Union Pacific (UNP) 10-Q 17 Oct 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 11, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document type	10-Q
Document period end date	30-Sep-13
Amendment flag	FALSE
Entity registrant name	UNION PACIFIC CORPORATION
Entity central index key	100885
Entity current reporting status	Yes
Entity voluntary filers	No
Current fiscal year end date	-19
Entity filer category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity well known seasoned issuer	Yes
Entity common stock shares outstanding		460,568,638
Document fiscal year focus	2013
Document fiscal period focus	Q3

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Operating revenues [Abstract]
Freight revenues	$5,250	$5,019	$15,387	$14,755
Other revenues	323	324	946	921
Total operating revenues	5,573	5,343	16,333	15,676
Operating expenses [Abstract]
Compensation and benefits	1,196	1,188	3,597	3,550
Fuel	866	880	2,629	2,688
Purchased services and materials	588	542	1,730	1,610
Depreciation	447	447	1,319	1,307
Equipment and other rents	309	300	924	895
Other	205	200	661	606
Total operating expenses	3,611	3,557	10,860	10,656
Operating income	1,962	1,786	5,473	5,020
Other income (Note 6)	28	28	91	65
Interest expense	-138	-137	-399	-407
Income before income taxes	1,852	1,677	5,165	4,678
Income taxes	-701	-635	-1,951	-1,771
Net income	$1,151	$1,042	$3,214	$2,907
Share and Per Share (Note 8) [Abstract]
Earnings per share - basic	$2.49	$2.21	$6.91	$6.13
Earnings per share - diluted	$2.48	$2.19	$6.88	$6.08
Weighted average number of shares - basic	461.7	472	465	474.5
Weighted average number of shares - diluted	464.2	475.2	467.4	477.9
Dividends declared per share	$0.79	$0.60	$2.17	$1.80

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Net income	$1,151		$1,042		$3,214		$2,907
Other comprehensive income/(loss):
Defined benefit plans	17		38		48		31
Foreign currency translation	-12		8		-5		8
Total other comprehensive income/(loss)	5	[1]	46	[1]	43	[2]	39	[2]
Comprehensive income	$1,156		$1,088		$3,257		$2,946
[1]	Net of deferred taxes of $3 million and $28 million during the three months ended September 30, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
[2]	Net of deferred taxes of $28 million and $27 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) [Abstract]
Deferred taxes activity other comprehensive income/(loss)	$3	$28	$28	$27

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,366	$1,063
Accounts receivable, net (Note 10)	1,469	1,331
Materials and supplies	683	660
Current deferred income taxes (Note 7)	230	263
Other current assets	316	297
Total current assets	4,064	3,614
Investments	1,282	1,259
Net properties (Note 11)	43,311	41,997
Other assets	301	283
Total assets	48,958	47,153
Current liabilities [Abstract]
Accounts payable and other current liabilities (Note 12)	2,964	2,923
Debt due within one year (Note 14)	691	196
Total current liabilities	3,655	3,119
Debt due after one year (Note 14)	8,764	8,801
Deferred income taxes (Note 7)	13,739	13,108
Other long-term liabilities	2,026	2,248
Commitments and contingencies (Note 16)
Total liabilities	28,184	27,276
Common shareholders' equity [Abstract]
Common shares, $2.50 par value, 800,000,000 authorized; 554,832,336 and 554,558,034 issued; 460,791,613 and 469,465,273 outstanding, respectively	1,387	1,386
Paid-in-surplus	4,189	4,113
Retained earnings	24,476	22,271
Treasury stock	-8,135	-6,707
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (Note 9)	-1,143	-1,186
Total common shareholders' equity	20,774	19,877
Total liabilities and common shareholders' equity	$48,958	$47,153

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) [Abstract]
Common shares, par value	$2.50	$2.50
Common shares authorized	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common shares issued	554,832,336	554,558,034
Common shares outstanding	460,791,613	469,465,273

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Operating Activities [Abstract]
Net income	$3,214	$2,907
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities [Abstract]
Depreciation	1,319	1,307
Deferred income taxes and unrecognized tax benefits	637	490
Other operating activities, net	-150	-72
Changes in current assets and liabilities [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, net	-138	-182
Materials and supplies	-23	-66
Other current assets	-19	-71
Accounts payable and other current liabilities	41	53
Cash provided by operating activities	4,881	4,366
Investing Activities [Abstract]
Capital investments	-2,635	-2,876
Proceeds from asset sales	77	55
Acquisition of equipment pending financing	0	-217
Proceeds from sale of assets financed	0	217
Other investing activities, net	-38	-45
Cash used in investing activities	-2,596	-2,866
Financing Activities [Abstract]
Common share repurchases (Note 17)	-1,432	-1,179
Dividends paid	-968	-860
Debt issued (Note 14)	944	695
Debt exchange (Note 14)	-288	0
Debt repaid	-217	-250
Other financing activities, net	-21	7
Cash used in financing activities	-1,982	-1,587
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	303	-87
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	1,063	1,217
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	1,366	1,130
Non-cash investing and financing activities [Abstract]
Cash dividends declared but not yet paid	359	279
Capital investments accrued but not yet paid	110	120
Capital lease financings	0	233
Common shares repurchased but not yet paid	0	48
Cash paid for: [Abstract]
Income taxes, net of refunds	-1,165	-1,097
Interest, net of amounts capitalized	($452)	($474)

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Common Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited) (USD $)		Total	Common Shares (Units) [Member]	Treasury Shares (Units) [Member]	Common Shares [Member]	Paid-in-Surplus [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Note 9) [Member]
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified		USD ($)			USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Shareholders' equity, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2011		$18,578			$1,386	$4,031	$19,508	($5,293)	($1,054)
Common shares, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2011			554,300,000	-74,400,000
Comprehensive income [Abstract]
Net income		2,907					2,907
Other comp. income/(loss)	[1]	39							39
Conversion, stock option exercises, forfeitures, and other		107				66		41
Conversion, stock option exercises, forfeitures, and other (shares)			300,000	1,700,000
Share repurchases (Note 17)		-1,227						-1,227
Share repurchases (Note 17) (Shares)		-10,786,709		-10,800,000
Cash dividends declared		-855					-855
Shareholders' equity, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2012		19,549			1,386	4,097	21,560	-6,479	-1,015
Common shares, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2012			554,600,000	-83,500,000
Shareholders' equity, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2012		19,877			1,386	4,113	22,271	-6,707	-1,186
Common shares, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2012		469,465,273	554,600,000	-85,100,000
Comprehensive income [Abstract]
Net income		3,214					3,214
Other comp. income/(loss)	[1]	43							43
Conversion, stock option exercises, forfeitures, and other		81			1	76		4
Conversion, stock option exercises, forfeitures, and other (shares)			200,000	700,000
Share repurchases (Note 17)		-1,432						-1,432
Share repurchases (Note 17) (Shares)		-9,609,764		-9,600,000
Cash dividends declared		-1,009					-1,009
Shareholders' equity, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2013		$20,774			$1,387	$4,189	$24,476	($8,135)	($1,143)
Common shares, ending balance at Sep. 30, 2013		460,791,613	554,800,000	-94,000,000
[1]	Net of deferred taxes of $28 million and $27 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Common Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Cash Dividends [Abstract]
Cash dividends declared per share	$2.17	$1.80

Basis_Of_Presentation

Basis Of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation [Text Block]	For purposes of this report, unless the context otherwise requires, all references herein to the “Corporation”, “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). Our Consolidated Statement of Financial Position at December 31, 2012, is derived from audited financial statements. This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto contained in our 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, are not necessarily indicative of the results for the entire year ending December 31, 2013.
	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, 2013
Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract]
Accounting Pronouncements [Text Block]	2. Adoption of New Accounting Pronouncement
	On February 5, 2013, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (ASU 2013-02), which adds additional disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. We adopted this ASU during the three months ended March 31, 2013.

