Kansas City Southern (KSU) 10-Q 18 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 Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Registrant Name	KANSAS CITY SOUTHERN
Entity Central Index Key	54480
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		110,209,276

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Revenues	$621.60	$577.40	$1,753.70	$1,670.20
Operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits	111.4	108.4	328.4	323.5
Purchased services	57.2	54.6	160.4	169.3
Fuel	102.7	89.5	286.6	264.7
Equipment costs	39.5	42.9	120	124.3
Depreciation and amortization	57.2	49.8	165	146.9
Materials and other	53.3	51.5	150.8	142.2
Elimination of deferred statutory profit sharing liability, net	0	0	0	-43
Total operating expenses	421.3	396.7	1,211.20	1,127.90
Operating income	200.3	180.7	542.5	542.3
Equity in net earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	4.8	4.4	13.8	15.1
Interest expense	-18.3	-24.1	-61.2	-76.6
Debt retirement costs	-2.4	0	-113.8	-18
Foreign exchange gain (loss)	-1.4	3.7	-10.1	4.1
Other expense, net	-0.7	-0.1	-0.5	-0.8
Income before income taxes	182.3	164.6	370.7	466.1
Income tax expense	63.3	73.9	131.8	179.2
Net income	119	90.7	238.9	286.9
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0.6	0.6	1.3	1.4
Net income attributable to Kansas City Southern and subsidiaries	118.4	90.1	237.6	285.5
Preferred stock dividends	0.1	0.1	0.2	0.2
Net income available to common stockholders	$118.30	$90	$237.40	$285.30
Earnings per share:
Basic earnings per share	$1.08	$0.82	$2.16	$2.60
Diluted earnings per share	$1.07	$0.82	$2.15	$2.59
Average shares outstanding (in thousands):
Basic	110,003	109,739	109,956	109,684
Potentially dilutive common shares	370	388	361	377
Diluted shares	110,373	110,127	110,317	110,061

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net income	$119	$90.70	$238.90	$286.90
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges arising during the period, net of tax of less than $(0.1) million, $(0.2) million, less than $(0.1) million and $(0.6) million, respectively	-0.1	-0.4	-0.2	-1
Reclassification adjustment from cash flow hedges included in net income, net of tax of $0.1 million, $0.1 million, $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively	0.1	0.1	0.6	0.3
Amortization of prior service credit, net of tax of $(0.1) million	0	0	-0.1	-0.1
Foreign currency translation adjustments, net of tax of $0.3 million	0	0.5	0	0.7
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0.2	0.3	-0.1
Comprehensive income	119	90.9	239.2	286.8
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0.6	0.6	1.3	1.4
Comprehensive income attributable to Kansas City Southern and subsidiaries	$118.40	$90.30	$237.90	$285.40

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (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
Tax effect on unrealized loss on cash flow hedges arising during the period	($0.10)	($0.20)	($0.10)	($0.60)
Tax effect on reclassification adjustment from cash flow hedges included in net income	0.1	0.1	0.3	0.2
Tax effect on amortization of prior service credit			-0.1	-0.1
Tax effect on foreign currency translation adjustments		$0.30		$0.30

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$95.90	$72.60
Accounts receivable, net	211.5	183.6
Materials and supplies	135.4	125.6
Deferred income taxes	96.7	92.1
Other current assets	78.2	48.4
Total current assets	617.7	522.3
Investments	42.6	51.5
Restricted funds	10.8	14.2
Property and equipment (including concession assets), net	6,120.40	5,684.80
Other assets	89.5	123.1
Total assets	6,881	6,395.90
Current liabilities:
Debt due within one year	51.8	60.2
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	403	364.6
Total current liabilities	454.8	424.8
Long-term debt	1,728.60	1,547.60
Deferred income taxes	985.4	894.2
Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits	129.5	128.6
Total liabilities	3,298.30	2,995.20
Commitments and contingencies	0	0
Stockholders' equity:
$.01 par, common stock, 400,000,000 shares authorized; 123,352,185 shares issued; 110,208,760 and 110,131,353 shares outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively	1.1	1.1
Paid-in capital	939.3	925.3
Retained earnings	2,332.90	2,166.50
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-2.1	-2.4
Total stockholders’ equity	3,277.30	3,096.60
Noncontrolling interest	305.4	304.1
Total equity	3,582.70	3,400.70
Total liabilities and equity	6,881	6,395.90
$25 Par Preferred Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
$25 par, 4% noncumulative, preferred stock, 840,000 shares authorized, 649,736 shares issued, 242,170 shares outstanding	$6.10	$6.10

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Stockholders' equity:
Common Stock, Par Value	$0.01	$0.01
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	400,000,000	400,000,000
Common Stock, Shares Issued	123,352,185	123,352,185
Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	110,208,760	110,131,353
$25 Par Preferred Stock [Member]
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred Stock, Par Value	$25	$25
Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate	4.00%	4.00%
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	840,000	840,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	649,736	649,736
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	242,170	242,170

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Operating activities:
Net income	$238.90	$286.90
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	165	146.9
Deferred income taxes	86.9	142.3
Equity in net earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	-13.8	-15.1
Share-based compensation	11.3	8.3
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	-3.7	-22.2
Deferred compensation	0	7.3
Elimination of deferred statutory profit sharing liability	0	-47.8
Distributions from unconsolidated affiliates	6.5	7.3
Debt retirement costs	113.8	18
Changes in working capital items:
Accounts receivable	-28.8	-38.9
Materials and supplies	-7	-10
Other current assets	-16.9	3
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	16.5	49.6
Other, net	3.8	-19.6
Net cash provided by operating activities	572.5	516
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures	-381.8	-296.3
Purchase of equipment under operating leases	-155.1	-22.9
Property investments in MSLLC	-25	-31.4
Proceeds from disposal of property	6.2	12.2
Other, net	-8.1	10.2
Net cash used for investing activities	-563.8	-328.2
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	1,468.70	329.7
Repayment of long-term debt	-1,301.80	-363.8
Debt costs	-109.3	-19.3
Dividends paid	-47.6	-43.1
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	3.7	22.2
Proceeds from employee stock plans	0.9	1.1
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	14.6	-73.2
Cash and cash equivalents:
Net increase during each period	23.3	114.6
At beginning of year	72.6	72.4
At end of period	$95.90	$187

Accounting_Policies_Interim_Fi

Accounting Policies, Interim Financial Statements and Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Accounting Policies, Interim Financial Statements and Basis of Presentation	Accounting Policies, Interim Financial Statements and Basis of Presentation
	In the opinion of the management of KCS, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results for interim periods. All adjustments made were of a normal and recurring nature. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2013. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Earnings_Per_Share_Data

Earnings Per Share Data	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share Data	Earnings Per Share Data
	Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share adjusts basic earnings per common share for the effects of potentially dilutive common shares, if the effect is not anti-dilutive. Potentially dilutive common shares include the dilutive effects of shares issuable under the Stock Option and Performance Award Plans.
	The following table reconciles the basic earnings per share computation to the diluted earnings per share computation (in millions, except share and per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Net income available to common stockholders for purposes of computing basic and diluted earnings per share	$	118.3	$	90	$	237.4	$	285.3
	Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in thousands):
	Basic shares	110,003		109,739		109,956		109,684
	Effect of dilution	370		388		361		377
	Diluted shares	110,373		110,127		110,317		110,061
	Earnings per share:
	Basic earnings per share	$	1.08	$	0.82	$	2.16	$	2.6
	Diluted earnings per share	$	1.07	$	0.82	$	2.15	$	2.59
	Potentially dilutive shares excluded from the calculation (in thousands):
	Stock options excluded as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive	—		—		74		81

Elimination_of_Deferred_Statut

Elimination of Deferred Statutory Profit Sharing Liability, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Elimination of Deferred Statutory Profit Sharing Liability, Net	Elimination of Deferred Statutory Profit Sharing Liability, Net
	During the second quarter of 2012, the Company completed an organizational restructuring whereby employees of Kansas City Southern de México, S.A. de C.V. (“KCSM”) became employees of KCSM Servicios, S.A. de C.V. (“KCSM Servicios”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. KCSM Servicios provides employee services to KCSM, and KCSM pays KCSM Servicios market-based rates for these services. The effective date of this organizational restructuring was May 1, 2012.
	Mexican employees are entitled to receive Mexican statutory profit sharing. The related cash payment to employees is based on an employer’s net profit determined under accounting principles prescribed in Mexican law, rather than its net profit determined under U.S. GAAP. U.S. GAAP requires the recording of deferred liabilities or assets for financial reporting purposes on the differences between the amounts determined under the two different accounting principles.
	As a result of the organizational restructuring, KCSM’s obligation to pay Mexican statutory profit sharing terminated on the effective date. Accordingly, in the second quarter of 2012, KCSM recognized a $43.0 million net reduction to operating expense. This reduction includes the elimination of $47.8 million of the deferred Mexican statutory profit sharing liability, net of $4.8 million of transaction costs. KCSM Servicios became obligated to pay Mexican statutory profit sharing to its employees beginning on the effective date of the organizational restructuring.

