance at September 30, 2017 $ (1,066) $ (106) $ (1,172)  [a] The accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) reclassification components are 1) prior service cost/(credit) and 2) net actuarial loss which are both included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 6 Retirement Plans for additional details.   

Properties (Tables)

Properties (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Properties [Abstract]
Schedule Of Properties	The following tables list the major categories of property and equipment, as well as the weighted-average estimated useful life for each category (in years):     Millions, Except Estimated Useful Life Accumulated Net Book Estimated  As of September 30, 2018 Cost Depreciation Value Useful Life  Land $ 5,268 $ N/A $ 5,268 N/A  Road:  Rail and other track material 16,670 6,093 10,577 43  Ties 10,395 3,027 7,368 33  Ballast 5,518 1,573 3,945 34  Other roadway [a] 19,375 3,700 15,675 48  Total road 51,958 14,393 37,565 N/A  Equipment:  Locomotives 9,715 3,836 5,879 19  Freight cars 2,242 939 1,303 24  Work equipment and other 989 297 692 19  Total equipment 12,946 5,072 7,874 N/A  Technology and other 1,128 492 636 12  Construction in progress 867 - 867 N/A  Total $ 72,167 $ 19,957 $ 52,210 N/A     Millions, Except Estimated Useful Life Accumulated Net Book Estimated  As of December 31, 2017 Cost Depreciation Value Useful Life  Land $ 5,258 $ N/A $ 5,258 N/A  Road:  Rail and other track material 16,327 5,929 10,398 43  Ties 10,132 2,881 7,251 33  Ballast 5,406 1,509 3,897 34  Other roadway [a] 18,972 3,482 15,490 47  Total road 50,837 13,801 37,036 N/A  Equipment:  Locomotives 9,686 3,697 5,989 19  Freight cars 2,255 983 1,272 24  Work equipment and other 936 267 669 19  Total equipment 12,877 4,947 7,930 N/A  Technology and other 1,105 460 645 11  Construction in progress 736 - 736 N/A  Total $ 70,813 $ 19,208 $ 51,605 N/A  [a] Other roadway includes grading, bridges and tunnels, signals, buildings, and other road assets.

Accounts Payable And Other Cu_2

Accounts Payable And Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilties [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	   Sep. 30, Dec. 31,  Millions 2018 2017  Accounts payable $ 905 $ 1,013  Income and other taxes payable 644 547  Accrued wages and vacation 381 384  Interest payable 240 220  Accrued casualty costs 200 194  Equipment rents payable 113 110  Other 578 671  Total accounts payable and other current liabilities $ 3,061 $ 3,139 

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Debt [Abstract]
Unsecured Fixed Rate Debt Securities Issued Under Current Shelf Registration	During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we issued the following unsecured, fixed-rate debt securities under our current Shelf registration:    Date Description of Securities  June 8, 2018 $600 million of 3.200% Notes due June 8, 2021  $650 million of 3.500% Notes due June 8, 2023  $500 million of 3.750% Notes due July 15, 2025  $1.5 billion of 3.950% Notes due September 10, 2028  $750 million of 4.375% Notes due September 10, 2038  $1.5 billion of 4.500% Notes due September 10, 2048  $500 million of 4.800% Notes due September 10, 2058 

Commitments And Contingencies (

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies Activity	Our personal injury liability activity was as follows:      Millions,  for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 2017  Beginning balance $ 285 $ 290  Current year accruals 35 38  Changes in estimates for prior years (17) (3)  Payments (34) (40)  Ending balance at June 30 $ 269 $ 285  Current portion, ending balance at June 30 $ 68 $ 69  Our environmental liability activity was as follows:    Millions,  for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 2017  Beginning balance $ 196 $ 212  Accruals 36 18  Payments (26) (26)  Ending balance at June 30 $ 206 $ 204  Current portion, ending balance at June 30 $ 59 $ 56  