Operations_And_Segmentation

Operations And Segmentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Operations and Segmentation [Abstract]
Operations and Segmentation [Text Block]	3. 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. The following table provides freight revenue by commodity group:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
	Millions		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Agricultural	$	771	$	783	$	2,339	$	2,495
	Automotive		512		436		1,533		1,341
	Chemicals		883		841		2,646		2,404
	Coal		1,082		1,058		2,993		2,922
	Industrial Products		975		879		2,868		2,659
	Intermodal		1,027		1,022		3,008		2,934
	Total freight revenues		5,250		5,019		15,387		14,755
	Other revenues		323		324		946		921
	Total operating revenues	$	5,573	$	5,343	$	16,333	$	15,676
	Although our revenues are principally derived from customers domiciled in the U.S., the ultimate points of origination or destination for some products transported by us are outside the U.S. Each of our commodity groups includes revenue from shipments to and from Mexico. Included in the above table are revenues from our Mexico business which amounted to $528 million and $479 million, respectively for the three months ended September 30, 2013, and September 30, 2012, and $1.6 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, and September 30, 2012.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation [Text Block]	4. 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	2013		2012			2013		2012
	Stock-based compensation, before tax:
	Stock options	$	5	$	5		$	15	$	14
	Retention awards		21		20			62		60
	Total stock-based compensation, before tax	$	26	$	25		$	77	$	74
	Excess tax benefits from equity compensation plans	$	5	$	33		$	70	$	86
	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		2013		2012
	Risk-free interest rate		0.80%		0.80%
	Dividend yield		2.10%		2.10%
	Expected life (years)		5		5.3
	Volatility		36.20%		36.80%
	Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted	$	34.98	$	31.29
	The risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant; the 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 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, 2013, is presented below:
		Options (thous.)	Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (millions)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013	4,289	$	65.68	5.8 yrs.	$	258
	Granted	572		132	N/A		N/A
	Exercised	-968		51.12	N/A		N/A
	Forfeited or expired	-22		106	N/A		N/A
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	3,871	$	78.89	5.9 yrs.	$	296
	Vested or expected to vest at September 30, 2013	3,871	$	78.86	5.9 yrs.	$	295
	Options exercisable at September 30, 2013	2,725	$	61.64	4.8 yrs.	$	255
	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, 2013, are subject to performance or market-based vesting conditions.
	At September 30, 2013, there was $21 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.3 years. Additional information regarding stock option exercises appears in the table below:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
	Millions	2013		2012			2013		2012
	Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$	13	$	101		$	95	$	204
	Cash received from option exercises		8		22			39		67
	Treasury shares repurchased for employee payroll taxes		-4		-8			-16		-24
	Tax benefit realized from option exercises		5		39			37		78
	Aggregate grant-date fair value of stock options vested		-		-			16		16
	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, 2013, were as follows:
		Shares (thous.)	Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
	Nonvested at January 1, 2013	2,355	$	73.27
	Granted	421		132.02
	Vested	-852		47.6
	Forfeited	-59		84.62
	Nonvested at September 30, 2013	1,865	$	97.89
	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, 2013, there was $81 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested retention awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.7 years.
	Performance Retention Awards – In February 2013, our Board of Directors approved performance stock unit grants. Other than different performance targets, the basic terms of these performance stock units are identical to those granted in February 2011, and February 2012, including using annual return on invested capital (ROIC) as the performance measure. 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.
	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. 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. 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 2013, grant were as follows:
		2013
	Dividend per share per quarter	$	0.69
	Risk-free interest rate at date of grant		0.40%
	Changes in our performance retention awards during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, were as follows:
		Shares (thous.)	Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
	Nonvested at January 1, 2013	1,075	$	83.8
	Granted	304		125.14
	Vested	-401		58.33
	Forfeited	-33		98.02
	Nonvested at September 30, 2013	945	$	107.41
	At September 30, 2013, there was $45 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested performance retention awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.3 years. This expense is subject to achievement of the ROIC levels established for the performance stock unit grants.

Retirement_Plans

Retirement Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Retirement Plans [Text Block]	5. 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	2013		2012		2013		2012
	Service cost	$	17	$	13	$	54	$	40
	Interest cost		34		36		100		106
	Expected return on plan assets		-50		-47		-151		-142
	Amortization of:
	Prior service cost		-		-		-		-
	Actuarial loss		27		21		80		63
	Net periodic pension cost	$	28	$	23	$	83	$	67
	The components of our net periodic OPEB cost were as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
	Millions	2013		2012		2013		2012
	Service cost	$	-	$	-	$	2	$	2
	Interest cost		3		4		9		11
	Amortization of:
	Prior service credit		-4		-5		-12		-13
	Actuarial loss		4		4		11		9
	Net periodic OPEB cost	$	3	$	3	$	10	$	9
	Cash Contributions
	For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we made $200 million of cash contributions to the qualified pension plan. Any additional contributions made in the fourth quarter will be based on cash generated from operations and financial market considerations. All contributions made to the qualified pension plan during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, were voluntary and were made with cash generated from operations. 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, 2013, we do not have minimum cash funding requirements for 2013.

Other_Income

Other Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Other Income [Abstract]
Other Income [Text Block]	6. Other Income
	Other income included the following:
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
	Millions		2013		2012		2013 [a]		2012
	Rental income		$	26	$	21	$	84	$	62
	Net gain on non-operating asset dispositions			18		11		22		23
	Early extinguishment of debt			-		-		-1		-2
	Non-operating environmental costs and other			-16		-4		-14		-18
	Total		$	28	$	28	$	91	$	65
	[a]	Rental income includes $17 million related to a land lease contract settlement.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax [Abstract]
Income Taxes [Text Block]	7. Income Taxes
	Internal Revenue Service (IRS) examinations have been completed and settled for all years prior to 2005, although some interest calculations remain open for years prior to 2005. The IRS has completed its examinations and issued notices of deficiency for years 2005 through 2010. We disagree with many of their proposed adjustments, and we are at IRS Appeals for years 2005 through 2008, with an appeal pending for 2009 and 2010. Additionally, several state tax authorities are examining our state income tax returns for years 2006 through 2010.
	At September 30, 2013, we had a net unrecognized tax benefit liability of $115 million. Of that amount, $9 million is classified as a current asset in the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
	In September 2013, the Internal Revenue Service issued final regulations governing the income tax treatment of acquisitions, dispositions, and repairs of tangible property. Taxpayers are required to follow the new regulations beginning in 2014. At this time we do not expect they will have a material impact on our financial statements.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	8. 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	2013		2012		2013		2012
	Net income	$	1,151	$	1,042	$	3,214	$	2,907
	Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:
	Basic		461.7		472		465		474.5
	Dilutive effect of stock options		1.3		1.6		1.3		1.9
	Dilutive effect of retention shares and units		1.2		1.6		1.1		1.5
	Diluted		464.2		475.2		467.4		477.9
	Earnings per share – basic	$	2.49	$	2.21	$	6.91	$	6.13
	Earnings per share – diluted	$	2.48	$	2.19	$	6.88	$	6.08
	Stock options excluded as their inclusion would be antidilutive		-		0.6		0.3		0.5

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) [Text Block]	9. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)
	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, and 2012, were as follows (net of tax):
	Millions			Defined benefit plans	Foreign currency translation		Derivatives			Total
	Balance at July 1, 2013		$	-1,118	$	-29	$	-1	$	-1,148
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications			1		-12		-		-11
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) [a]			16		-		-		16
	Net quarter-to-date other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes of $3 million			17		-12		-		5
	Balance at September 30, 2013		$	-1,101	$	-41	$	-1	$	-1,143
	Balance at July 1, 2012		$	-1,011	$	-48	$	-2	$	-1,061
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications			1		8		-		9
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) [a]			37		-		-		37
	Net quarter-to-date other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes of $28 million			38		8		-		46
	Balance at September 30, 2012		$	-973	$	-40	$	-2	$	-1,015
	[a]	The accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) reclassification components are 1) prior service cost/(benefit) and 2) net actuarial loss which are both included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 5 Retirement Plans for additional details.
	Millions			Defined benefit plans	Foreign currency translation		Derivatives			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2013		$	-1,149	$	-36	$	-1	$	-1,186
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications			-1		-5		-		-6
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) [a]			49		-		-		49
	Net year-to-date other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes of $28 million			48		-5		-		43
	Balance at September 30, 2013		$	-1,101	$	-41	$	-1	$	-1,143
	Balance at January 1, 2012		$	-1,004	$	-48	$	-2	$	-1,054
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications			-6		8		-		2
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) [a]			37		-		-		37
	Net year-to-date other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes of $27 million			31		8		-		39
	Balance at September 30, 2012		$	-973	$	-40	$	-2	$	-1,015
	[a]	The accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) reclassification components are 1) prior service cost/(benefit) and 2) net actuarial loss which are both included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 5 Retirement Plans for additional details.