Property_and_Equipment_includi

Property and Equipment (including Concession Assets)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment (including Concession Assets)	Property and Equipment (including Concession Assets)
	Property and equipment, including concession assets, and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are summarized below (in millions):
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Land	$	209.2	$	208.9
	Concession land rights	141.2		141.2
	Road property	5,885.00		5,664.40
	Equipment	1,248.40		962.6
	Technology and other	147.3		148.1
	Construction in progress	157.6		156.2
	Total property	7,788.70		7,281.40
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	1,668.30		1,596.60
	Property and equipment (including concession assets), net	$	6,120.40	$	5,684.80
	Concession assets, net of accumulated amortization of $431.1 million and $402.7 million, totaled $1,938.3 million and $1,893.9 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements
	Assets and liabilities recognized at fair value are required to be classified into a three-level hierarchy. In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to access. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.
	The Company’s derivative financial instruments are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and consist of interest rate swap agreements and foreign currency forward contract agreements, which are classified as Level 2 instruments. The Company determines the fair value of its derivative financial instrument positions based upon pricing models using inputs observed from actively quoted markets and also takes into consideration the contract terms as well as other inputs, including, where applicable, forward interest rate curves and market currency exchange rates. The fair value of interest rate swap liabilities was $0.2 million and $0.9 million as of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively, and the fair value of the foreign currency forward contract liabilities was $6.3 million as of September 30, 2013.
	The Company’s short-term financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable. The carrying value of the short-term financial instruments approximates their fair value.
	The fair value of the Company’s debt is estimated using quoted market prices when available. When quoted market prices are not available, fair value is estimated based on current market interest rates for debt with similar maturities and credit quality. The fair value of the Company’s debt was $1,700.2 million and $1,719.9 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. The carrying value was $1,780.4 million and $1,607.8 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. If the Company’s debt were measured at fair value, the fair value measurements of the individual debt instruments would have been classified as either Level 1 or Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments	Derivative Instruments
	In general, the Company enters into derivative transactions in certain situations based on management’s assessment of current market conditions and perceived risks. Management intends to respond to evolving business and market conditions and in doing so, may enter into such transactions as deemed appropriate.
	Credit Risk. As a result of the use of derivative instruments, the Company is exposed to counterparty credit risk. The Company manages this risk by limiting its counterparties to large financial institutions which meet the Company’s credit rating standards and have an established banking relationship with the Company. As of September 30, 2013, the Company did not expect any losses as a result of default of its counterparties.
	Interest Rate Swaps. In the first quarter of 2012, The Kansas City Southern Railway Company (“KCSR”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of KCS, entered into four amortizing interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $320.0 million, which were designated as cash flow hedges. The interest rate swaps effectively converted interest payments from variable rates to fixed rates on a portion of KCSR’s outstanding term loan credit facility (the “Term Loan Facility”) and additional Term Loan A advances (the “Term Loan A-2”). The swaps are highly effective and therefore results in minimal earnings impact associated with the ineffectiveness of these hedges.
	During the second quarter of 2013, KCSR repaid the outstanding balance on the Term Loan Facility and terminated the associated interest rate swaps with an aggregate notional amount of $140.8 million. As a result of the termination, the Company recognized a loss of $0.4 million, which is included in debt retirement costs within the consolidated statements of income. As of September 30, 2013, the remaining hedging instruments associated with the Term Loan A-2 had an aggregate notional amount of $155.4 million at a fixed rate of 0.4942%. Settlements are indexed to the one-month London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) and will occur monthly through March 31, 2014.
	Foreign Currency Forward Contracts. The Company’s Mexican subsidiaries have net U.S. dollar-denominated liabilities (primarily debt) which, for Mexican income tax purposes, are subject to periodic revaluation based on changes in the value of the U.S. dollar against the Mexican peso. This revaluation creates fluctuations in the Company’s Mexican income tax expense and the amount of income taxes paid in Mexico. During the first half of 2013, the Company entered into foreign currency forward contracts with an aggregate notional amount of $325.0 million, to hedge its exposure to this risk. These contracts mature on December 31, 2013 and obligate the Company to purchase a total of Ps.4,202.3 million at a weighted average exchange rate of Ps.12.93 to each U.S. dollar. The Company has not designated these forward contracts as hedging instruments for accounting purposes. The foreign currency forward contracts are measured at fair value each period and any change in fair value is recognized in foreign exchange gain (loss) within the consolidated statements of income.
	The following table presents the fair value of derivative instruments included in the consolidated balance sheets (in millions):
		Derivative Liabilities
		Balance Sheet Location		September 30,			December 31, 2012
				2013
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate swaps	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$	0.2		$	—
	Interest rate swaps	Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits		—			0.9
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments			0.2			0.9
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency forward contracts	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		6.3			—
	Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments			6.3			—
	Total derivative liabilities			$	6.5		$	0.9
	The following table presents the amounts affecting the consolidated statements of income for the three months ended September 30 (in millions):
	Derivatives in Cash Flow		Amount of						Location of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated	Amount of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified
	Hedging Relationships		Gain/(Loss)						OCI into Income	from Accumulated
			Recognized in OCI						(Effective Portion)	OCI into Income (Effective Portion)
			on Derivative
			(Effective Portion)
			2013			2012				2013			2012
	Interest rate swaps		$	(0.1	)	$	(0.6	)	Interest expense	$	(0.2	)	$	(0.2	)
	Total		$	(0.1	)	$	(0.6	)		$	(0.2	)	$	(0.2	)
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments								Location of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
										2013			2012
	Foreign currency forward contracts								Foreign exchange gain (loss)	$	(1.3	)	$	—
	Total									$	(1.3	)	$	—
	The following table presents the amounts affecting the consolidated statements of income for the nine months ended September 30 (in millions):
	Derivatives in Cash Flow		Amount of						Location of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated	Amount of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified
	Hedging Relationships		Gain/(Loss)						OCI into Income	from Accumulated
			Recognized in OCI						(Effective Portion)	OCI into Income (Effective Portion)
			on Derivative
			(Effective Portion)
			2013			2012				2013			2012
	Interest rate swaps		$	(0.2	)	$	(1.6	)	Interest expense	$	(0.5	)	$	(0.5	)
									Debt retirement costs	(0.4		)	—
	Total		$	(0.2	)	$	(1.6	)		$	(0.9	)	$	(0.5	)
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments								Location of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
										2013			2012
	Foreign currency forward contracts								Foreign exchange gain (loss)	$	(6.3	)	$	—
	Total									$	(6.3	)	$	—
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, there was no ineffectiveness recognized related to cash flow hedges. As of September 30, 2013, the Company expects that approximately $0.2 million of net losses will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into interest expense over the next 12 months.

LongTerm_Debt

Long-Term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	Long-Term Debt
	KCSM 121/2% Senior Notes. On April 1, 2013, the Company redeemed all of the remaining $98.1 million aggregate principal amount of the KCSM 121/2% senior unsecured notes due April 1, 2016 (the “121/2% Senior Notes”) at a redemption price equal to 106.250% of the principal amount. The Company redeemed the 121/2% Senior Notes using $65.0 million of borrowings under KCSM’s revolving credit facility and cash on hand.
	KCSM 8.0% Senior Notes, 65/8% Senior Notes and 61/8% Senior Notes. On April 10, 2013, KCSM commenced a cash tender offer for the 8.0% senior unsecured notes due February 1, 2018 (the “8.0% Senior Notes”), the 65/8% senior unsecured notes due December 15, 2020 (the “65/8% Senior Notes”), and the 61/8% senior unsecured notes due June 15, 2021 (the “61/8% Senior Notes”). In addition, KCSM concurrently commenced consent solicitations to amend the indentures governing the 8.0% Senior Notes and 65/8% Senior Notes to eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants and certain events of default contained therein, which became operative on May 3, 2013.
	Through May 8, 2013, KCSM purchased $237.2 million principal amount of the tendered 8.0% Senior Notes, $181.0 million principal amount of the tendered 65/8% Senior Notes and $149.7 million principal amount of the tendered 61/8% Senior Notes (collectively, the “KCSM Senior Notes Tendered”), in accordance with the terms and conditions of the tender offer using a portion of the proceeds received from the issuance of $275.0 million principal amount of 2.35% senior unsecured notes due May 15, 2020 (the “2.35% Senior Notes”) and $450.0 million principal amount of 3.0% senior unsecured notes due May 15, 2023 (the “3.0% Senior Notes”).
	Subsequent to the expiration of the cash tender offer, KCSM redeemed the remaining $4.0 million outstanding principal amount of the 65/8% Senior Notes and purchased an additional $20.9 million principal amount of the 61/8% Senior Notes.
	KCSM 2.35% Senior Notes. On May 3, 2013, KCSM issued $275.0 million principal amount of 2.35% Senior Notes, which bear interest semiannually at a fixed annual rate of 2.35%. The 2.35% Senior Notes were issued at a discount to par value, resulting in a $0.3 million discount and a yield to maturity of 2.368%. KCSM used the net proceeds from the issuance of the 2.35% Senior Notes and the 3.0% Senior Notes to purchase the KCSM Senior Notes Tendered, pay all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the 2.35% Senior Notes and 3.0% Senior Notes offerings and the tender offers, to finance the purchase of certain leased equipment and for other general corporate purposes. The 2.35% Senior Notes are redeemable at KCSM’s option, in whole or in part, prior to April 15, 2020, by paying the greater of either (i) 100% of the principal amount of the 2.35% Senior Notes to be redeemed or (ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest (exclusive of interest accrued to the date of redemption) discounted to the date of redemption on a semiannual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the then-current U.S. Treasury rate plus 20 basis points, plus accrued interest and any additional amounts to but excluding the redemption date. On or after April 15, 2020, the 2.35% Senior Notes may be redeemed at KCSM’s option, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus any accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, the notes are redeemable, in whole but not in part, at KCSM’s option at their principal amount, plus any accrued unpaid interest in the event of certain changes in the Mexican withholding tax rate.
	KCSM 3.0% Senior Notes. On May 3, 2013, KCSM issued $450.0 million principal amount of the 3.0% Senior Notes, which bear interest semiannually at a fixed annual rate of 3.0%. The 3.0% Senior Notes were issued at a discount to par value, resulting in a $1.9 million discount and a yield to maturity of 3.048%. KCSM used the net proceeds from the issuance of the 3.0% Senior Notes and the 2.35% Senior Notes to purchase the KCSM Senior Notes Tendered, pay all fees and expenses incurred in connection with the 2.35% Senior Notes and 3.0% Senior Notes offerings and the tender offers, to finance the purchase of certain leased equipment and for other general corporate purposes. The 3.0% Senior Notes are redeemable at KCSM’s option, in whole or in part, prior to February 15, 2023, by paying the greater of either (i) 100% of the principal amount of the 3.0% Senior Notes to be redeemed or (ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest (exclusive of interest accrued to the date of redemption) discounted to the date of redemption on a semiannual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the then-current U.S. Treasury rate plus 20 basis points, plus accrued interest and any additional amounts to but excluding the redemption date. On or after February 15, 2023, the 3.0% Senior Notes may be redeemed at KCSM’s option, in whole or in part, at any time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus any accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, the notes are redeemable, in whole but not in part, at KCSM’s option at their principal amount, plus any accrued unpaid interest in the event of certain changes in the Mexican withholding tax rate.
	The 2.35% Senior Notes and 3.0% Senior Notes are denominated in U.S. dollars; are unsecured, unsubordinated obligations; rank pari passu in right of payment with KCSM’s existing and future unsecured, unsubordinated obligations; and are senior in right of payment to KCSM’s future subordinated indebtedness. In addition, the senior notes include certain covenants which are customary for these types of debt instruments issued by borrowers with similar credit ratings.
	KCSM Revolving Credit Facility. As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, there was no amount outstanding under the KCSM revolving credit facility.
	KCSR 4.30% Senior Notes. On April 29, 2013, KCSR issued $450.0 million principal amount of senior unsecured notes due May 15, 2043, which bear interest semiannually at a fixed annual rate of 4.30% (the “4.30% Senior Notes”). The 4.30% Senior Notes were issued at a discount to par value, resulting in a $4.1 million discount and a yield to maturity of 4.355%. The net proceeds from the offering were used to fund the prepayment of the Term Loan Facility under the KCSR credit agreement, to finance the purchase of certain leased equipment and for other general corporate purposes. The 4.30% Senior Notes are redeemable at KCSR’s option, in whole or in part, prior to November 15, 2042, by paying the greater of either (i) 100% of the principal amount of the 4.30% Senior Notes to be redeemed or (ii) the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest (exclusive of interest accrued to the date of redemption) discounted to the date of redemption on a semiannual basis (assuming a 360-day year consisting of twelve 30-day months) at the then-current U.S. Treasury rate plus 25 basis points, plus accrued interest to but excluding the redemption date. On or after November 15, 2042, the 4.30% Senior Notes may be redeemed at KCSR’s option, in whole or in part, at any time and from time to time at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount, plus any accrued and unpaid interest.
	The 4.30% Senior Notes are unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on an unsecured senior basis, by KCS and certain domestic subsidiaries of KCS that guarantee the KCSR credit agreement (the “Note Guarantors”). The 4.30% Senior Notes and the note guarantees rank pari passu in right of payment with KCSR’s, KCS’s and the Note Guarantors’ existing and future unsecured, unsubordinated obligations. In addition, the 4.30% Senior Notes include certain covenants which are customary for these types of debt instruments issued by borrowers with similar credit ratings.
	KCSR Term Loan Facility. On April 29, 2013, KCSR repaid the outstanding $277.5 million principal amount of the Term Loan Facility issued under the KCSR credit agreement using a portion of the net proceeds from the issuance of the 4.30% Senior Notes.
	Debt Retirement Costs. The Company recognized debt retirement costs of $113.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, related to the tender and call premiums as well as the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and the original issue discounts as a result of the refinancing and purchasing activities described above.