Share Repurchase Program (Table

Share Repurchase Program (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Share Repurchase Program [Abstract]
Share Repurchase Program	The table below represents shares repurchased under this repurchase program during 2017 and 2018.      Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid  2018 2017 2018 2017  First quarter 9,259,004 7,531,300 $ 132.84 $ 106.55  Second quarter [a] 33,229,992 7,788,283 142.74 109.10  Third quarter 2,239,405 11,801,755 151.94 106.69  Total 44,728,401 27,121,338 $ 141.15 $ 107.34  Remaining number of shares that may be repurchased under current authority 38,918,751 

Accounting Pronouncements (Deta

Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Operating Income (Loss) [Member] | ASU 2017-07 Adopted [Member}
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	$ (3)		$ 61	$ (11)	$ 49
Other Income [Member] | ASU 2017-07 Adopted [Member}
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification	$ 3		$ (61)	11	$ (49)
ASU 2018-02 Early Adoption [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Reclassification of AOCI to retained earnings		$ 300
Assets, Total [Member] | ASU 2016-02 Prospective Adoption [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification				(2,000)
Liabilities, Total [Member] | ASU 2016-02 Prospective Adoption [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification				$ 2,000

Significant Accounting Polici_3

Significant Accounting Policies Update (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Revenue, Performance Obligation Satisfied over Time [Abstract]
Revenue, remaining performance obligation	$ 151	$ 154

Operations and Segmentation (De

Operations and Segmentation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Commodity Group Information [Line Items]
Subsidiary revenue	$ 228	$ 223	$ 656	$ 660
Accessorial revenues	126	121	373	335
Other revenues	16	14	49	45
Total operating revenues	5,928	5,408	17,075	15,790
Cargo and Freight [Member]
Commodity Group Information [Line Items]
Freight revenues	5,558	5,050	15,997	14,750
Agricultural Products [Member]
Commodity Group Information [Line Items]
Freight revenues	1,133	1,072	3,345	3,230
Energy [Member]
Commodity Group Information [Line Items]
Freight revenues	1,214	1,204	3,498	3,285
Industrial [Member]
Commodity Group Information [Line Items]
Freight revenues	1,497	1,324	4,274	3,922
Premium [Member]
Commodity Group Information [Line Items]
Freight revenues	1,714	1,450	4,880	4,313
Mexico [Member]
Commodity Group Information [Line Items]
Freight revenues	$ 636	$ 555	$ 1,850	$ 1,697

Stock-based Compensation (Narra

Stock-based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Stock Options [Member]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements [Line Items]
Contractual term	10 years
Years until vest	3 years
Stock options, subject to performance or market-based vesting conditions	0
Unrecognized compensation expense	$ 22
Expected weighted average period (in years) of nonvested stock options to be recognized	1 year 1 month 6 days
Retention Awards [Member]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements [Line Items]
Years until vest	4 years
Unrecognized compensation expense	$ 101
Expected weighted average period (in years) of nonvested stock options to be recognized	1 year 10 months 24 days
Performance Retention Awards [Member]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements [Line Items]
Operating income growth modifier range	The modifier can be up to +/- 25% of the award earned based on the ROIC achieved.
Requisite service period	37 months
Contractual terms of award	We expense the fair value of the units that are probable of being earned based on our forecasted ROIC over the 3-year performance period, and with respect to the third year of the plan, the relative OIG modifier.
ROIC performance period	3 years
Unrecognized compensation expense	$ 47
Expected weighted average period (in years) of nonvested stock options to be recognized	1 year 4 months 24 days

Stock-based Compensation (Sched

Stock-based Compensation (Schedule Of Compensation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Stock-Based Compensation, Before Tax: [Abstract]
Stock options	$ 5	$ 6	$ 13	$ 15
Retention awards	21	24	64	68
Total stock-based compensation, before tax	26	30	77	83
Excess tax benefits from equity compensation plans	$ 7	$ 4	$ 26	$ 29

Stock-based Compensation (Sch_2

Stock-based Compensation (Schedule of Stock Options Weight Average Assumptions) (Details) - $ / shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Stock Options [Member]
Assumptions For Stock Awards [Abstract]
Risk-free interest rate at date of grant	2.60%	2.00%
Dividend yield	2.30%	2.30%
Expected life (years)	5 years 3 months 18 days	5 years 3 months 18 days
Volatility	21.10%	21.70%
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted	$ 21.70	$ 18.19
Performance Retention Awards [Member]
Assumptions For Stock Awards [Abstract]
Dividend per share per quarter	$ 0.73
Risk-free interest rate at date of grant	2.30%