Accounts_Receivable

Accounts Receivable	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable [Text Block]	10. 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 September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, our accounts receivable were reduced by $3 million and $4 million, respectively. 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, 2013, and December 31, 2012, receivables classified as other assets were reduced by allowances of $25 million and $33 million, respectively.
	Receivables Securitization Facility – The Railroad maintains a $600 million, 364-day receivables securitization facility under which it sells most of its eligible third-party receivables to Union Pacific Receivables, Inc. (UPRI), a 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 facility was $400 million and $100 million at September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, respectively. The amount outstanding under the facility was supported by $1.2 billion and $1.1 billion of accounts receivable as collateral at September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, respectively, which, as a retained interest, is included in accounts receivable, net in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position.
	The outstanding amounts the Railroad is allowed to maintain under the facility, with a maximum of $600 million, may fluctuate based on the availability of eligible receivables and are 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, amounts allowed to be outstanding under the facility would not materially change.
	The costs of the receivables securitization facility include interest, which will vary based on prevailing commercial paper rates, program fees paid to banks, commercial paper issuing costs, and fees for unused commitment availability. The costs of the receivables securitization facility are included in interest expense and were $1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2013, and 2012, and $3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, and 2012.
	In July 2013, the $600 million receivables securitization facility was renewed for an additional 364-day period at comparable terms and conditions.

Properties

Properties	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Properties [Abstract]
Properties [Text Block]	11. 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, 2013		Cost		Depreciation		Value		Useful Life
	Land		$	5,092	$	N/A	$	5,092	N/A
	Road:
	Rail and other track material			13,699		4,916		8,783	35
	Ties			8,712		2,265		6,447	33
	Ballast			4,570		1,148		3,422	34
	Other roadway [a]			15,158		2,688		12,470	49
	Total road			42,139		11,017		31,122	N/A
	Equipment:
	Locomotives			7,464		3,380		4,084	20
	Freight cars			2,048		1,001		1,047	25
	Work equipment and other			559		112		447	18
	Total equipment			10,071		4,493		5,578	N/A
	Technology and other			668		282		386	11
	Construction in progress			1,133		-		1,133	N/A
	Total		$	59,103	$	15,792	$	43,311	N/A
	Millions, Except Estimated Useful Life				Accumulated		Net Book		Estimated
	As of December 31, 2012		Cost		Depreciation		Value		Useful Life
	Land		$	5,105	$	N/A	$	5,105	N/A
	Road:
	Rail and other track material			13,220		4,756		8,464	33
	Ties			8,404		2,157		6,247	33
	Ballast			4,399		1,085		3,314	34
	Other roadway [a]			14,806		2,583		12,223	49
	Total road			40,829		10,581		30,248	N/A
	Equipment:
	Locomotives			7,297		3,321		3,976	19
	Freight cars			1,991		1,018		973	23
	Work equipment and other			535		89		446	17
	Total equipment			9,823		4,428		5,395	N/A
	Technology and other			633		273		360	11
	Construction in progress			889		-		889	N/A
	Total		$	57,279	$	15,282	$	41,997	N/A
	[a]	Other roadway includes grading, bridges and tunnels, signals, buildings, and other road assets.

Accounts_Payable_and_Other_Cur

Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilties [Abstract]
Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities [Text Block]	12. Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities
		Sep. 30,		Dec. 31,
	Millions	2013		2012
	Accounts payable	$	831	$	825
	Income and other taxes payable		415		368
	Accrued wages and vacation		382		376
	Dividends payable		359		318
	Accrued casualty costs		219		213
	Interest payable		114		172
	Equipment rents payable		95		95
	Other		549		556
	Total accounts payable and other current liabilities	$	2,964	$	2,923

Financial_Instruments

Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Financial Instruments[Abstract]
Financial Instruments [Text Block]	13. Financial Instruments
	Strategy and Risk – We may use derivative financial instruments in limited instances for other than trading purposes to assist in managing our overall exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and fuel prices. We are not a party to leveraged derivatives and, by policy, do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative purposes. Derivative financial instruments qualifying for hedge accounting must maintain a specified level of effectiveness between the hedging instrument and the item being hedged, both at inception and throughout the hedged period. We formally document the nature and relationships between the hedging instruments and hedged items at inception, as well as our risk-management objectives, strategies for undertaking the various hedge transactions, and method of assessing hedge effectiveness. Changes in the fair market value of derivative financial instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting are charged to earnings. We may use swaps, collars, futures, and/or forward contracts to mitigate the risk of adverse movements in interest rates and fuel prices; however, the use of these derivative financial instruments may limit future benefits from favorable interest rate and fuel price movements.
	Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges – We report changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges in accumulated other comprehensive loss until the hedged item affects earnings. At both September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, we had reductions of $1 million recorded as an accumulated other comprehensive loss that is being amortized on a straight-line basis through September 30, 2014, for a cash flow hedge that was settled in 2004. As of September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, we had no interest rate cash flow hedges outstanding.
	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, 2013, the fair value of total debt was $10.2 billion, approximately $0.8 billion more than the carrying value. At December 31, 2012, the fair value of total debt was $11.1 billion, approximately $2.1 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. It does not impact the financial statements under current accounting rules. At September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, approximately $163 and $203 million, respectively, of debt securities contained call provisions that allow us to retire the debt instruments prior to final maturity, with the payment of fixed call premiums, or in certain cases, at par. 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, 2013
Debt [Abstract]
Debt [Text Block]	14. Debt
	Credit Facilities – At September 30, 2013, we had $1.8 billion of credit available under our revolving credit facility (the facility), which is designated for general corporate purposes and supports the issuance of commercial paper. We did not draw on the facility at any time during the nine months ended September 30, 2013. 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 our senior unsecured debt ratings. The facility matures in 2015 under a four year term and requires the Corporation to maintain a debt-to-net-worth coverage ratio as a condition to making a borrowing. At September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012 (and at all times during the year), we were in compliance with this covenant.
	The definition of debt used for purposes of calculating the debt-to-net-worth coverage ratio includes, among other things, certain credit arrangements, capital leases, guarantees and unfunded and vested pension benefits under Title IV of ERISA. At September 30, 2013, the debt-to-net-worth coverage ratio allowed us to carry up to $42 billion of debt (as defined in the facility), and we had $10.0 billion of debt (as defined in the facility) outstanding at that date. Under our current capital plans, we expect to continue to satisfy the debt-to-net-worth 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 $75 million cross-default provision and a change-of-control provision.
	During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we did not issue or repay any commercial paper, and at September 30, 2013, we had no 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.
	Shelf Registration Statement and Significant New Borrowings – We filed a new automatic shelf registration statement that became effective on February 8, 2013. The Board of Directors authorized the issuance of up to $4 billion of debt securities, replacing the $1.4 billion of authority remaining under our shelf registration filed in February 2010. SEC rules require UPC, a large accelerated filer, to file a new shelf registration statement every three years. Under the current 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. We have no immediate plans to issue equity securities; however, we will continue to explore opportunities to replace existing debt or access capital through issuances of debt securities under our shelf registration, and, therefore, we may issue additional debt securities at any time.
	On March 15, 2013, we issued $325 million of 2.75% unsecured fixed-rate notes and $325 million of 4.25% unsecured fixed-rate notes under our shelf registration statement. The 2.75% notes will mature on April 15, 2023, and the 4.25% notes will mature on April 15, 2043. Proceeds from this offering are for general corporate purposes, including the repurchase of common stock pursuant to our share repurchase program. These debt securities include change-of-control provisions. At September 30, 2013, we had remaining authority from our Board of Directors to issue up to $3.35 billion of debt securities under the shelf registration.
	At September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, we reclassified as long-term debt approximately $400 million and $100 million, respectively, of debt due within one year that we intend to refinance. This reclassification reflects our ability and intent to refinance any short-term borrowings and certain current maturities of long-term debt on a long-term basis.
	Debt Exchange – On August 21, 2013, we exchanged $1,170 million of various outstanding notes and debentures due between 2016 and 2040 (Existing Notes) for $439 million of 3.646% notes (New 2024 Notes) due February 15, 2024 and $700 million of 4.821% notes (New 2044 Notes) due February 1, 2044, plus cash consideration of approximately $280 million in addition to $8 million for accrued and unpaid interest on the Existing Notes. In accordance with ASC 470-50-40, Debt-Modifications and Extinguishments-Derecognition, this transaction was accounted for as a debt exchange, as the exchanged debt instruments are not considered to be substantially different. The cash consideration was recorded as an adjustment to the carrying value of debt, and the balance of the unamortized discount and issue costs from the Existing Notes is being amortized as an adjustment of interest expense over the terms of the New 2024 Notes and the New 2044 Notes. No gain or loss was recognized as a result of the exchange. Costs related to the debt exchange that were payable to parties other than the debt holders totaled approximately $9 million and were included in interest expense during the three months ended September 30, 2013.
	The following table lists the outstanding notes and debentures that were exchanged:
		Principal amount
	Millions	exchanged
	The 2024 Offers
	7.000% Debentures due 2016	$	8
	5.650% Notes due 2017		38
	5.750% Notes due 2017		70
	5.700% Notes due 2018		103
	7.875% Notes due 2019		20
	6.125% Notes due 2020		238
	The 2044 Offers
	7.125% Debentures due 2028		73
	6.625% Debentures due 2029		177
	6.250% Debentures due 2034		19
	6.150% Debentures due 2037		138
	5.780% Notes due 2040		286
	Total	$	1,170
	Debt Redemption – On May 14, 2013, we redeemed all $40 million of our outstanding 5.65% Port of Corpus Christi Authority Revenue Refunding Bonds due December 1, 2022. The redemption resulted in an early extinguishment charge of $1 million during the three months ended June 30, 2013.
	Receivables Securitization Facility – As of September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, we recorded $400 million and $100 million, respectively, as secured debt under our receivables securitization facility. See further discussion of our receivables securitization facility in Note 10.