Equity

Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]
Equity	Equity
	The following tables summarize the changes in equity (in millions):
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013								Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Kansas City			Noncontrolling		Total			Kansas City			Noncontrolling		Total
		Southern			Interest		Equity			Southern			Interest		Equity
		Stockholders’								Stockholders’
		Equity								Equity
	Beginning balance	$	3,178.50		$	304.8	$	3,483.30		$	2,937.40		$	295	$	3,232.40
	Net income	118.4			0.6		119			90.1			0.6		90.7
	Other comprehensive income	—			—		—			0.2			—		0.2
	Dividends on common stock	(23.6		)	—		(23.6		)	(21.5		)	—		(21.5		)
	Dividends on $25 par preferred stock	(0.1		)	—		(0.1		)	(0.1		)	—		(0.1		)
	Options exercised and stock subscribed, net of shares withheld for employee taxes	0.7			—		0.7			0.8			—		0.8
	Tax benefit from share-based compensation	0.4			—		0.4			8.1			—		8.1
	Share-based compensation	3			—		3			2.6			—		2.6
	Ending balance	$	3,277.30		$	305.4	$	3,582.70		$	3,017.60		$	295.6	$	3,313.20
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013								Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Kansas City			Noncontrolling		Total			Kansas City			Noncontrolling		Total
		Southern			Interest		Equity			Southern			Interest		Equity
		Stockholders’								Stockholders’
		Equity								Equity
	Beginning balance	$	3,096.60		$	304.1	$	3,400.70		$	2,764.50		$	294.2	$	3,058.70
	Net income	237.6			1.3		238.9			285.5			1.4		286.9
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	0.3			—		0.3			(0.1		)	—		(0.1		)
	Dividends on common stock	(71.0		)	—		(71.0		)	(64.4		)	—		(64.4		)
	Dividends on $25 par preferred stock	(0.2		)	—		(0.2		)	(0.2		)	—		(0.2		)
	Options exercised and stock subscribed, net of shares withheld for employee taxes	(1.0		)	—		(1.0		)	1.8			—		1.8
	Tax benefit from share-based compensation	3.7			—		3.7			22.2			—		22.2
	Share-based compensation	11.3			—		11.3			8.3			—		8.3
	Ending balance	$	3,277.30		$	305.4	$	3,582.70		$	3,017.60		$	295.6	$	3,313.20
	Cash Dividends on Common Stock
	On August 6, 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a cash dividend of $0.215 per share payable on October 2, 2013, to common stockholders of record as of September 9, 2013. The aggregate amount of dividends declared for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, was $23.6 million and $71.0 million, respectively.
	The following table presents the amount of cash dividends declared per common share by the Company’s Board of Directors:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2013			2012		2013			2012
	Cash dividends declared per common share	$	0.215		$	0.195	$	0.645		$	0.585

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Concession Duty. Under KCSM’s 50-year railroad concession from the Mexican government (the “Concession”), KCSM paid concession duty expense of 0.5% of gross revenues for the first 15 years of the Concession period and, on June 24, 2012, KCSM began paying 1.25% of gross revenues, which is effective for the remaining years of the Concession. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the concession duty expense, which is recorded within materials and other in operating expenses, was $3.7 million and $10.5 million, respectively, compared to $3.5 million and $6.2 million for the same periods in 2012.
	Litigation. The Company is a party to various legal proceedings and administrative actions, all of which, except as set forth below, are of an ordinary, routine nature and incidental to its operations. Included in these proceedings are various tort claims brought by current and former employees for job-related injuries and by third parties for injuries related to railroad operations. KCS aggressively defends these matters and has established liability provisions, which management believes are adequate to cover expected costs. Although it is not possible to predict the outcome of any legal proceeding, in the opinion of management, other than those proceedings described in detail below, such proceedings and actions should not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	Environmental Liabilities. The Company’s U.S. operations are subject to extensive federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations. The major U.S. environmental laws to which the Company is subject include, among others, the Federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (“CERCLA,” also known as the Superfund law), the Toxic Substances Control Act, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act. CERCLA can impose joint and several liabilities for cleanup and investigation costs, without regard to fault or legality of the original conduct, on current and predecessor owners and operators of a site, as well as those who generate, or arrange for the disposal of, hazardous substances. The Company does not believe that compliance with the requirements imposed by the environmental legislation will impair its competitive capability or result in any material additional capital expenditures, operating or maintenance costs. The Company is, however, subject to environmental remediation requirements as described in the following paragraphs.
	The Company’s Mexico operations are subject to Mexican federal and state laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment through the establishment of standards for water discharge, water supply, emissions, noise pollution, hazardous substances and transportation and handling of hazardous and solid waste. The Mexican government may bring administrative and criminal proceedings, impose economic sanctions against companies that violate environmental laws, and temporarily or even permanently close non-complying facilities.
	The risk of incurring environmental liability is inherent in the railroad industry. As part of serving the petroleum and chemicals industry, the Company transports hazardous materials and has a professional team available to respond to and handle environmental issues that might occur in the transport of such materials.
	The Company performs ongoing reviews and evaluations of the various environmental programs and issues within the Company’s operations, and, as necessary, takes actions intended to limit the Company’s exposure to potential liability. Although these costs cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that the ultimate outcome of identified matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	Personal Injury. The Company’s personal injury liability is based on semi-annual actuarial studies performed on an undiscounted basis by an independent third party actuarial firm and reviewed by management. This liability is based on personal injury claims filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. Actual results may vary from estimates due to the number, type and severity of the injury, costs of medical treatments and uncertainties in litigation. Adjustments to the liability are reflected within operating expenses in the period in which changes to estimates are known. Personal injury claims in excess of self-insurance levels are insured up to certain coverage amounts, depending on the type of claim and year of occurrence. The personal injury liability as of September 30, 2013, was based on an updated actuarial study of personal injury claims through May 31, 2013, and review of the last four months’ experience.
	The personal injury liability activity was as follows (in millions):
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of year	$	34.4		$	40.1
	Accruals	6.6			7.5
	Change in estimate	4.1			(7.0		)
	Payments	(7.8		)	(5.6		)
	Balance at end of period	$	37.3		$	35
	Certain Disputes with Ferromex. KCSM and Ferrocarril Mexicano, S.A. de C.V. (“Ferromex”) use certain trackage rights, haulage rights and interline services (the “Services”) provided by each other. The rates to be charged after January 1, 2009, were agreed to pursuant to the Trackage Rights Agreement, dated February 9, 2010 (the “Trackage Rights Agreement”), between KCSM and Ferromex. The rates payable for these Services for the period beginning in 1998 through December 31, 2008, are still not resolved. KCSM is currently involved in discussions with Ferromex regarding the amounts payable to each other for the Services for this period. If KCSM cannot reach an agreement with Ferromex for rates applicable for Services which were provided prior to January 1, 2009, which are not subject to the Trackage Rights Agreement, the Mexican Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes (“Secretary of Communications and Transportation” or “SCT”) is entitled to set the rates in accordance with Mexican law and regulations. KCSM and Ferromex both initiated administrative proceedings seeking a determination by the SCT of the rates that KCSM and Ferromex should pay each other in connection with the Services. The SCT issued rulings in 2002 and 2008 setting the rates for the Services and both KCSM and Ferromex challenged these rulings. Although KCSM and Ferromex have challenged these matters based on different grounds and these cases continue to evolve, management believes the amounts recorded related to these matters are adequate.
	While the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not believe that, when resolved, these disputes will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
	Contractual Agreements. In the normal course of business, the Company enters into various contractual agreements related to commercial arrangements and the use of other railroads’ or governmental entities’ infrastructure needed for the operations of the business. The Company is involved or may become involved in certain disputes involving transportation rates, product loss or damage, charges, and interpretations related to these agreements. While the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not believe that, when resolved, these disputes will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
	Credit Risk. The Company continually monitors risks related to economic changes and certain customer receivables concentrations. Significant changes in customer concentration or payment terms, deterioration of customer creditworthiness or further weakening in economic trends could have a significant impact on the collectability of the Company’s receivables and its operating results. If the financial condition of the Company’s customers were to deteriorate and result in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. The Company has recorded provisions for uncollectability based on its best estimate at September 30, 2013.
	Income Tax. Tax returns filed in the U.S. for periods after 2009 and in Mexico for periods after 2006 remain open to examination by the taxing authorities. KCSM’s 2007 and 2010 tax returns are currently under examination by the Servicio de Administración Tributaria (the “SAT”), the Mexican equivalent of the IRS. The Company received audit assessments for KCSM for the year ended December 31, 2005, and NAFTA Rail S.A. de C.V. (“NAFTA”) for the year ended December 31, 2009, from the SAT. The Company initiated administrative proceedings with the SAT for both audits and in June 2013, settled the NAFTA assessment for an immaterial amount. If a settlement is not reached on the KCSM assessment, the matter will be litigated. The Company believes it has strong legal arguments in its favor and more likely than not will prevail in any challenges of the KCSM assessment. The Company believes that an adequate provision has been made for any adjustment (taxes and interest) that will be due for all open years. However, an unexpected adverse resolution could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements in a particular quarter or fiscal year.
	Panama Canal Railway Company (“PCRC”) Guarantees and Indemnities. At September 30, 2013, the Company had issued and outstanding $5.3 million under a standby letter of credit to fulfill its obligation to fund fifty percent of the debt service and liquidity reserve established by PCRC in connection with the issuance of the 7.0% Senior Secured Notes due November 1, 2026 (the “PCRC Notes”). Additionally, KCS has pledged its shares of PCRC as security for the PCRC Notes.

