| Cover Document | Sep. 10, 2020 |
| Entity Information | |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 10, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | United Parcel Service, Inc. |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE |
| Entity File Number | 001-15451 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 58-2480149 |
| Entity Address, Street | 55 Glenlake Parkway N.E., |
| Entity Address, City | Atlanta, |
| Entity Address, State | GA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 30328 |
| City Area Code | 404 |
| Local Phone Number | 828-6000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001090727 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| New York Stock Exchange | |
| Entity Information | |
| Title of Each Class | Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share |
| Trading Symbol | UPS |
| Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered | NYSE |
| New York Stock Exchange | 1.625% Senior Notes Due 2025 | |
| Entity Information | |
| Title of Each Class | 1.625% Senior Notes Due 2025 |
| Trading Symbol | UPS25 |
| Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered | NYSE |
| New York Stock Exchange | 1% Senior Notes due 2028 | |
| Entity Information | |
| Title of Each Class | 1% Senior Notes due 2028 |
| Trading Symbol | UPS28 |
| Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered | NYSE |
| New York Stock Exchange | 0.375% Senior Notes due 2023 | |
| Entity Information | |
| Title of Each Class | 0.375% Senior Notes due 2023 |
| Trading Symbol | UPS23A |
| Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered | NYSE |
| New York Stock Exchange | 1.500% Senior Notes due 2032 | |
| Entity Information | |
| Title of Each Class | 1.500% Senior Notes due 2032 |
| Trading Symbol | UPS32 |
| Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered | NYSE |