Variable_Interest_Entities

Variable Interest Entities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities [Text Block]	15. 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, including our headquarters building) 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 price options are not considered to be potentially significant to the VIEs. The future minimum lease payments associated with the VIE leases totaled $3.3 billion as of September 30, 2013.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies [Text Block]	16. 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; however, to the extent possible, where asserted and unasserted claims are considered probable and where such claims can be reasonably estimated, we have recorded a liability. 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 90% of the recorded liability is related to asserted claims and approximately 10% is related to unasserted claims at September 30, 2013. 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 $317 to $346 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,	2013		2012
	Beginning balance	$	334	$	368
	Current year accruals		70		89
	Changes in estimates for prior years		-23		-40
	Payments		-64		-69
	Ending balance at September 30	$	317	$	348
	Current portion, ending balance at September 30	$	85	$	97
	Asbestos – We are a defendant in a number of lawsuits in which current and former employees and other parties allege exposure to asbestos. We assess our potential liability using a statistical analysis of resolution costs for asbestos-related claims. This liability is updated annually and excludes future defense and processing costs. The liability for resolving both asserted and unasserted claims was based on the following assumptions:
	The ratio of future claims by alleged disease would be consistent with historical averages adjusted for inflation.
	The number of claims filed against us will decline each year.
	The average settlement values for asserted and unasserted claims will be equivalent to historical averages.
	The percentage of claims dismissed in the future will be equivalent to historical averages.
	Our liability for asbestos-related claims is not discounted to present value due to the uncertainty surrounding the timing of future payments. Approximately 24% of the recorded liability related to asserted claims and approximately 76% related to unasserted claims at September 30, 2013.
	Our asbestos-related liability activity was as follows:
	Millions,
	for the Nine Months Ended September 30,	2013		2012
	Beginning balance	$	139	$	147
	Accruals		-		-
	Payments		-7		-5
	Ending balance at September 30	$	132	$	142
	Current portion, ending balance at September 30	$	8	$	9
	We have insurance coverage for a portion of the costs incurred to resolve asbestos-related claims, and we have recognized an asset for estimated insurance recoveries at September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012.
	We believe that our estimates of liability for asbestos-related claims and insurance recoveries are reasonable and probable. The amounts recorded for asbestos-related liabilities and related insurance recoveries were based on currently known facts. However, future events, such as the number of new claims filed each year, average settlement costs, and insurance coverage issues, could cause the actual costs and insurance recoveries to be higher or lower than the projected amounts. Estimates also may vary in the future if strategies, activities, and outcomes of asbestos litigation materially change; federal and state laws governing asbestos litigation increase or decrease the probability or amount of compensation of claimants; and there are material changes with respect to payments made to claimants by other defendants.
	Environmental Costs – We are subject to federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. We have identified 278 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, 17 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. We do not discount our environmental liabilities when the timing of the anticipated cash payments is not fixed or readily determinable. At both September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, none of our environmental liability was discounted.
	Our environmental liability activity was as follows:
	Millions,
	for the Nine Months Ended September 30,	2013		2012
	Beginning balance	$	170	$	172
	Accruals		44		35
	Payments		-35		-32
	Ending balance at September 30	$	179	$	175
	Current portion, ending balance at September 30	$	50	$	49
	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, 2013, and December 31, 2012, we were contingently liable for guarantees of $302 million and $307 million, respectively. We have recorded a liability of $1 million and $2 million for the fair value of these obligations as of September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, respectively. We entered into these contingent guarantees in the normal course of business, and they include guaranteed obligations related to our headquarters building, equipment financings, and 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 – Our maximum potential exposure under indemnification arrangements, including certain tax indemnifications, can range from a specified dollar amount to an unlimited amount, 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, 2013, 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 $4 billion.
	Gain Contingency – UPRR and Santa Fe Pacific Pipelines (SFPP, a subsidiary of Kinder Morgan Energy Partners, L.P.) currently are engaged in a proceeding to resolve the fair market rent payable to UPRR under a 10-year agreement commencing on January 1, 2004, for pipeline easements on UPRR rights-of-way (Union Pacific Railroad Company vs. Santa Fe Pacific Pipelines, Inc., SFPP, L.P., Kinder Morgan Operating L.P. “D” Kinder Morgan G.P., Inc., et al., Superior Court of the State of California for the County of Los Angeles, filed July 28, 2004). In February 2007, a trial began to resolve this issue, and, on September 28, 2011, the judge issued a tentative Statement of Decision, which concluded that SFPP owes back rent to UPRR for the years 2004 through 2011. On May 29, 2012, the court entered judgment, awarding UPRR back rent and prejudgment interest. SFPP is appealing the final judgment. A favorable final judgment may materially affect our results of operations in the period of any monetary recoveries; however, due to the uncertainty regarding the amount and timing of any recovery, including the outcome of SFPP's appeal of this judgment or any subsequent proceeding, we consider this a gain contingency and do not reflect any amounts in the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of September 30, 2013.