Geographic_Information

Geographic Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Geographic Information	Geographic Information
	The Company strategically manages its rail operations as one reportable business segment over a single coordinated rail network that extends from the midwest and southeast portions of the United States south into Mexico and connects with other Class I railroads. Financial information reported at this level, such as revenues, operating income and cash flows from operations, is used by corporate management, including the Company’s chief operating decision-maker, in evaluating overall financial and operational performance, market strategies, as well as the decisions to allocate capital resources.
	The Company’s strategic initiatives, which drive its operational direction, are developed and managed at the Company’s headquarters and targets are communicated to its various activity centers. The activity centers are responsible for executing the overall corporate strategy and operating plan established by corporate management as a coordinated system. The role of each region is to manage the operational activities and monitor and control costs over the coordinated rail network.
	The following tables provide information by geographic area (in millions):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
	Revenues	2013		2012		2013		2012
	U.S.	$	334.9	$	311.2	$	945	$	910.5
	Mexico	286.7		266.2		808.7		759.7
	Total revenues	$	621.6	$	577.4	$	1,753.70	$	1,670.20
	Property and equipment (including concession assets), net					September 30,		December 31,
						2013		2012
	U.S.					$	3,454.60	$	3,126.20
	Mexico					2,665.80		2,558.60
	Total property and equipment (including concession assets), net					$	6,120.40	$	5,684.80

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information	Condensed Consolidating Financial Information
	KCSR has outstanding $450.0 million principal amount of 4.30% Senior Notes due May 15, 2043, which are unsecured obligations of KCSR, and are also jointly and severally and fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured senior basis by KCS and certain wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries. The Company intends to file a registration statement on Form S-4 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for the 4.30% Senior Notes and as a result, is providing the accompanying condensed consolidating financial information (in millions) pursuant to SEC Regulation S-X Rule 3-10 “Financial statements of guarantors and issuers of guaranteed securities registered or being registered.”
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Parent			KCSR			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
								Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments			KCS
	Revenues	$	—		$	295.9		$	10.7		$	325.1		$	(10.1	)	$	621.6
	Operating expenses	1.1			212.3			9.9			208.8			(10.8		)	421.3
	Operating income (loss)	(1.1		)	83.6			0.8			116.3			0.7			200.3
	Equity in net earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates	114.8			(0.2		)	1.8			4.3			(115.9		)	4.8
	Interest expense	(0.1		)	(17.8		)	—			(12.3		)	11.9			(18.3		)
	Debt retirement costs	—			—			—			(2.4		)	—			(2.4		)
	Foreign exchange loss	—			—			—			(1.4		)	—			(1.4		)
	Other income (expense), net	11			1			—			(0.2		)	(12.5		)	(0.7		)
	Income before income taxes	124.6			66.6			2.6			104.3			(115.8		)	182.3
	Income tax expense	6.2			25.7			0.9			30.4			0.1			63.3
	Net income	118.4			40.9			1.7			73.9			(115.9		)	119
	Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			0.6			—			—			0.6
	Net income attributable to Kansas City Southern and subsidiaries	118.4			40.9			1.1			73.9			(115.9		)	118.4
	Other comprehensive income	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Comprehensive income attributable to Kansas City Southern and subsidiaries	$	118.4		$	40.9		$	1.1		$	73.9		$	(115.9	)	$	118.4
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Parent			KCSR			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
								Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments			KCS
	Revenues	$	—		$	278		$	6.8		$	301.7		$	(9.1	)	$	577.4
	Operating expenses	0.9			202.2			9			194.3			(9.7		)	396.7
	Operating income (loss)	(0.9		)	75.8			(2.2		)	107.4			0.6			180.7
	Equity in net earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates	86.6			(0.1		)	1.5			3.4			(87.0		)	4.4
	Interest expense	(0.1		)	(15.1		)	—			(21.9		)	13			(24.1		)
	Debt retirement costs	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Foreign exchange gain	—			—			—			3.7			—			3.7
	Other income, net	11.6			1.9			—			—			(13.6		)	(0.1		)
	Income (loss) before income taxes	97.2			62.5			(0.7		)	92.6			(87.0		)	164.6
	Income tax expense (benefit)	7.1			24.3			(0.2		)	42.7			—			73.9
	Net income (loss)	90.1			38.2			(0.5		)	49.9			(87.0		)	90.7
	Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			0.6			—			—			0.6
	Net income (loss) attributable to Kansas City Southern and subsidiaries	90.1			38.2			(1.1		)	49.9			(87.0		)	90.1
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	0.2			(0.3		)	—			0.7			(0.4		)	0.2
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Kansas City Southern and subsidiaries	$	90.3		$	37.9		$	(1.1	)	$	50.6		$	(87.4	)	$	90.3
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) – (Continued)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Parent			KCSR			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
								Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments			KCS
	Revenues	$	—		$	836.1		$	30.9		$	916.6		$	(29.9	)	$	1,753.70
	Operating expenses	3.7			617.8			28.5			593			(31.8		)	1,211.20
	Operating income (loss)	(3.7		)	218.3			2.4			323.6			1.9			542.5
	Equity in net earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	222.7			1			4			11.2			(225.1		)	13.8
	Interest expense	(0.1		)	(49.4		)	—			(47.4		)	35.7			(61.2		)
	Debt retirement costs	—			(1.5		)	—			(112.3		)	—			(113.8		)
	Foreign exchange loss	—			(1.6		)	—			(8.5		)	—			(10.1		)
	Other income (expense), net	33.4			4.2			(0.1		)	(0.4		)	(37.6		)	(0.5		)
	Income before income taxes	252.3			171			6.3			166.2			(225.1		)	370.7
	Income tax expense	14.7			63.9			2.3			50.8			0.1			131.8
	Net income	237.6			107.1			4			115.4			(225.2		)	238.9
	Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			1.3			—			—			1.3
	Net income attributable to Kansas City Southern and subsidiaries	237.6			107.1			2.7			115.4			(225.2		)	237.6
	Other comprehensive income	0.3			0.4			—			—			(0.4		)	0.3
	Comprehensive income attributable to Kansas City Southern and subsidiaries	$	237.9		$	107.5		$	2.7		$	115.4		$	(225.6	)	$	237.9
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Parent			KCSR			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
								Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments			KCS
	Revenues	$	—		$	811.4		$	18.5		$	866.8		$	(26.5	)	$	1,670.20
	Operating expenses	3.2			603.1			24.8			525.2			(28.4		)	1,127.90
	Operating income (loss)	(3.2		)	208.3			(6.3		)	341.6			1.9			542.3
Equity in net earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates	261			(0.2		)	4.4			12.3			(262.4		)	15.1
Interest expense	(0.1		)	(50.2		)	—			(66.5		)	40.2			(76.6		)
Debt retirement costs	—			(18.0		)	—			—			—			(18.0		)
Foreign exchange gain	—			—			—			4.1			—			4.1
Other income (expense), net	35.2			9.9			—			(3.8		)	(42.1		)	(0.8		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	292.9			149.8			(1.9		)	287.7			(262.4		)	466.1
Income tax expense (benefit)	7.4			58.2			(0.5		)	114.1			—			179.2
Net income (loss)	285.5			91.6			(1.4		)	173.6			(262.4		)	286.9
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			1.4			—			—			1.4
Net income (loss) attributable to Kansas City Southern and subsidiaries	285.5			91.6			(2.8		)	173.6			(262.4		)	285.5
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(0.1		)	(0.7		)	—			1			(0.3		)	(0.1		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Kansas City Southern and subsidiaries	$	285.4		$	90.9		$	(2.8	)	$	174.6		$	(262.7	)	$	285.4
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
	September 30, 2013
	Parent			KCSR			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
							Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments			KCS
Assets:
Current assets	$	26.1		$	259.6		$	7.9		$	356.7		$	(32.6	)	$	617.7
Investments	—			9.7			—			32.9			—			42.6
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries	2,460.80			(1.7		)	459.4			—			(2,918.5		)	—
Restricted funds	—			—			—			10.8			—			10.8
Property and equipment (including concession assets), net	—			2,579.40			200.4			3,340.60			—			6,120.40
Other assets	1.4			134.6			—			37.2			(83.7		)	89.5
Total assets	$	2,488.30		$	2,981.60		$	667.7		$	3,778.20		$	(3,034.8	)	$	6,881.00
Liabilities and equity:
Current liabilities	$	(836.7	)	$	1,004.00		$	128.3		$	191.8		$	(32.6	)	$	454.8
Long-term debt	0.2			730			0.2			1,081.90			(83.7		)	1,728.60
Deferred income taxes	20			639.2			131.8			194.4			—			985.4
Other liabilities	6.8			95.4			0.5			26.8			—			129.5
Stockholders’ equity	3,298.00			513			101.5			2,283.30			(2,918.5		)	3,277.30
Noncontrolling interest	—			—			305.4			—			—			305.4
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,488.30		$	2,981.60		$	667.7		$	3,778.20		$	(3,034.8	)	$	6,881.00
	December 31, 2012
	Parent			KCSR			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
							Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments			KCS
Assets:
Current assets	$	2.4		$	236.4		$	5.4		$	318.6		$	(40.5	)	$	522.3
Investments	—			23.9			—			27.6			—			51.5
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries	2,242.00			(0.2		)	454.8			—			(2,696.6		)	—
Restricted funds	—			—			—			14.2			—			14.2
Property and equipment (including concession assets), net	—			2,275.00			204.3			3,205.50			—			5,684.80
Other assets	1.3			190.6			—			67.7			(136.5		)	123.1
Total assets	$	2,245.70		$	2,725.70		$	664.5		$	3,633.60		$	(2,873.6	)	$	6,395.90
Liabilities and equity:
Current liabilities	$	(881.1	)	$	1,058.90		$	131.4		$	156.1		$	(40.5	)	$	424.8
Long-term debt	0.2			569.6			0.3			1,090.30			(112.8		)	1,547.60
Deferred income taxes	2.7			575.5			130			186			—			894.2
Other liabilities	6.7			116.4			0.4			28.8			(23.7		)	128.6
Stockholders’ equity	3,117.20			405.3			98.3			2,172.40			(2,696.6		)	3,096.60
Noncontrolling interest	—			—			304.1			—			—			304.1
Total liabilities and equity	$	2,245.70		$	2,725.70		$	664.5		$	3,633.60		$	(2,873.6	)	$	6,395.90
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	Parent			KCSR			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
							Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments			KCS
Operating activities:
Net cash provided	$	67.3		$	187.2		$	2.3		$	320.7		$	(5.0	)	$	572.5
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures	—			(246.6		)	(1.9		)	(133.7		)	0.4			(381.8		)
Purchase of equipment under operating leases	—			(88.6		)	—			(66.5		)	—			(155.1		)
Property investments in MSLLC	—			—			—			(25.0		)	—			(25.0		)
Proceeds from repayment of loans to affiliates	—			97.4			—			—			(97.4		)	—
Loans to affiliates	—			(69.5		)	—			—			69.5			—
Other investing activities	(0.7		)	(5.3		)	(1.0		)	4.2			0.9			(1.9		)
Net cash used	(0.7		)	(312.6		)	(2.9		)	(221.0		)	(26.6		)	(563.8		)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	—			487.9			—			980.8			—			1,468.70
Repayment of long-term debt	—			(336.5		)	(0.1		)	(965.2		)	—			(1,301.8		)
Debt costs	—			(5.6		)	—			(103.7		)	—			(109.3		)
Dividends paid	(47.6		)	—			—			(5.0		)	5			(47.6		)
Proceeds from loans from affiliates	—			—			—			69.5			(69.5		)	—
Repayment of loans from affiliates	—			—			—			(97.4		)	97.4			—
Other financing activities	4.6			—			0.6			0.7			(1.3		)	4.6
Net cash provided (used)	(43.0		)	145.8			0.5			(120.3		)	31.6			14.6
Cash and cash equivalents:
Net increase (decrease)	23.6			20.4			(0.1		)	(20.6		)	—			23.3
At beginning of year	0.1			29.6			0.1			42.8			—			72.6
At end of period	$	23.7		$	50		$	—		$	22.2		$	—		$	95.9
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS – (Continued)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	Parent			KCSR			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
							Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments			KCS
Operating activities:
Net cash provided	$	20.2		$	206.5		$	1.5		$	287.9		$	(0.1	)	$	516
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures	—			(157.6		)	(1.4		)	(137.3		)	—			(296.3		)
Purchase of equipment under operating leases	—			(19.7		)	—			(3.2		)	—			(22.9		)
Property investments in MSLLC	—			—			—			(31.4		)	—			(31.4		)
Proceeds from repayment of loans to affiliates	—			65.6			—			—			(65.6		)	—
Other investing activities	(0.3		)	5.7			(0.3		)	16.6			0.7			22.4
Net cash used	(0.3		)	(106.0		)	(1.7		)	(155.3		)	(64.9		)	(328.2		)
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	—			329.7			—			—			—			329.7
Repayment of long-term debt	—			(348.0		)	(0.1		)	(15.7		)	—			(363.8		)
Debt costs	—			(19.3		)	—			—			—			(19.3		)
Dividends paid	(43.1		)	—			—			—			—			(43.1		)
Repayment of loans from affiliates	—			—			—			(65.6		)	65.6			—
Other financing activities	23.3			—			0.3			0.3			(0.6		)	23.3
Net cash provided (used)	(19.8		)	(37.6		)	0.2			(81.0		)	65			(73.2		)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Net increase	0.1			62.9			—			51.6			—			114.6
At beginning of year	—			49			0.1			23.3			—			72.4
At end of period	$	0.1		$	111.9		$	0.1		$	74.9		$	—		$	187