Stock-based Compensation (Sch_3

Stock-based Compensation (Schedule of Stock Option Activities) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Stock Options [Member]
Stock Option Activity [Abstract]
Stock options, shares outstanding at January 1, 2018	5,630
Stock options, shares granted	800
Stock options, shares exercised	(1,055)
Stock options, shares forfeited or expired	(103)
Stock options, shares outstanding at September 30, 2018	5,272	5,630
Stock options, shares vested or expected to vest at September 30, 2018	5,218
Stock options, shares exercisable at September 30, 2018	3,471
Stock options weighted-average exercise price, outstanding at January 1, 2018	$ 83.37
Stock options weighted-average exercise price, granted	124.86
Stock options weighted-average exercise price, exercised	71.05
Stock options weighted-average exercise price, forfeited or expired	97.71
Stock options weighted-average exercise price, outstanding at September 30, 2018	91.85	$ 83.37
Stock options weighted-average exercise price, vested or expected to vest at September 30, 2018	91.67
Stock options weighted-average exercise price, options exercisable at September 30, 2018	$ 83.78
Stock options weighted-average remaining contractual term in years, outstanding at January 1, 2018	5 years 8 months 12 days	5 years 9 months 18 days
Stock options weighted-average remaining contractual term in years, outstanding at September 30, 2018	5 years 8 months 12 days	5 years 9 months 18 days
Stock options weighted-average remaining contractual term in years, vested or expected to vest at September 30, 2018	5 years 8 months 12 days
Stock options weighted-average remaining contractual term in years, options exercisable at September 30, 2018	4 years 3 months 18 days
Stock options aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding at January 1, 2018	$ 286
Stock options aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding at September 30, 2018	374	$ 286
Stock options aggregate intrinsic value, vested or expected to vest at September 30, 2018	371
Stock options aggregate intrinsic value, options exercisable at September 30, 2018	$ 274
Retention Awards [Member]
Awards Activity [Abstract]
Awards, shares nonvested at January 1, 2018	2,313
Awards, shares granted	535
Awards, shares vested	(626)
Awards, shares forfeited	(75)
Awards, shares nonvested at September 30, 2018	2,147	2,313
Awards weighted-average grant-date fair value, nonvested at January 1, 2018	$ 95.04
Awards weighted-average grant-date fair value, granted	125.17
Awards weighted-average grant-date fair value, vested	88.33
Awards weighted-average grant-date fair value, forfeited	101.84
Awards weighted-average grant-date fair value, nonvested at September 30, 2018	$ 104.27	$ 95.04
Performance Retention Awards [Member]
Awards Activity [Abstract]
Awards, shares nonvested at January 1, 2018	1,138
Awards, shares granted	348
Awards, shares vested	(94)
Awards, shares unearned	(201)
Awards, shares forfeited	(75)
Awards, shares nonvested at September 30, 2018	1,116	1,138
Awards weighted-average grant-date fair value, nonvested at January 1, 2018	$ 92.92
Awards weighted-average grant-date fair value, granted	117.80
Awards weighted-average grant-date fair value, vested	112.19
Awards weighted-average grant-date fair value, unearned	114.97
Awards weighted-average grant-date fair value, forfeited	89.32
Awards weighted-average grant-date fair value, nonvested at September 30, 2018	$ 95.33	$ 92.92

Stock-based Compensation (Sch_4

Stock-based Compensation (Schedule of Stock Option Exercises) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Stock Option Aggregate Disclosures [Abstract]
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$ 30	$ 10	$ 77	$ 40
Cash received from option exercises	26	11	71	39
Treasury shares repurchased for employee payroll taxes	(6)	(3)	(19)	(12)
Tax benefit realized from option exercises	7	4	19	15
Aggregate grant-date fair value of stock options vested			$ 18	$ 19

Retirement Plans (Details)