Share_Repurchase_Program

Share Repurchase Program	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share Repurchase Program [Abstract]
Share Repurchase Program [Text Block]	17. Share Repurchase Program
	Effective April 1, 2011, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to 40 million shares of our common stock by March 31, 2014, replacing our previous repurchase program. As of September 30, 2013, we repurchased a total of $8.6 billion of our common stock since the commencement of our repurchase programs. The table below represents shares repurchased under the new repurchase program.
		Number of Shares Purchased		Average Price Paid
		2013	2012		2013		2012
	First quarter	2,881,400	3,917,369	$	136.58	$	110.64
	Second quarter	3,061,470	3,770,528		151.42		110.02
	Third quarter	3,666,894	3,098,812		156.77		122.13
	Total	9,609,764	10,786,709	$	149.01	$	113.72
	Remaining number of shares that may be repurchased under current authority						5,426,185
	Management's assessments of market conditions and other pertinent facts 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.

Operations_And_Segmentation_Ta

Operations And Segmentation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Operations and Segmentation [Abstract]
Freight Revenue By Commodity Group [Table Text Block]	The following table provides freight revenue by commodity group:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
	Millions		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Agricultural	$	771	$	783	$	2,339	$	2,495
	Automotive		512		436		1,533		1,341
	Chemicals		883		841		2,646		2,404
	Coal		1,082		1,058		2,993		2,922
	Industrial Products		975		879		2,868		2,659
	Intermodal		1,027		1,022		3,008		2,934
	Total freight revenues		5,250		5,019		15,387		14,755
	Other revenues		323		324		946		921
	Total operating revenues	$	5,573	$	5,343	$	16,333	$	15,676

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation [Table Text Block]	Information regarding stock-based compensation appears in the table below:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
	Millions	2013		2012			2013		2012
	Stock-based compensation, before tax:
	Stock options	$	5	$	5		$	15	$	14
	Retention awards		21		20			62		60
	Total stock-based compensation, before tax	$	26	$	25		$	77	$	74
	Excess tax benefits from equity compensation plans	$	5	$	33		$	70	$	86
Stock Options Weight Average Assumptions [Table Text Block]	The table below shows the annual weighted-average assumptions used for valuation purposes:
	Weighted-Average Assumptions		2013		2012
	Risk-free interest rate		0.80%		0.80%
	Dividend yield		2.10%		2.10%
	Expected life (years)		5		5.3
	Volatility		36.20%		36.80%
	Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted	$	34.98	$	31.29
Stock Options Activity [Table Text Block]	A summary of stock option activity during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, is presented below:
		Options (thous.)	Weighted-Average Exercise Price		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value (millions)
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013	4,289	$	65.68	5.8 yrs.	$	258
	Granted	572		132	N/A		N/A
	Exercised	-968		51.12	N/A		N/A
	Forfeited or expired	-22		106	N/A		N/A
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	3,871	$	78.89	5.9 yrs.	$	296
	Vested or expected to vest at September 30, 2013	3,871	$	78.86	5.9 yrs.	$	295
	Options exercisable at September 30, 2013	2,725	$	61.64	4.8 yrs.	$	255
Stock Option Exercises [Table Text Block]	Additional information regarding stock option exercises appears in the table below:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
	Millions	2013		2012			2013		2012
	Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$	13	$	101		$	95	$	204
	Cash received from option exercises		8		22			39		67
	Treasury shares repurchased for employee payroll taxes		-4		-8			-16		-24
	Tax benefit realized from option exercises		5		39			37		78
	Aggregate grant-date fair value of stock options vested		-		-			16		16
Retention Awards Activity [Table Text Block]	Changes in our retention awards during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, were as follows:
		Shares (thous.)	Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
	Nonvested at January 1, 2013	2,355	$	73.27
	Granted	421		132.02
	Vested	-852		47.6
	Forfeited	-59		84.62
	Nonvested at September 30, 2013	1,865	$	97.89
Performance Retention Awards Present Value Calculation Assumptions [Table Text Block]	The assumptions used to calculate the present value of estimated future dividends related to the February 2013, grant were as follows:
		2013
	Dividend per share per quarter	$	0.69
	Risk-free interest rate at date of grant		0.40%
Performance Based Units Activity [Table Text Block]	Changes in our performance retention awards during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, were as follows:
		Shares (thous.)	Weighted-Average Grant-Date Fair Value
	Nonvested at January 1, 2013	1,075	$	83.8
	Granted	304		125.14
	Vested	-401		58.33
	Forfeited	-33		98.02
	Nonvested at September 30, 2013	945	$	107.41

Retirement_Plans_Tables

Retirement Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Retirement Plans [Abstract]
Net Periodic Pension And OPEB Cost [Table Text Block]	The components of our net periodic pension cost were as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
	Millions	2013		2012		2013		2012
	Service cost	$	17	$	13	$	54	$	40
	Interest cost		34		36		100		106
	Expected return on plan assets		-50		-47		-151		-142
	Amortization of:
	Prior service cost		-		-		-		-
	Actuarial loss		27		21		80		63
	Net periodic pension cost	$	28	$	23	$	83	$	67
	The components of our net periodic OPEB cost were as follows:
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
	Millions	2013		2012		2013		2012
	Service cost	$	-	$	-	$	2	$	2
	Interest cost		3		4		9		11
	Amortization of:
	Prior service credit		-4		-5		-12		-13
	Actuarial loss		4		4		11		9
	Net periodic OPEB cost	$	3	$	3	$	10	$	9

Other_Income_Tables

Other Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Other Income [Abstract]
Other Income [Table Text Block]	Other income included the following:
			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
			September 30,				September 30,
	Millions		2013		2012		2013 [a]		2012
	Rental income		$	26	$	21	$	84	$	62
	Net gain on non-operating asset dispositions			18		11		22		23
	Early extinguishment of debt			-		-		-1		-2
	Non-operating environmental costs and other			-16		-4		-14		-18
	Total		$	28	$	28	$	91	$	65
	[a]	Rental income includes $17 million related to a land lease contract settlement.

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	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	2013		2012		2013		2012
	Net income	$	1,151	$	1,042	$	3,214	$	2,907
	Weighted-average number of shares outstanding:
	Basic		461.7		472		465		474.5
	Dilutive effect of stock options		1.3		1.6		1.3		1.9
	Dilutive effect of retention shares and units		1.2		1.6		1.1		1.5
	Diluted		464.2		475.2		467.4		477.9
	Earnings per share – basic	$	2.49	$	2.21	$	6.91	$	6.13
	Earnings per share – diluted	$	2.48	$	2.19	$	6.88	$	6.08
	Stock options excluded as their inclusion would be antidilutive		-		0.6		0.3		0.5

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) [Table Text Block]	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, and 2012, were as follows (net of tax):
	Millions			Defined benefit plans	Foreign currency translation		Derivatives			Total
	Balance at July 1, 2013		$	-1,118	$	-29	$	-1	$	-1,148
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications			1		-12		-		-11
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) [a]			16		-		-		16
	Net quarter-to-date other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes of $3 million			17		-12		-		5
	Balance at September 30, 2013		$	-1,101	$	-41	$	-1	$	-1,143
	Balance at July 1, 2012		$	-1,011	$	-48	$	-2	$	-1,061
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications			1		8		-		9
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) [a]			37		-		-		37
	Net quarter-to-date other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes of $28 million			38		8		-		46
	Balance at September 30, 2012		$	-973	$	-40	$	-2	$	-1,015
	[a]	The accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) reclassification components are 1) prior service cost/(benefit) and 2) net actuarial loss which are both included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 5 Retirement Plans for additional details.
	Millions			Defined benefit plans	Foreign currency translation		Derivatives			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2013		$	-1,149	$	-36	$	-1	$	-1,186
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications			-1		-5		-		-6
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) [a]			49		-		-		49
	Net year-to-date other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes of $28 million			48		-5		-		43
	Balance at September 30, 2013		$	-1,101	$	-41	$	-1	$	-1,143
	Balance at January 1, 2012		$	-1,004	$	-48	$	-2	$	-1,054
	Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications			-6		8		-		2
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) [a]			37		-		-		37
	Net year-to-date other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes of $27 million			31		8		-		39
	Balance at September 30, 2012		$	-973	$	-40	$	-2	$	-1,015
	[a]	The accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) reclassification components are 1) prior service cost/(benefit) and 2) net actuarial loss which are both included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 5 Retirement Plans for additional details.