Earnings_Per_Share_Data_Tables

Earnings Per Share Data (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	The following table reconciles the basic earnings per share computation to the diluted earnings per share computation (in millions, except share and per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Net income available to common stockholders for purposes of computing basic and diluted earnings per share	$	118.3	$	90	$	237.4	$	285.3
	Weighted-average number of shares outstanding (in thousands):
	Basic shares	110,003		109,739		109,956		109,684
	Effect of dilution	370		388		361		377
	Diluted shares	110,373		110,127		110,317		110,061
	Earnings per share:
	Basic earnings per share	$	1.08	$	0.82	$	2.16	$	2.6
	Diluted earnings per share	$	1.07	$	0.82	$	2.15	$	2.59
	Potentially dilutive shares excluded from the calculation (in thousands):
	Stock options excluded as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive	—		—		74		81

Property_and_Equipment_includi1

Property and Equipment (including Concession Assets) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment by Type	Property and equipment, including concession assets, and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are summarized below (in millions):
		September 30,		December 31,
		2013		2012
	Land	$	209.2	$	208.9
	Concession land rights	141.2		141.2
	Road property	5,885.00		5,664.40
	Equipment	1,248.40		962.6
	Technology and other	147.3		148.1
	Construction in progress	157.6		156.2
	Total property	7,788.70		7,281.40
	Accumulated depreciation and amortization	1,668.30		1,596.60
	Property and equipment (including concession assets), net	$	6,120.40	$	5,684.80

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Consolidated Balance Sheets, Fair Value	The following table presents the fair value of derivative instruments included in the consolidated balance sheets (in millions):
		Derivative Liabilities
		Balance Sheet Location		September 30,			December 31, 2012
				2013
	Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
	Interest rate swaps	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$	0.2		$	—
	Interest rate swaps	Other noncurrent liabilities and deferred credits		—			0.9
	Total derivatives designated as hedging instruments			0.2			0.9
	Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
	Foreign currency forward contracts	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		6.3			—
	Total derivatives not designated as hedging instruments			6.3			—
	Total derivative liabilities			$	6.5		$	0.9
Schedule of Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) in Consolidated Statements of Income	The following table presents the amounts affecting the consolidated statements of income for the three months ended September 30 (in millions):
	Derivatives in Cash Flow		Amount of						Location of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated	Amount of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified
	Hedging Relationships		Gain/(Loss)						OCI into Income	from Accumulated
			Recognized in OCI						(Effective Portion)	OCI into Income (Effective Portion)
			on Derivative
			(Effective Portion)
			2013			2012				2013			2012
	Interest rate swaps		$	(0.1	)	$	(0.6	)	Interest expense	$	(0.2	)	$	(0.2	)
	Total		$	(0.1	)	$	(0.6	)		$	(0.2	)	$	(0.2	)
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments								Location of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
										2013			2012
	Foreign currency forward contracts								Foreign exchange gain (loss)	$	(1.3	)	$	—
	Total									$	(1.3	)	$	—
	The following table presents the amounts affecting the consolidated statements of income for the nine months ended September 30 (in millions):
	Derivatives in Cash Flow		Amount of						Location of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated	Amount of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified
	Hedging Relationships		Gain/(Loss)						OCI into Income	from Accumulated
			Recognized in OCI						(Effective Portion)	OCI into Income (Effective Portion)
			on Derivative
			(Effective Portion)
			2013			2012				2013			2012
	Interest rate swaps		$	(0.2	)	$	(1.6	)	Interest expense	$	(0.5	)	$	(0.5	)
									Debt retirement costs	(0.4		)	—
	Total		$	(0.2	)	$	(1.6	)		$	(0.9	)	$	(0.5	)
	Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments								Location of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative
										2013			2012
	Foreign currency forward contracts								Foreign exchange gain (loss)	$	(6.3	)	$	—
	Total									$	(6.3	)	$	—

Equity_Tables

Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity [Abstract]
Schedule of Stockholders' Equity	The following tables summarize the changes in equity (in millions):
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013								Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Kansas City			Noncontrolling		Total			Kansas City			Noncontrolling		Total
		Southern			Interest		Equity			Southern			Interest		Equity
		Stockholders’								Stockholders’
		Equity								Equity
	Beginning balance	$	3,178.50		$	304.8	$	3,483.30		$	2,937.40		$	295	$	3,232.40
	Net income	118.4			0.6		119			90.1			0.6		90.7
	Other comprehensive income	—			—		—			0.2			—		0.2
	Dividends on common stock	(23.6		)	—		(23.6		)	(21.5		)	—		(21.5		)
	Dividends on $25 par preferred stock	(0.1		)	—		(0.1		)	(0.1		)	—		(0.1		)
	Options exercised and stock subscribed, net of shares withheld for employee taxes	0.7			—		0.7			0.8			—		0.8
	Tax benefit from share-based compensation	0.4			—		0.4			8.1			—		8.1
	Share-based compensation	3			—		3			2.6			—		2.6
	Ending balance	$	3,277.30		$	305.4	$	3,582.70		$	3,017.60		$	295.6	$	3,313.20
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013								Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Kansas City			Noncontrolling		Total			Kansas City			Noncontrolling		Total
		Southern			Interest		Equity			Southern			Interest		Equity
		Stockholders’								Stockholders’
		Equity								Equity
	Beginning balance	$	3,096.60		$	304.1	$	3,400.70		$	2,764.50		$	294.2	$	3,058.70
	Net income	237.6			1.3		238.9			285.5			1.4		286.9
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	0.3			—		0.3			(0.1		)	—		(0.1		)
	Dividends on common stock	(71.0		)	—		(71.0		)	(64.4		)	—		(64.4		)
	Dividends on $25 par preferred stock	(0.2		)	—		(0.2		)	(0.2		)	—		(0.2		)
	Options exercised and stock subscribed, net of shares withheld for employee taxes	(1.0		)	—		(1.0		)	1.8			—		1.8
	Tax benefit from share-based compensation	3.7			—		3.7			22.2			—		22.2
	Share-based compensation	11.3			—		11.3			8.3			—		8.3
	Ending balance	$	3,277.30		$	305.4	$	3,582.70		$	3,017.60		$	295.6	$	3,313.20
Schedule of Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share	The following table presents the amount of cash dividends declared per common share by the Company’s Board of Directors:
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30,					September 30,
		2013			2012		2013			2012
	Cash dividends declared per common share	$	0.215		$	0.195	$	0.645		$	0.585