Retirement Plans (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Net Periodic Pension And OPEB Cost [Abstract]
Changes in fair value			5 years
Pension [Member]
Net Periodic Pension And OPEB Cost [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 26,000,000	$ 21,000,000	$ 79,000,000	$ 66,000,000
Interest cost	36,000,000	35,000,000	108,000,000	106,000,000
Expected return on plan assets	(68,000,000)	(66,000,000)	(204,000,000)	(198,000,000)
Curtailment cost		20,000,000		20,000,000
Special termination cost		47,000,000		47,000,000
Amortization of actuarial loss	24,000,000	20,000,000	69,000,000	59,000,000
Net periodic cost	18,000,000	77,000,000	52,000,000	100,000,000
Voluntary cash contributions to qualified pension plan			0
OPEB [Member]
Net Periodic Pension And OPEB Cost [Abstract]
Service cost			1,000,000	1,000,000
Interest cost	3,000,000	3,000,000	8,000,000	8,000,000
Amortization of prior service credit			1,000,000
Amortization of actuarial loss	2,000,000	2,000,000	7,000,000	7,000,000
Net periodic cost	$ 5,000,000	$ 5,000,000	$ 17,000,000	$ 16,000,000

Other Income (Details)

Other Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Other Income [Abstract]
Early extinguishment of debt	[1]				$ (85)
Rental income	[2]	$ 33	$ 89		91	$ 152
Interest Income		10	4		19	10
Net gain on non-operating asset dispositions.	[3]	6	63		19	108
Net periodic pension and OPEB costs		(3)	61		(11)	49
Non-operating environmental costs and other		(4)	(5)		(7)	(9)
Total		$ 48	90		$ 48	$ 212
Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement			65
Real estate sale			$ 57	$ 26
[1]	2018 includes a debt extinguishment charge for the early redemption of certain bonds and debentures in the first quarter (Note 15).
[2]	2017 includes $65 million related to a favorable litigation settlement in the third quarter.
[3]	2017 includes $26 million related to a real estate sale in the first quarter and $57 million related to a real estate sale in the third quarter.

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Tax Reform [Abstract]
Federal statutory tax rate	35.00%		21.00%
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, bonus depreciation on certain capital expenditures, percentage			100.00%
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, deferred tax liability, income tax expense (benefit) total	$ 5,900
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, operating expense (benefit) from equity method affiliates adjustments	$ 212
Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Abstract]
Net unrecognized tax benefit liability			$ 177
Taxes And Interest - Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income tax examination refund		$ 19
State of Missouri [Member]
Increase in Deferred Tax Expense [Abstract]
Decrease in deferred tax expense for decreased tax rate		14
State of Iowa [Member]
Increase in Deferred Tax Expense [Abstract]
Decrease in deferred tax expense for decreased tax rate		$ 17

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Earnings Per Share Details [Abstract]
Net income	$ 1,593	$ 1,194	$ 4,412	$ 3,434
Weighted-Average Number Of Shares Outstanding
Basic	737.4	794.5	758.1	803.4
Dilutive effect of stock options	2	1.7	1.9	1.7
Dilutive effect of retention shares and units	1.5	1.4	1.4	1.4
Diluted	740.9	797.6	761.4	806.5
Earnings per share - basic	$ 2.16	$ 1.50	$ 5.82	$ 4.27
Earnings per share - diluted	$ 2.15	$ 1.50	$ 5.79	$ 4.26
Stock options excluded as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive		1.9	0.4	1.8