Properties_Tables

Properties (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Properties [Abstract]
Properties [Table Text Block]	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, 2013		Cost		Depreciation		Value		Useful Life
	Land		$	5,092	$	N/A	$	5,092	N/A
	Road:
	Rail and other track material			13,699		4,916		8,783	35
	Ties			8,712		2,265		6,447	33
	Ballast			4,570		1,148		3,422	34
	Other roadway [a]			15,158		2,688		12,470	49
	Total road			42,139		11,017		31,122	N/A
	Equipment:
	Locomotives			7,464		3,380		4,084	20
	Freight cars			2,048		1,001		1,047	25
	Work equipment and other			559		112		447	18
	Total equipment			10,071		4,493		5,578	N/A
	Technology and other			668		282		386	11
	Construction in progress			1,133		-		1,133	N/A
	Total		$	59,103	$	15,792	$	43,311	N/A
	Millions, Except Estimated Useful Life				Accumulated		Net Book		Estimated
	As of December 31, 2012		Cost		Depreciation		Value		Useful Life
	Land		$	5,105	$	N/A	$	5,105	N/A
	Road:
	Rail and other track material			13,220		4,756		8,464	33
	Ties			8,404		2,157		6,247	33
	Ballast			4,399		1,085		3,314	34
	Other roadway [a]			14,806		2,583		12,223	49
	Total road			40,829		10,581		30,248	N/A
	Equipment:
	Locomotives			7,297		3,321		3,976	19
	Freight cars			1,991		1,018		973	23
	Work equipment and other			535		89		446	17
	Total equipment			9,823		4,428		5,395	N/A
	Technology and other			633		273		360	11
	Construction in progress			889		-		889	N/A
	Total		$	57,279	$	15,282	$	41,997	N/A
	[a]	Other roadway includes grading, bridges and tunnels, signals, buildings, and other road assets.

Recovered_Sheet1

Accounts Payable And Other Current Liabilities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilties [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities
		Sep. 30,		Dec. 31,
	Millions	2013		2012
	Accounts payable	$	831	$	825
	Income and other taxes payable		415		368
	Accrued wages and vacation		382		376
	Dividends payable		359		318
	Accrued casualty costs		219		213
	Interest payable		114		172
	Equipment rents payable		95		95
	Other		549		556
	Total accounts payable and other current liabilities	$	2,964	$	2,923

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt [Abstract]
Debt Exchange [Table Text Block]	The following table lists the outstanding notes and debentures that were exchanged:
		Principal amount
	Millions	exchanged
	The 2024 Offers
	7.000% Debentures due 2016	$	8
	5.650% Notes due 2017		38
	5.750% Notes due 2017		70
	5.700% Notes due 2018		103
	7.875% Notes due 2019		20
	6.125% Notes due 2020		238
	The 2044 Offers
	7.125% Debentures due 2028		73
	6.625% Debentures due 2029		177
	6.250% Debentures due 2034		19
	6.150% Debentures due 2037		138
	5.780% Notes due 2040		286
	Total	$	1,170

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Tables [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies Activity [Table Text Block]	Our personal injury liability activity was as follows:
	Millions,
	for the Nine Months Ended September 30,	2013		2012
	Beginning balance	$	334	$	368
	Current year accruals		70		89
	Changes in estimates for prior years		-23		-40
	Payments		-64		-69
	Ending balance at September 30	$	317	$	348
	Current portion, ending balance at September 30	$	85	$	97
	Our asbestos-related liability activity was as follows:
	Millions,
	for the Nine Months Ended September 30,	2013		2012
	Beginning balance	$	139	$	147
	Accruals		-		-
	Payments		-7		-5
	Ending balance at September 30	$	132	$	142
	Current portion, ending balance at September 30	$	8	$	9
	Our environmental liability activity was as follows:
	Millions,
	for the Nine Months Ended September 30,	2013		2012
	Beginning balance	$	170	$	172
	Accruals		44		35
	Payments		-35		-32
	Ending balance at September 30	$	179	$	175
	Current portion, ending balance at September 30	$	50	$	49

Share_Repurchase_Program_Table

Share Repurchase Program (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Share Repurchase Program [Abstract]
Share Repurchase Program [Table Text Block]	The table below represents shares repurchased under the new repurchase program.
		Number of Shares Purchased		Average Price Paid
		2013	2012		2013		2012
	First quarter	2,881,400	3,917,369	$	136.58	$	110.64
	Second quarter	3,061,470	3,770,528		151.42		110.02
	Third quarter	3,666,894	3,098,812		156.77		122.13
	Total	9,609,764	10,786,709	$	149.01	$	113.72
	Remaining number of shares that may be repurchased under current authority						5,426,185

Operations_And_Segmentation_De

Operations And Segmentation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Commodity Group Information [Line Items]
Freight revenues	$5,250	$5,019	$15,387	$14,755
Other revenues	323	324	946	921
Total operating revenues	5,573	5,343	16,333	15,676
Freight revenues - Mexico	528	479	1,552	1,464
Agriculture [Member]
Commodity Group Information [Line Items]
Freight revenues	771	783	2,339	2,495
Automotive [Member]
Commodity Group Information [Line Items]
Freight revenues	512	436	1,533	1,341
Chemicals [Member]
Commodity Group Information [Line Items]
Freight revenues	883	841	2,646	2,404
Coal [Member]
Commodity Group Information [Line Items]
Freight revenues	1,082	1,058	2,993	2,922
Industrial Products [Member]
Commodity Group Information [Line Items]
Freight revenues	975	879	2,868	2,659
Intermodal [Member]
Commodity Group Information [Line Items]
Freight revenues	$1,027	$1,022	$3,008	$2,934

StockBased_Compensation_Detail

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Stock-Based Compensation, Before Tax: [Abstract]
Stock options	$5	$5	$15	$14
Retention awards	21	20	62	60
Total stock-based compensation, before tax	26	25	77	74
Excess tax benefits from equity compensation plans	$5	$33	$70	$86

StockBased_Compensation_Detail1

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 2) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Stock Options [Member]
Assumptions For Stock Awards [Abstract]
Risk-free interest rate	0.80%	0.80%
Dividend yield	2.10%	2.10%
Expected life (years)	5 years	5 years 4 months
Volatility	36.20%	36.80%
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted	$34.98	$31.29
Performance Retention Awards [Member]
Assumptions For Stock Awards [Abstract]
Dividend per share per quarter	$0.69
Risk-free interest rate	0.40%
Continued employment requirement	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.