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Personal Injury Liability Activity	The personal injury liability activity was as follows (in millions):
		Nine Months Ended September 30,
		2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of year	$	34.4		$	40.1
	Accruals	6.6			7.5
	Change in estimate	4.1			(7.0		)
	Payments	(7.8		)	(5.6		)
	Balance at end of period	$	37.3		$	35

Geographic_Information_Tables

Geographic Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas	The following tables provide information by geographic area (in millions):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30,				September 30,
	Revenues	2013		2012		2013		2012
	U.S.	$	334.9	$	311.2	$	945	$	910.5
	Mexico	286.7		266.2		808.7		759.7
	Total revenues	$	621.6	$	577.4	$	1,753.70	$	1,670.20
	Property and equipment (including concession assets), net					September 30,		December 31,
						2013		2012
	U.S.					$	3,454.60	$	3,126.20
	Mexico					2,665.80		2,558.60
	Total property and equipment (including concession assets), net					$	6,120.40	$	5,684.80

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ1

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Parent			KCSR			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
								Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments			KCS
	Revenues	$	—		$	295.9		$	10.7		$	325.1		$	(10.1	)	$	621.6
	Operating expenses	1.1			212.3			9.9			208.8			(10.8		)	421.3
	Operating income (loss)	(1.1		)	83.6			0.8			116.3			0.7			200.3
	Equity in net earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates	114.8			(0.2		)	1.8			4.3			(115.9		)	4.8
	Interest expense	(0.1		)	(17.8		)	—			(12.3		)	11.9			(18.3		)
	Debt retirement costs	—			—			—			(2.4		)	—			(2.4		)
	Foreign exchange loss	—			—			—			(1.4		)	—			(1.4		)
	Other income (expense), net	11			1			—			(0.2		)	(12.5		)	(0.7		)
	Income before income taxes	124.6			66.6			2.6			104.3			(115.8		)	182.3
	Income tax expense	6.2			25.7			0.9			30.4			0.1			63.3
	Net income	118.4			40.9			1.7			73.9			(115.9		)	119
	Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			0.6			—			—			0.6
	Net income attributable to Kansas City Southern and subsidiaries	118.4			40.9			1.1			73.9			(115.9		)	118.4
	Other comprehensive income	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Comprehensive income attributable to Kansas City Southern and subsidiaries	$	118.4		$	40.9		$	1.1		$	73.9		$	(115.9	)	$	118.4
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Parent			KCSR			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
								Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments			KCS
	Revenues	$	—		$	278		$	6.8		$	301.7		$	(9.1	)	$	577.4
	Operating expenses	0.9			202.2			9			194.3			(9.7		)	396.7
	Operating income (loss)	(0.9		)	75.8			(2.2		)	107.4			0.6			180.7
	Equity in net earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates	86.6			(0.1		)	1.5			3.4			(87.0		)	4.4
	Interest expense	(0.1		)	(15.1		)	—			(21.9		)	13			(24.1		)
	Debt retirement costs	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Foreign exchange gain	—			—			—			3.7			—			3.7
	Other income, net	11.6			1.9			—			—			(13.6		)	(0.1		)
	Income (loss) before income taxes	97.2			62.5			(0.7		)	92.6			(87.0		)	164.6
	Income tax expense (benefit)	7.1			24.3			(0.2		)	42.7			—			73.9
	Net income (loss)	90.1			38.2			(0.5		)	49.9			(87.0		)	90.7
	Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			0.6			—			—			0.6
	Net income (loss) attributable to Kansas City Southern and subsidiaries	90.1			38.2			(1.1		)	49.9			(87.0		)	90.1
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	0.2			(0.3		)	—			0.7			(0.4		)	0.2
	Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Kansas City Southern and subsidiaries	$	90.3		$	37.9		$	(1.1	)	$	50.6		$	(87.4	)	$	90.3
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) – (Continued)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Parent			KCSR			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
								Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments			KCS
	Revenues	$	—		$	836.1		$	30.9		$	916.6		$	(29.9	)	$	1,753.70
	Operating expenses	3.7			617.8			28.5			593			(31.8		)	1,211.20
	Operating income (loss)	(3.7		)	218.3			2.4			323.6			1.9			542.5
	Equity in net earnings of unconsolidated affiliates	222.7			1			4			11.2			(225.1		)	13.8
	Interest expense	(0.1		)	(49.4		)	—			(47.4		)	35.7			(61.2		)
	Debt retirement costs	—			(1.5		)	—			(112.3		)	—			(113.8		)
	Foreign exchange loss	—			(1.6		)	—			(8.5		)	—			(10.1		)
	Other income (expense), net	33.4			4.2			(0.1		)	(0.4		)	(37.6		)	(0.5		)
	Income before income taxes	252.3			171			6.3			166.2			(225.1		)	370.7
	Income tax expense	14.7			63.9			2.3			50.8			0.1			131.8
	Net income	237.6			107.1			4			115.4			(225.2		)	238.9
	Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			1.3			—			—			1.3
	Net income attributable to Kansas City Southern and subsidiaries	237.6			107.1			2.7			115.4			(225.2		)	237.6
	Other comprehensive income	0.3			0.4			—			—			(0.4		)	0.3
	Comprehensive income attributable to Kansas City Southern and subsidiaries	$	237.9		$	107.5		$	2.7		$	115.4		$	(225.6	)	$	237.9
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Parent			KCSR			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
								Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments			KCS
	Revenues	$	—		$	811.4		$	18.5		$	866.8		$	(26.5	)	$	1,670.20
	Operating expenses	3.2			603.1			24.8			525.2			(28.4		)	1,127.90
	Operating income (loss)	(3.2		)	208.3			(6.3		)	341.6			1.9			542.3
	Equity in net earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates	261			(0.2		)	4.4			12.3			(262.4		)	15.1
	Interest expense	(0.1		)	(50.2		)	—			(66.5		)	40.2			(76.6		)
Debt retirement costs	—			(18.0		)	—			—			—			(18.0		)
Foreign exchange gain	—			—			—			4.1			—			4.1
Other income (expense), net	35.2			9.9			—			(3.8		)	(42.1		)	(0.8		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	292.9			149.8			(1.9		)	287.7			(262.4		)	466.1
Income tax expense (benefit)	7.4			58.2			(0.5		)	114.1			—			179.2
Net income (loss)	285.5			91.6			(1.4		)	173.6			(262.4		)	286.9
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	—			—			1.4			—			—			1.4
Net income (loss) attributable to Kansas City Southern and subsidiaries	285.5			91.6			(2.8		)	173.6			(262.4		)	285.5
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(0.1		)	(0.7		)	—			1			(0.3		)	(0.1		)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Kansas City Southern and subsidiaries	$	285.4		$	90.9		$	(2.8	)	$	174.6		$	(262.7	)	$	285.4
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEETS
		September 30, 2013
		Parent			KCSR			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
								Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments			KCS
	Assets:
	Current assets	$	26.1		$	259.6		$	7.9		$	356.7		$	(32.6	)	$	617.7
	Investments	—			9.7			—			32.9			—			42.6
	Investments in consolidated subsidiaries	2,460.80			(1.7		)	459.4			—			(2,918.5		)	—
	Restricted funds	—			—			—			10.8			—			10.8
	Property and equipment (including concession assets), net	—			2,579.40			200.4			3,340.60			—			6,120.40
	Other assets	1.4			134.6			—			37.2			(83.7		)	89.5
	Total assets	$	2,488.30		$	2,981.60		$	667.7		$	3,778.20		$	(3,034.8	)	$	6,881.00
	Liabilities and equity:
	Current liabilities	$	(836.7	)	$	1,004.00		$	128.3		$	191.8		$	(32.6	)	$	454.8
	Long-term debt	0.2			730			0.2			1,081.90			(83.7		)	1,728.60
	Deferred income taxes	20			639.2			131.8			194.4			—			985.4
	Other liabilities	6.8			95.4			0.5			26.8			—			129.5
	Stockholders’ equity	3,298.00			513			101.5			2,283.30			(2,918.5		)	3,277.30
	Noncontrolling interest	—			—			305.4			—			—			305.4
	Total liabilities and equity	$	2,488.30		$	2,981.60		$	667.7		$	3,778.20		$	(3,034.8	)	$	6,881.00
		December 31, 2012
		Parent			KCSR			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
								Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments			KCS
	Assets:
	Current assets	$	2.4		$	236.4		$	5.4		$	318.6		$	(40.5	)	$	522.3
	Investments	—			23.9			—			27.6			—			51.5
	Investments in consolidated subsidiaries	2,242.00			(0.2		)	454.8			—			(2,696.6		)	—
	Restricted funds	—			—			—			14.2			—			14.2
	Property and equipment (including concession assets), net	—			2,275.00			204.3			3,205.50			—			5,684.80
	Other assets	1.3			190.6			—			67.7			(136.5		)	123.1
	Total assets	$	2,245.70		$	2,725.70		$	664.5		$	3,633.60		$	(2,873.6	)	$	6,395.90
	Liabilities and equity:
	Current liabilities	$	(881.1	)	$	1,058.90		$	131.4		$	156.1		$	(40.5	)	$	424.8
	Long-term debt	0.2			569.6			0.3			1,090.30			(112.8		)	1,547.60
	Deferred income taxes	2.7			575.5			130			186			—			894.2
	Other liabilities	6.7			116.4			0.4			28.8			(23.7		)	128.6
	Stockholders’ equity	3,117.20			405.3			98.3			2,172.40			(2,696.6		)	3,096.60
	Noncontrolling interest	—			—			304.1			—			—			304.1
	Total liabilities and equity	$	2,245.70		$	2,725.70		$	664.5		$	3,633.60		$	(2,873.6	)	$	6,395.90
Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		Parent			KCSR			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
								Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments			KCS
	Operating activities:
	Net cash provided	$	67.3		$	187.2		$	2.3		$	320.7		$	(5.0	)	$	572.5
	Investing activities:
	Capital expenditures	—			(246.6		)	(1.9		)	(133.7		)	0.4			(381.8		)
	Purchase of equipment under operating leases	—			(88.6		)	—			(66.5		)	—			(155.1		)
	Property investments in MSLLC	—			—			—			(25.0		)	—			(25.0		)
	Proceeds from repayment of loans to affiliates	—			97.4			—			—			(97.4		)	—
	Loans to affiliates	—			(69.5		)	—			—			69.5			—
	Other investing activities	(0.7		)	(5.3		)	(1.0		)	4.2			0.9			(1.9		)
	Net cash used	(0.7		)	(312.6		)	(2.9		)	(221.0		)	(26.6		)	(563.8		)
	Financing activities:
	Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	—			487.9			—			980.8			—			1,468.70
	Repayment of long-term debt	—			(336.5		)	(0.1		)	(965.2		)	—			(1,301.8		)
	Debt costs	—			(5.6		)	—			(103.7		)	—			(109.3		)
	Dividends paid	(47.6		)	—			—			(5.0		)	5			(47.6		)
	Proceeds from loans from affiliates	—			—			—			69.5			(69.5		)	—
	Repayment of loans from affiliates	—			—			—			(97.4		)	97.4			—
	Other financing activities	4.6			—			0.6			0.7			(1.3		)	4.6
	Net cash provided (used)	(43.0		)	145.8			0.5			(120.3		)	31.6			14.6
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Net increase (decrease)	23.6			20.4			(0.1		)	(20.6		)	—			23.3
	At beginning of year	0.1			29.6			0.1			42.8			—			72.6
	At end of period	$	23.7		$	50		$	—		$	22.2		$	—		$	95.9
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS – (Continued)
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Parent			KCSR			Guarantor			Non-Guarantor			Consolidating			Consolidated
								Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries			Adjustments			KCS
	Operating activities:
	Net cash provided	$	20.2		$	206.5		$	1.5		$	287.9		$	(0.1	)	$	516
	Investing activities:
	Capital expenditures	—			(157.6		)	(1.4		)	(137.3		)	—			(296.3		)
	Purchase of equipment under operating leases	—			(19.7		)	—			(3.2		)	—			(22.9		)
	Property investments in MSLLC	—			—			—			(31.4		)	—			(31.4		)
	Proceeds from repayment of loans to affiliates	—			65.6			—			—			(65.6		)	—
	Other investing activities	(0.3		)	5.7			(0.3		)	16.6			0.7			22.4
	Net cash used	(0.3		)	(106.0		)	(1.7		)	(155.3		)	(64.9		)	(328.2		)
	Financing activities:
	Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	—			329.7			—			—			—			329.7
	Repayment of long-term debt	—			(348.0		)	(0.1		)	(15.7		)	—			(363.8		)
	Debt costs	—			(19.3		)	—			—			—			(19.3		)
	Dividends paid	(43.1		)	—			—			—			—			(43.1		)
	Repayment of loans from affiliates	—			—			—			(65.6		)	65.6			—
	Other financing activities	23.3			—			0.3			0.3			(0.6		)	23.3
	Net cash provided (used)	(19.8		)	(37.6		)	0.2			(81.0		)	65			(73.2		)
	Cash and cash equivalents:
	Net increase	0.1			62.9			—			51.6			—			114.6
	At beginning of year	—			49			0.1			23.3			—			72.4
	At end of period	$	0.1		$	111.9		$	0.1		$	74.9		$	—		$	187