Accumulated Other Comprehensi_3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018		Sep. 30, 2017		Sep. 30, 2018		Sep. 30, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning balance		$ (1,428)		$ (1,221)		$ (1,141)		$ (1,272)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications		17		12		(8)		35
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	[1]	19		37		57		65
Net to-date other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes		36	[2]	49	[2]	49	[3]	100	[3]
Reclassification of AOCI to retained earnings due to ASU 2018-02						(300)
Balance at September 30		(1,392)		(1,172)		(1,392)		(1,172)
Deferred taxes activity other comprehensive income/(loss)		(7)		(27)		(20)		(59)
Defined Benefit Plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning balance		(1,217)		(1,106)		(1,029)		(1,132)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications				3		(1)		1
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	[1]	19		37		57		65
Net to-date other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes		19		40		56		66
Reclassification of AOCI to retained earnings due to ASU 2018-02						(225)
Balance at September 30		(1,198)		(1,066)		(1,198)		(1,066)
Foreign Currency Translation [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning balance		(211)		(115)		(112)		(140)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications		17		9		(7)		34
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)
Net to-date other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes		17		9		(7)		34
Reclassification of AOCI to retained earnings due to ASU 2018-02						(75)
Balance at September 30		$ (194)		$ (106)		$ (194)		$ (106)
[1]	The accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) reclassification components are 1) prior service cost/(credit) and 2) net actuarial loss which are both included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 6 Retirement Plans for additional details.
[2]	Net of deferred taxes of $(7) million and $(27) million during the three months ended September 30, 2018, and 2017, respectively.
[3]	Net of deferred taxes of $(20) million and $(59) million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, and 2017, respectively.

Accounts Receivable (Details)

Accounts Receivable (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts Receivable Details [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 3		$ 3		$ 3
Allowance for doubtful accounts - receivables not expected to be collected in one year	27		27		17
Receivables Securitization Facility [Abstract]
Total capacity to transfer undivided interests to investors under the receivables securitization facility	650		$ 650
Receivables securitization facility maturity date			2019-07
Receivables securitization facility duration			3 years
Value of the outstanding undivided interest held by investors under the receivables securitization facility	400		$ 400		500
Accounts receivable supporting the undivided interest held by investors	1,400		1,400		$ 1,100
Cost of the receivables securitization facility - interest expense	$ 3	$ 1	$ 11	$ 4

Properties (Details)

Properties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 72,167	$ 70,813
Accumulated depreciation		19,957	19,208
Net book value		52,210	51,605
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		5,268	5,258
Net book value		5,268	5,258
Road: Rail and Other Track Material [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		16,670	16,327
Accumulated depreciation		6,093	5,929
Net book value		$ 10,577	$ 10,398
Estimated useful life		43 years	43 years
Road: Ties [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 10,395	$ 10,132
Accumulated depreciation		3,027	2,881
Net book value		$ 7,368	$ 7,251
Estimated useful life		33 years	33 years
Road: Ballast [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 5,518	$ 5,406
Accumulated depreciation		1,573	1,509
Net book value		$ 3,945	$ 3,897
Estimated useful life		34 years	34 years
Road: Other Roadway [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	[1]	$ 19,375	$ 18,972
Accumulated depreciation	[1]	3,700	3,482
Net book value	[1]	$ 15,675	$ 15,490
Estimated useful life	[1]	48 years	47 years
Total Road [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 51,958	$ 50,837
Accumulated depreciation		14,393	13,801
Net book value		37,565	37,036
Equipment: Locomotives [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		9,715	9,686
Accumulated depreciation		3,836	3,697
Net book value		$ 5,879	$ 5,989
Estimated useful life		19 years	19 years
Equipment: Freight Cars [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 2,242	$ 2,255
Accumulated depreciation		939	983
Net book value		$ 1,303	$ 1,272
Estimated useful life		24 years	24 years
Equipment: Work Equipment and Other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 989	$ 936
Accumulated depreciation		297	267
Net book value		$ 692	$ 669
Estimated useful life		19 years	19 years
Total Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 12,946	$ 12,877
Accumulated depreciation		5,072	4,947
Net book value		7,874	7,930
Technology and Other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		1,128	1,105
Accumulated depreciation		492	460
Net book value		$ 636	$ 645
Estimated useful life		12 years	11 years
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 867	$ 736
Net book value		$ 867	$ 736
[1]	Other roadway includes grading, bridges and tunnels, signals, buildings, and other road assets.