StockBased_CompensationDetails

Stock-Based Compensation(Details 3) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Stock Options [Member]
Stock Option Activity [Abstract]
Stock options, shares outstanding at January 1, 2013	4,289
Stock options, shares granted	572
Stock options, shares exercised	-968
Stock options, shares forfeited or expired	-22
Stock options, shares outstanding at September 30, 2013	3,871
Stock options, shares vested or expected to vest at September 30, 2013	3,871
Stock options, shares exercisable at September 30, 2013	2,725
Stock options weighted-average exercise price, outstanding at January 1, 2013	$65.68
Stock options weighted-average exercise price, granted	$132
Stock options weighted-average exercise price, exercised	$51.12
Stock options weighted-average exercise price, forfeited or expired	$106
Stock options weighted-average exercise price, outstanding at September 30, 2013	$78.89
Stock options weighted-average exercise price, vested or expected to vest at September 30, 2013	$78.86
Stock options weighted-average exercise price, options exercisable at September 30, 2013	$61.64
Stock options weighted-average remaining contractual term in years, outstanding at January 1, 2013	5 years 10 months
Stock options weighted-average remaining contractual term in years, outstanding at September 30, 2013	5 years 11 months
Stock options weighted-average remaining contractual term in years, vested or expected to vest at September 30, 2013	5 years 11 months
Stock options weighted-average remaining contractual term in years, options exercisable at June 30, 2013	4 years 10 months
Stock options aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding at January 1, 2013	$258
Stock options aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding at September 30, 2013	296
Stock options aggregate intrinsic value, vested or expected to vest at September 30, 2013	295
Stock options aggregate intrinsic value, options exercisable at September 30, 2013	255
Unrecognized Compensation Expense [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation expense	21
Expected weighted-average period (in years) of nonvested stock options to be recognized	1 year 4 months
Retention Awards [Member]
Awards Activity [Abstract]
Awards, shares nonvested at January 1, 2013	2,355
Awards, shares granted	421
Awards, shares vested	-852
Awards, shares forfeited	-59
Awards, shares nonvested at September 30, 2013	1,865
Awards weighted-average grant-date fair value, nonvested at January 1, 2013	$73.27
Awards weighted-average grant-date fair value, granted	$132.02
Awards weighted-average grant-date fair value, vested	$47.60
Awards weighted-average grant-date fair value, forfeited	$84.62
Awards weighted-average grant-date fair value, nonvested at September 30, 2013	$97.89
Unrecognized Compensation Expense [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation expense	81
Expected weighted-average period (in years) of nonvested stock options to be recognized	1 year 8 months
Performance Retention Awards [Member]
Awards Activity [Abstract]
Awards, shares nonvested at January 1, 2013	1,075
Awards, shares granted	304
Awards, shares vested	-401
Awards, shares forfeited	-33
Awards, shares nonvested at September 30, 2013	945
Awards weighted-average grant-date fair value, nonvested at January 1, 2013	$83.80
Awards weighted-average grant-date fair value, granted	$125.14
Awards weighted-average grant-date fair value, vested	$58.33
Awards weighted-average grant-date fair value, forfeited	$98.02
Awards weighted-average grant-date fair value, nonvested at September 30, 2013	$107.41
Unrecognized Compensation Expense [Abstract]
Unrecognized compensation expense	$45
Expected weighted-average period (in years) of nonvested stock options to be recognized	1 year 4 months

StockBased_Compensation_Detail2

Stock-Based Compensation (Details 4) (Stock Options [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Stock Options [Member]
Stock Option Aggregate Disclosures [Abstract]
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$13	$101	$95	$204
Cash received from option exercises	8	22	39	67
Treasury shares repurchased for employee payroll taxes	-4	-8	-16	-24
Tax benefit realized from option exercises	5	39	37	78
Aggregate grant-date fair value of stock options vested	$0	$0	$16	$16

Retirement_Plans_Details

Retirement Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Pension [Member]
Net Periodic Pension And OPEB Cost [Line Items]
Service cost	$17	$13	$54	$40
Interest cost	34	36	100	106
Expected return on plan assets	-50	-47	-151	-142
Amortization of prior service credit	0	0	0	0
Amortization of actuarial loss	27	21	80	63
Net periodic pension/OPEB cost	28	23	83	67
Cash contributions to qualified pension plan			200
OPEB [Member]
Net Periodic Pension And OPEB Cost [Line Items]
Service cost	0	0	2	2
Interest cost	3	4	9	11
Amortization of prior service credit	-4	-5	-12	-13
Amortization of actuarial loss	4	4	11	9
Net periodic pension/OPEB cost	$3	$3	$10	$9

Other_Income_Details

Other Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Other Income Details [Abstract]
Rental income	$26		$21	$84	[1]	$62
Net gain on non-operating asset dispositions	18		11	22		23
Early extinguishment of debt	0	-1	0	-1		-2
Non-operating environmental costs and other	-16		-4	-14		-18
Total	28		28	91		65
Land lease contract settlement rental income				$17
[1]	Rental income includes $17 million related to a land lease contract settlement.

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Abstract]
Net unrecognized tax benefit liability	$115
Current asset for unrecognized tax benefits	$9

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share Details [Abstract]
Net income	$1,151	$1,042	$3,214	$2,907
Weighted-Average Number Of Shares Outstanding [Abstract]
Basic	461.7	472	465	474.5
Dilutive effect of stock options	1.3	1.6	1.3	1.9
Dilutive effect of retention shares and units	1.2	1.6	1.1	1.5
Diluted	464.2	475.2	467.4	477.9
Earnings per share - basic	$2.49	$2.21	$6.91	$6.13
Earnings per share - diluted	$2.48	$2.19	$6.88	$6.08
Stock options excluded as their inclusion would be antidilutive	0	0.6	0.3	0.5

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Line Items]
Beginning balance	($1,148)		($1,061)		($1,186)		($1,054)
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	-11		9		-6		2
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	16	[1]	37	[1]	49	[1]	37	[1]
Net to-date other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes	5	[2]	46	[2]	43	[3]	39	[3]
Balance at September 30	-1,143		-1,015		-1,143		-1,015
Defined Benefit Plans [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Line Items]
Beginning balance	-1,118		-1,011		-1,149		-1,004
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	1		1		-1		-6
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	16	[1]	37	[1]	49	[1]	37	[1]
Net to-date other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes	17		38		48		31
Balance at September 30	-1,101		-973		-1,101		-973
Foreign Currency Translation [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Line Items]
Beginning balance	-29		-48		-36		-48
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	-12		8		-5		8
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	0		0		0		0
Net to-date other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes	-12		8		-5		8
Balance at September 30	-41		-40		-41		-40
Derivatives [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Line Items]
Beginning balance	-1		-2		-1		-2
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	0		0		0		0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss)	0		0		0		0
Net to-date other comprehensive income/(loss), net of taxes	0		0		0		0
Balance at September 30	($1)		($2)		($1)		($2)
[1]	The accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) reclassification components are 1) prior service cost/(benefit) and 2) net actuarial loss which are both included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 5 Retirement Plans for additional details.
[2]	Net of deferred taxes of $3 million and $28 million during the three months ended September 30, 2013, and 2012, respectively.
[3]	Net of deferred taxes of $28 million and $27 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Accounts_Receivable_Details

Accounts Receivable (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounts Receivable Details [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$3		$3		$4
Allowance for doubtful accounts - receivables not expected to be collected in one year	25		25		33
Receivables Securitization Facility [Abstract]
Total capacity to transfer undivided interests to investors under the receivables securitization facility	600		600		600
Value of the outstanding undivided interest held by investors under the receivables securitization facility	400		400		100
Accounts receivable supporting the undivided interest held by investors	1,200		1,200		1,100
Cost of the receivables securitization facility - interest expense	$1	$1	$3	$3

Properties_Details

Properties (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	$59,103		$57,279
Accumulated depreciation	15,792		15,282
Net book value	43,311		41,997
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	5,092		5,105
Net book value	5,092		5,105
Road: Rail and Other Track Material [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	13,699		13,220
Accumulated depreciation	4,916		4,756
Net book value	8,783		8,464
Estimated useful life	35 years		33 years
Road: Ties [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	8,712		8,404
Accumulated depreciation	2,265		2,157
Net book value	6,447		6,247
Estimated useful life	33 years		33 years
Road: Ballast [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	4,570		4,399
Accumulated depreciation	1,148		1,085
Net book value	3,422		3,314
Estimated useful life	34 years		34 years
Road: Other Roadway [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	15,158	[1]	14,806	[1]
Accumulated depreciation	2,688	[1]	2,583	[1]
Net book value	12,470	[1]	12,223	[1]
Estimated useful life	49 years	[1]	49 years	[1]
Total Road [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	42,139		40,829
Accumulated depreciation	11,017		10,581
Net book value	31,122		30,248
Equipment: Locomotives [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	7,464		7,297
Accumulated depreciation	3,380		3,321
Net book value	4,084		3,976
Estimated useful life	20 years		19 years
Equipment: Freight Cars [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	2,048		1,991
Accumulated depreciation	1,001		1,018
Net book value	1,047		973
Estimated useful life	25 years		23 years
Equipment: Work Equipment And Other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	559		535
Accumulated depreciation	112		89
Net book value	447		446
Estimated useful life	18 years		17 years
Total Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	10,071		9,823
Accumulated depreciation	4,493		4,428
Net book value	5,578		5,395
Technology and Other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	668		633
Accumulated depreciation	282		273
Net book value	386		360
Estimated useful life	11 years		11 years
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	1,133		889
Accumulated depreciation	0		0
Net book value	$1,133		$889
[1]	Other roadway includes grading, bridges and tunnels, signals, buildings, and other road assets.