Earnings_Per_Share_Data_Detail

Earnings Per Share Data (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract]
Net income available to common stockholders for purposes of computing basic earnings per share	$118.30	$90	$237.40	$285.30
Net income available to common stockholders for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share	$118.30	$90	$237.40	$285.30
Weighted-Average Number of Shares Outstanding Reconciliation [Abstract]
Basic shares	110,003	109,739	109,956	109,684
Effect of dilution	370	388	361	377
Diluted shares	110,373	110,127	110,317	110,061
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic earnings per share	$1.08	$0.82	$2.16	$2.60
Diluted earnings per share	$1.07	$0.82	$2.15	$2.59
Stock Options [Member]
Potentially Dilutive Shares Excluded from the Calculation [Abstract]
Stock options excluded as their inclusion would be anti-dilutive	0	0	74	81

Elimination_of_Deferred_Statut1

Elimination of Deferred Statutory Profit Sharing Liability, Net (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012
					KCSM [Member]
					Organizational Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring and Related Activities [Line Items]
Net reduction to operating expense as a result of the organizational restructuring	$0	$0	$0	$43	$43
Elimination of deferred Mexican statutory profit sharing liability			0	47.8	47.8
Transaction costs of organizational restructuring					$4.80

Recovered_Sheet1

Property and Equipment (Including Concession Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment (including concession assets), gross	$7,788.70	$7,281.40
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	1,668.30	1,596.60
Property and equipment (including concession assets), net	6,120.40	5,684.80
Accumulated amortization	431.1	402.7
Concession assets, net of accumulated amortization	1,938.30	1,893.90
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment (including concession assets), gross	209.2	208.9
Concession land rights [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment (including concession assets), gross	141.2	141.2
Road property [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment (including concession assets), gross	5,885	5,664.40
Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment (including concession assets), gross	1,248.40	962.6
Technology and other [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment (including concession assets), gross	147.3	148.1
Construction in progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment (including concession assets), gross	$157.60	$156.20

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Carrying value of company's debt	$1,780.40	$1,607.80
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of company's debt	1,700.20	1,719.90
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of interest rate swap liabilities	0.2	0.9
Fair value of foreign currency forward contract liabilities	$6.30

Derivative_Instruments_Narrati

Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details)	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]	Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member]	KCSR [Member]	KCSR [Member]	KCSR [Member]
	Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Terminated Hedging Instrument [Member]	Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	Interest Rate Swaps [Member]	Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
	USD ($)	Debt Retirement Costs [Member]	USD ($)	MXN	Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	Terminated Hedging Instrument [Member]
		USD ($)			Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	USD ($)
					USD ($)	USD ($)
						Interest_Rate_Swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of amortizing interest rate swaps entered into by the Company						4
Aggregate notional amount of derivative			$325	4,202.30	$155.40	$320	$140.80
Loss recognized by the Company as a result of the termination of interest rate swaps		-0.4
Amortizing interest rate swaps, fixed interest rate					0.49%
Derivative maturity date			31-Dec-13	31-Dec-13	31-Mar-14
Weighted average forward exchange rate of derivatives (in Ps per USD)				12.93
Net losses to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss into interest expense over the next 12 months	($0.20)

Derivative_Instruments_Fair_Va

Derivative Instruments Fair Value of Derivative Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities, fair value	$6.50	$0.90
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities, fair value	0.2	0.9
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities, fair value	6.3	0
Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities, fair value	0.2	0
Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Noncurrent Liabilities and Deferred Credits [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities, fair value	0	0.9
Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liabilities, fair value	$6.30	$0

Derivative_Instruments_Derivat

Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments Affecting the Consolidated Statements of Income (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
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	($0.10)	($0.60)	($0.20)	($1.60)
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	-0.2	-0.2	-0.9	-0.5
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (Ineffective Portion and Amount Excluded from Effectiveness Testing)	0	0	0	0
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)	-0.1	-0.6	-0.2	-1.6
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Interest Expense [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)	-0.2	-0.2	-0.5	-0.5
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Interest Rate Swaps [Member] | Debt Retirement Costs [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)			-0.4	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	-1.3	0	-6.3	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Foreign Currency Forward Contracts [Member] | Foreign Exchange Gain (Loss) [Member]
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain/(Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative	($1.30)	$0	($6.30)	$0

LongTerm_Debt_Details

Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

5 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

5 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Apr. 02, 2013

Apr. 10, 2013

8-May-13

Apr. 10, 2013

8-May-13

Sep. 30, 2013

Apr. 10, 2013

8-May-13

Sep. 30, 2013

3-May-13

3-May-13

3-May-13

3-May-13

3-May-13

3-May-13

Apr. 02, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 29, 2013

Apr. 29, 2013

Apr. 29, 2013

Apr. 29, 2013

KCSM [Member]

KCSM [Member]

KCSM [Member]

KCSM [Member]

KCSM [Member]

KCSM [Member]

KCSM [Member]

KCSM [Member]

KCSM [Member]

KCSM [Member]

KCSM [Member]

KCSM [Member]

KCSM [Member]

KCSM [Member]

KCSM [Member]

KCSM [Member]

KCSM [Member]

KCSM [Member]

KCSR [Member]

KCSR [Member]

KCSR [Member]

KCSR [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Loans Payable [Member]

12 1/2% Senior Notes, Due April 1, 2016 [Member]

KCSM 8.0% Senior Notes, Due February 1, 2018 [Member]

KCSM 8.0% Senior Notes, Due February 1, 2018 [Member]

6 5/8% Senior Notes, Due December 15, 2020 [Member]

6 5/8% Senior Notes, Due December 15, 2020 [Member]

6 5/8% Senior Notes, Due December 15, 2020 [Member]

6 1/8% Senior Notes, Due June 15, 2021 [Member]

6 1/8% Senior Notes, Due June 15, 2021 [Member]

6 1/8% Senior Notes, Due June 15, 2021 [Member]

2.35% Senior Notes, Due May 15, 2020 [Member]

2.35% Senior Notes, Due May 15, 2020 [Member]

2.35% Senior Notes, Due May 15, 2020 [Member]

3.0% Senior Notes, Due May 15, 2023 [Member]

3.0% Senior Notes, Due May 15, 2023 [Member]

3.0% Senior Notes, Due May 15, 2023 [Member]

4.30% Senior Notes, Due May 15, 2043 [Member]

4.30% Senior Notes, Due May 15, 2043 [Member]