Accounts Payable And Other Cu_3

Accounts Payable And Other Current Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities Details [Abstract]
Accounts payable	$ 905	$ 1,013
Income and other taxes payable	644	547
Accrued wages and vacation	381	384
Interest payable	240	220
Accrued casualty costs	200	194
Equipment rents payable	113	110
Other	578	671
Total accounts payable and other current liabilities	$ 3,061	$ 3,139

Financial Instruments (Details)

Financial Instruments (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Short-Term Investments [Abstract]
Short-term investments	$ 90,000,000	$ 90,000,000
Transfers out of level 2	0
Fair Value of Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Fair value of total debt	22,200,000,000	18,200,000,000
Fair value of total debt in excess of (less than) carrying value	(200,000,000)	1,300,000,000
Fixed rate debt securities containing call provisions	0	$ 155,000,000
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Time Deposits [Member]
Short-Term Investments [Abstract]
Short-term investments	$ 90,000,000

Debt (Narrative) (Details)

Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)		Jul. 26, 2018	Mar. 15, 2018	Feb. 12, 2018	Mar. 15, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Aug. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commercial paper issued										$ 6,460,000,000
Commercial paper repaid										$ 6,260,000,000
Commercial paper maturity duration minimum										1 day
Commercial paper matrutiy duration maximum										34 days
Commercial paper outstanding						$ 200,000,000				$ 200,000,000
Board of Directors authorized debt issuance		$ 6,000,000,000		$ 6,000,000,000
Previous Board Of Directors Remaining Debt Issuance		$ 0		$ 1,550,000,000
Board of Directors remaining debt issuance						6,000,000,000				6,000,000,000
Secured debt under receivables securitization facility						400,000,000				400,000,000	$ 500,000,000
Early extinguishment charge	[1]									85,000,000
Bilateral uncommitted line of credit [Member}
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Facility expiration date									Aug. 20, 2018
Credit available under line of credit									$ 1,000,000,000
Amount drawn and repaid under line of credit							$ 750,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility replaced							1,700,000,000
Revolving credit facility available credit						2,000,000,000	$ 2,000,000,000			$ 2,000,000,000
Facility expiration date										Jun. 8, 2023
Credit facility term										5 years
Revolving credit facility withdrawals						0				$ 0
Allowable debt per debt to earnings before interest taxes depreciation and amortization coverage ratio (as defined in the facility)						37,300,000,000
Outstanding debt (as defined by facility)						23,300,000,000				23,300,000,000
Cross-default provision (as defined by facility)						$ 150,000,000				$ 150,000,000
Debt Redemption [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption date			Mar. 15, 2018
Weighted average interest rate of bonds and debentures			4.90%		4.90%
Fixed rate debt securities carrying value			$ 70,000,000		$ 70,000,000
Early extinguishment charge								$ 85,000,000
Missouri Pacific 5 Percent Income Debentures due 2045 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate			5.00%		5.00%
Maturity date					Jan. 1, 2045
Principal outstanding			$ 96,000,000		$ 96,000,000
Chicago and Eastern Illinois 5 Percent Income Debentures Due 2054 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate			5.00%		5.00%
Maturity date					Jan. 1, 2054
Principal outstanding			$ 2,000,000		$ 2,000,000
Missouri Pacific 4.75 Percent General Mortgage Income Bonds Series A Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate			4.75%		4.75%
Maturity date					Jan. 1, 2020
Principal outstanding			$ 30,000,000		$ 30,000,000
Missouri Pacific 4.75 Percent General Mortgage Income Bonds Series B Due 2030 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate			4.75%		4.75%
Maturity date					Jan. 1, 2030
Principal outstanding			$ 27,000,000		$ 27,000,000
[1]	2018 includes a debt extinguishment charge for the early redemption of certain bonds and debentures in the first quarter (Note 15).