Accounts_Payable_And_Other_Cur1

Accounts Payable And Other Current Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities Details [Abstract]
Accounts payable	$831	$825
Income and other taxes payable	415	368
Accrued wages and vacation	382	376
Dividends payable	359	318	279
Accrued casualty costs	219	213
Interest payable	114	172
Equipment rents payable	95	95
Other current liabilities	549	556
Total accounts payable and other current liabilities	$2,964	$2,923

Financial_Instruments_Details

Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value of Debt Instruments [Abstract]
Fair value of total debt	$10,200	$11,100
Fair value of total debt in excess of carrying value	800	2,100
Debt securities containing call provisions	163	203
Interest Rate Cash Flow Hedges [Abstract]
Change in fair value of cash flow hedges as reported in accumulated other comprehensive loss	1	1
Interest rate cash flow hedges outstanding	$0	$0

Debt_Details_1

Debt (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Revolving credit facility available credit	$1,800	$1,800
Revolving credit facility withdrawals	0	0
Compliance with covenant		At September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012 (and at all times during the year), we were in compliance with this covenant.	At September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012 (and at all times during the year), we were in compliance with this covenant.
Allowable debt per debt-to-net-worth coverage ratio (as defined in the facility)	42,000	42,000
Outstanding debt (as defined by facility)	10,000	10,000
Facility expiration date		25-May-15
Commercial paper outstanding	0	0
Commercial paper issued	0	0
Commercial paper repaid	$0	$0

Debt_Details_2

Debt (Details 2) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Feb. 08, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 15, 2013	Mar. 15, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified				2.75% Notes Due 2023 [Member]	4.25% Notes Due 2043 [Member]
Shelf Registration Statement and Significant New Borrowings [Abstract]
Debt reclassified as long-term	$400		$100
Maturity date on new borrowing				15-Apr-23	15-Apr-43
Note amount				325	325
Issuance date				15-Mar-13	15-Mar-13
Interest rate on note				2.75%	4.25%
Board of Directors authorized debt issuance		4,000
Board of Directors remaining debt issuance	3,350		1,400
Receivables Securitization Facility Debt [Abstract]
Secured debt under receivables securitization facility	$400		$100

Debt_Details_3

Debt (Details 3) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 21, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Conversion [Line Items]
Original debt	$1,170
Debt exchange fees		9
Cash consideration	280
Accrued and unpaid interest	8
3.646% Debt Due 2024 [Member]
Debt Conversion [Line Items]
New debt	439
New rate	3.65%
New due date	15-Feb-24
Date of exchange	21-Aug-13
3.646% Debt Due 2024 [Member] | 7.000% Debentures Due 2016 [Member]
Debt Conversion [Line Items]
Original debt	8
Original rate	7.00%
Original due date, year	2016
3.646% Debt Due 2024 [Member] | 5.650% Notes Due 2017 [Member]
Debt Conversion [Line Items]
Original debt	38
Original rate	5.65%
Original due date, year	2017
3.646% Debt Due 2024 [Member] | 5.750% Notes Due 2017 [Member]
Debt Conversion [Line Items]
Original debt	70
Original rate	5.75%
Original due date, year	2017
3.646% Debt Due 2024 [Member] | 5.700% Notes Due 2018 [Member]
Debt Conversion [Line Items]
Original debt	103
Original rate	5.70%
Original due date, year	2018
3.646% Debt Due 2024 [Member] | 7.875% Notes Due 2019 [Member]
Debt Conversion [Line Items]
Original debt	20
Original rate	7.88%
Original due date, year	2019
3.646% Debt Due 2024 [Member] | 6.125% Notes Due 2020 [Member]
Debt Conversion [Line Items]
Original debt	238
Original rate	6.13%
Original due date, year	2020
4.821% Debt Due 2044 [Member]
Debt Conversion [Line Items]
New debt	700
New rate	4.82%
New due date	1-Feb-44
Date of exchange	21-Aug-13
4.821% Debt Due 2044 [Member] | 7.125% Debentures Due 2028 [Member]
Debt Conversion [Line Items]
Original debt	73
Original rate	7.13%
Original due date, year	2028
4.821% Debt Due 2044 [Member] | 6.625% Debentures Due 2029 [Member]
Debt Conversion [Line Items]
Original debt	177
Original rate	6.63%
Original due date, year	2029
4.821% Debt Due 2044 [Member] | 6.250% Debentures Due 2034 [Member]
Debt Conversion [Line Items]
Original debt	19
Original rate	6.25%
Original due date, year	2034
4.821% Debt Due 2044 [Member] | 6.150% Debentures Due 2037 [Member]
Debt Conversion [Line Items]
Original debt	138
Original rate	6.15%
Original due date, year	2037
4.821% Debt Due 2044 [Member] | 5.780% Notes Due 2040 [Member]
Debt Conversion [Line Items]
Original debt	$286
Original rate	5.78%
Original due date, year	2040

Debt_Details_4

Debt (Details 4) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	14-May-13
						5.65% Notes Due 2022 [Member]
Debt Redemption [Line Items]
Debt redemption						$40
Interest rate on note						5.65%
Due date of debt						1-Dec-22
Early extinguishment of debt	$0	($1)	$0	($1)	($2)	($1)

Variable_Interest_Entities_Det

Variable Interest Entities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013
In Billions, unless otherwise specified
Variable Interest Entities Details [Abstract]
Future minimum lease payments	$3.30

Commitments_And_Contingencies_1

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
			Personal Injury [Member]	Personal Injury [Member]	Asbestos [Member]	Asbestos [Member]	Guarantees [Member]	Guarantees [Member]
Liability Activity [Abstract]
Commitments and contingencies, beginning balance at January 1			$334	$368	$139	$147
Accruals			70	89	0	0
Changes in estimates for prior years			-23	-40
Payments			-64	-69	-7	-5
Commitments and contingencies, ending balance at September 30			317	348	132	142
Commitments and contingencies, current portion, ending balance at September 30			85	97	8	9
Environmental [Abstract]
Beginning balance at January 1	170	172
Accruals	44	35
Payments	-35	-32
Ending balance at September 30	179	175
Current portion, ending balance at September 30	50	49
Sites identified which we are or may be liable for remediation costs	278
Sites subject of actions taken by the U.S. government	33
Sites on the Superfund National Priorities List	17
Guarantees [Abstract]
Maximum potential amount of guarantee payments							302	307
Recorded liability for fair value of guarantees							1	2
Expiration year of final guarantee							The final guarantee expires in 2022.
Asserted And Unasserted Claims [Abstract]
Percent of liability recorded related to asserted claims			90.00%		24.00%
Percent of liability recorded related to unasserted claims			10.00%		76.00%
Reasonably possible outcome of related claims, range minimum			317
Reasonably possible outcome of related claims, range maximum			346
Future Minimum Lease Payments For Operating Leases [Abstract]
Total minimum operating lease payments	$4,000

Share_Repurchase_Program_Detai

Share Repurchase Program (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Shares Repurchased [Abstract]
BOD authorized	40,000,000						40,000,000
Share repurchases (Note 17) (Shares)	3,666,894	3,061,470	2,881,400	3,098,812	3,770,528	3,917,369	9,609,764	10,786,709
Average purchase price	$156.77	$151.42	$136.58	$122.13	$110.02	$110.64	$149.01	$113.72
Remaining number of shares that may be repurchased under current authority	5,426,185						5,426,185
Stock repurchased since inception	$8.60						$8.60