Debt (Unsecured Fixed Rate Debt

Debt (Unsecured Fixed Rate Debt Securities Issued Under Current Shelf Registration) (Details) - Unsecured Debt [Member] - USD ($)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 08, 2018
3.200% Notes Due 2021 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance date	Jun. 8, 2018
Note amount		$ 600,000,000
Interest rate		3.20%
Maturity date	Jun. 8, 2021
3.500% Notes Due 2023 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance date	Jun. 8, 2018
Note amount		$ 650,000,000
Interest rate		3.50%
Maturity date	Jun. 8, 2023
3.750% Notes Due 2025 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance date	Jun. 8, 2018
Note amount		$ 500,000,000
Interest rate		3.75%
Maturity date	Jul. 15, 2025
3.950% Notes Due 2028 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance date	Jun. 8, 2018
Note amount		$ 1,500,000,000
Interest rate		3.95%
Maturity date	Sep. 10, 2028
4.375% Notes Due 2038 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance date	Jun. 8, 2018
Note amount		$ 750,000,000
Interest rate		4.375%
Maturity date	Sep. 10, 2038
4.500% Notes Due 2048 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance date	Jun. 8, 2018
Note amount		$ 1,500,000,000
Interest rate		4.50%
Maturity date	Sep. 10, 2048
4.800% Notes Due 2058 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance date	Jun. 8, 2018
Note amount		$ 500,000,000
Interest rate		4.80%
Maturity date	Sep. 10, 2058

Variable Interest Entities (Det

Variable Interest Entities (Details) $ in Billions	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)
Future minimum lease payments	$ 2.3
Variable Interest Entity (VIEs) [Member]
Future minimum lease payments	$ 1.7

Commitments And Contingencies_2

Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Sites identified which we are or may be liable for remediation costs | item	346
Sites subject of actions taken by the U.S. government | item	33
Sites on the Superfund National Priorities List | item	21
Future minimum lease payments	$ 2,300,000,000
Personal Injury [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Percent of liability recorded related to asserted claims	94.00%
Percent of liability recorded related to unasserted claims	6.00%
Personal Injury [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Reasonably possible outcome of related claims	$ 273,000,000
Personal Injury [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Reasonably possible outcome of related claims	299,000,000
Guarantees [Member]
Commitments and Contingencies [Line Items]
Maximum potential amount of guarantee payments	26,000,000	$ 33,000,000
Recorded liability for fair value of guarantees	$ 0	$ 0
Expiration year of final guarantee	The final guarantee expires in 2022

Commitments And Contingencies_3

Commitments And Contingencies (Commitments And Contingencies Activity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Liability Activity [Abstract]
Current portion, ending balance at September 30	$ 200
Environmental [Abstract]
Beginning balance.	196	$ 212
Accruals	62	31
Payments	(41)	(42)
Ending balance at September 30.	217	201
Current portion, ending balance at September 30.	58	56
Personal Injury [Member]
Liability Activity [Abstract]
Beginning balance	285	290
Current year accruals	53	58
Changes in estimates for prior years	(15)	(6)
Payments	(50)	(55)
Ending balance at September 30	273	287
Current portion, ending balance at September 30	$ 70	$ 69

Share Repurchase Program (Detai

Share Repurchase Program (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	Oct. 25, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018		Mar. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jan. 01, 2017
Shares Repurchased [Line Items]
BOD authorized															120,000,000
Stock repurchase program expiration date											Dec. 31, 2020
Aggregate cost											$ 7,034	$ 2,911	$ 29,500
Shares repurchased				2,239,405	33,229,992	[1]	9,259,004	11,801,755	7,788,283	7,531,300	44,728,401	27,121,338
Average purchase price				$ 151.94	$ 142.74	[1]	$ 132.84	$ 106.69	$ 109.10	$ 106.55	$ 141.15	$ 107.34
Remaining number of shares that may be repurchased under current authority				38,918,751							38,918,751		38,918,751
Treasury stock, value				$ 28,858							$ 28,858		$ 28,858	$ 22,574
Q2 Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreement [Member]
Shares Repurchased [Line Items]
Aggregate cost		$ 3,600
Shares repurchased		19,870,292	19,870,292
Treasury stock, value		$ 2,900	$ 2,900		$ 2,900
Paid-in capital, value		$ 700	$ 700		$ 700
Subsequent Event [Member] | Q2 Accelerated Share Repurchase Agreement [Member]
Shares Repurchased [Line Items]
Shares repurchased	2,220,380
[1]	Includes 19,870,292 shares repurchased in June 2018 under accelerated share repurchase programs.

Related Parties (Details)

Related Parties (Details) - TTX Company [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage	36.79%		36.79%
Equity Method Investments	$ 1,300		$ 1,300		$ 1,200
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	104	$ 100	324	$ 284
Accounts Payable, Related Parties, Current	$ 68		$ 68		$ 69