4.30% Senior Notes, Due May 15, 2043 [Member]

Term Loan Facility [Member]

Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member]

Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member]

Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member]

Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member]

Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member]

Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period Two [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Gross amount of debt purchased and redeemed by the Company

$98.10

$237.20

$181

$4

$149.70

$20.90

$277.50

Debt instrument, stated interest rate

12.50%

8.00%

6.63%

6.13%

2.35%

3.00%

4.30%

Debt instrument, maturity date

1-Apr-16

1-Feb-18

15-Dec-20

15-Jun-21

15-May-20

15-May-23

15-May-43

Redemption price expressed as percent of principal amount

106.25%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%

Additional borrowings under KCSM's revolving credit facility

65

Principal amount of debt

275

450

450

Debt instrument, discount

0.3

1.9

4.1

Debt instrument, yield to maturity

2.37%

3.05%

4.36%

Date which Senior Notes may be redeemed prior to

15-Apr-20

15-Feb-23

15-Nov-42

Additional basis spread on U.S. Treasury rate

0.20%

0.20%

0.25%

Date on or after which Senior Notes may be redeemed

15-Apr-20

15-Feb-23

15-Nov-42

Amount outstanding under the KCSM revolving credit facility

0

0

Debt retirement costs

($2.40)

$0

($113.80)

($18)

Equity_Details

Equity (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
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$3,483.30	$3,232.40	$3,400.70	$3,058.70
Net income	119	90.7	238.9	286.9
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0.2	0.3	-0.1
Dividends on common stock	-23.6	-21.5	-71	-64.4
Options exercised and stock subscribed, net of shares withheld for employee taxes	0.7	0.8	-1	1.8
Tax benefit from share-based compensation	0.4	8.1	3.7	22.2
Share-based compensation	3	2.6	11.3	8.3
Ending balance	3,582.70	3,313.20	3,582.70	3,313.20
$25 Par Preferred Stock [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Dividends on $25 par preferred stock	-0.1	-0.1	-0.2	-0.2
Kansas City Southern Stockholders' Equity [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	3,178.50	2,937.40	3,096.60	2,764.50
Net income	118.4	90.1	237.6	285.5
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0.2	0.3	-0.1
Dividends on common stock	-23.6	-21.5	-71	-64.4
Options exercised and stock subscribed, net of shares withheld for employee taxes	0.7	0.8	-1	1.8
Tax benefit from share-based compensation	0.4	8.1	3.7	22.2
Share-based compensation	3	2.6	11.3	8.3
Ending balance	3,277.30	3,017.60	3,277.30	3,017.60
Kansas City Southern Stockholders' Equity [Member] | $25 Par Preferred Stock [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Dividends on $25 par preferred stock	-0.1	-0.1	-0.2	-0.2
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	304.8	295	304.1	294.2
Net income	0.6	0.6	1.3	1.4
Ending balance	$305.40	$295.60	$305.40	$295.60

Equity_Parenthetical_Details

Equity (Parenthetical) (Details) ($25 Par Preferred Stock [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
$25 Par Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Par Value	$25	$25	$25

Equity_Cash_Dividends_on_Commo

Equity Cash Dividends on Common Stock (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 06, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Cash dividends declared per common share	$0.22	$0.22	$0.20	$0.65	$0.59
Aggregate amount of dividends declared		$23.60	$21.50	$71	$64.40

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (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
Financial Guarantee [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding, amount	$5.30		$5.30
Percent guarantee of unconsolidated affiliate debt	50.00%		50.00%
KCSM [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Total period of time for payments due under railroad Concession to Mexican government			50 years
Initial percentage of gross revenue payable under railroad Concession to Mexican government			0.50%
Initial period of time for payments due under railroad Concession to Mexican government			15 years
Date the percentage of revenue payable to the Mexican government increased under the Concession			24-Jun-12
Percentage of gross revenue payable under railroad Concession to Mexican government after initial fifteen year period			1.25%
KCSM [Member] | Materials and Other Expense [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Concession duty expense	$3.70	$3.50	$10.50	$6.20
Panama Canal Railway Company [Member] | Financial Guarantee [Member] | 7.0% Senior Secured Notes due November 1, 2026 [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated interest rate	7.00%		7.00%
Debt instrument, maturity date			1-Nov-26

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies Personal Injury Liability Activity (Details) (Personal Injury [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Personal Injury [Member]
Personal Injury Liability Activity [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$34.40	$40.10
Accruals	6.6	7.5
Change in estimate	4.1	-7
Payments	-7.8	-5.6
Balance at end of period	$37.30	$35

Geographic_Information_Informa

Geographic Information (Information by Geographic Area) (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
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	$621.60	$577.40	$1,753.70	$1,670.20
Property and equipment (including concession assets), net	6,120.40		6,120.40		5,684.80
UNITED STATES
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	334.9	311.2	945	910.5
Property and equipment (including concession assets), net	3,454.60		3,454.60		3,126.20
MEXICO
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	286.7	266.2	808.7	759.7
Property and equipment (including concession assets), net	$2,665.80		$2,665.80		$2,558.60

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ2

Condensed Consolidating Financial Information (Narrative) (Details) (KCSR [Member], Senior Notes [Member], 4.30% Senior Notes, Due May 15, 2043 [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
KCSR [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | 4.30% Senior Notes, Due May 15, 2043 [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Outstanding principal amount	$450
Stated interest rate on Senior Notes	4.30%
Maturity date on Senior Notes	15-May-43

Condensed_Consolidating_Statem

Condensed Consolidating Statements of 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
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	$621.60	$577.40	$1,753.70	$1,670.20
Operating expenses	421.3	396.7	1,211.20	1,127.90
Operating income	200.3	180.7	542.5	542.3
Equity in net earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates	4.8	4.4	13.8	15.1
Interest expense	-18.3	-24.1	-61.2	-76.6
Debt retirement costs	-2.4	0	-113.8	-18
Foreign exchange gain (loss)	-1.4	3.7	-10.1	4.1
Other income (expense), net	-0.7	-0.1	-0.5	-0.8
Income before income taxes	182.3	164.6	370.7	466.1
Income tax expense (benefit)	63.3	73.9	131.8	179.2
Net income	119	90.7	238.9	286.9
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0.6	0.6	1.3	1.4
Net income attributable to Kansas City Southern and subsidiaries	118.4	90.1	237.6	285.5
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0.2	0.3	-0.1
Comprehensive income attributable to Kansas City Southern and subsidiaries	118.4	90.3	237.9	285.4
Parent [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Operating expenses	1.1	0.9	3.7	3.2
Operating income	-1.1	-0.9	-3.7	-3.2
Equity in net earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates	114.8	86.6	222.7	261
Interest expense	-0.1	-0.1	-0.1	-0.1
Debt retirement costs	0	0	0	0
Foreign exchange gain (loss)	0	0	0	0
Other income (expense), net	11	11.6	33.4	35.2
Income before income taxes	124.6	97.2	252.3	292.9
Income tax expense (benefit)	6.2	7.1	14.7	7.4
Net income	118.4	90.1	237.6	285.5
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Net income attributable to Kansas City Southern and subsidiaries	118.4	90.1	237.6	285.5
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0.2	0.3	-0.1
Comprehensive income attributable to Kansas City Southern and subsidiaries	118.4	90.3	237.9	285.4
KCSR [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	295.9	278	836.1	811.4
Operating expenses	212.3	202.2	617.8	603.1
Operating income	83.6	75.8	218.3	208.3
Equity in net earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates	-0.2	-0.1	1	-0.2
Interest expense	-17.8	-15.1	-49.4	-50.2
Debt retirement costs	0	0	-1.5	-18
Foreign exchange gain (loss)	0	0	-1.6	0
Other income (expense), net	1	1.9	4.2	9.9
Income before income taxes	66.6	62.5	171	149.8
Income tax expense (benefit)	25.7	24.3	63.9	58.2
Net income	40.9	38.2	107.1	91.6
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Net income attributable to Kansas City Southern and subsidiaries	40.9	38.2	107.1	91.6
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	-0.3	0.4	-0.7
Comprehensive income attributable to Kansas City Southern and subsidiaries	40.9	37.9	107.5	90.9
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	10.7	6.8	30.9	18.5
Operating expenses	9.9	9	28.5	24.8
Operating income	0.8	-2.2	2.4	-6.3
Equity in net earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates	1.8	1.5	4	4.4
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Debt retirement costs	0	0	0	0
Foreign exchange gain (loss)	0	0	0	0
Other income (expense), net	0	0	-0.1	0
Income before income taxes	2.6	-0.7	6.3	-1.9
Income tax expense (benefit)	0.9	-0.2	2.3	-0.5
Net income	1.7	-0.5	4	-1.4
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0.6	0.6	1.3	1.4
Net income attributable to Kansas City Southern and subsidiaries	1.1	-1.1	2.7	-2.8
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income attributable to Kansas City Southern and subsidiaries	1.1	-1.1	2.7	-2.8
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	325.1	301.7	916.6	866.8
Operating expenses	208.8	194.3	593	525.2
Operating income	116.3	107.4	323.6	341.6
Equity in net earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates	4.3	3.4	11.2	12.3
Interest expense	-12.3	-21.9	-47.4	-66.5
Debt retirement costs	-2.4	0	-112.3	0
Foreign exchange gain (loss)	-1.4	3.7	-8.5	4.1
Other income (expense), net	-0.2	0	-0.4	-3.8
Income before income taxes	104.3	92.6	166.2	287.7
Income tax expense (benefit)	30.4	42.7	50.8	114.1
Net income	73.9	49.9	115.4	173.6
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Net income attributable to Kansas City Southern and subsidiaries	73.9	49.9	115.4	173.6
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0.7	0	1
Comprehensive income attributable to Kansas City Southern and subsidiaries	73.9	50.6	115.4	174.6
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	-10.1	-9.1	-29.9	-26.5
Operating expenses	-10.8	-9.7	-31.8	-28.4
Operating income	0.7	0.6	1.9	1.9
Equity in net earnings (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates	-115.9	-87	-225.1	-262.4
Interest expense	11.9	13	35.7	40.2
Debt retirement costs	0	0	0	0
Foreign exchange gain (loss)	0	0	0	0
Other income (expense), net	-12.5	-13.6	-37.6	-42.1
Income before income taxes	-115.8	-87	-225.1	-262.4
Income tax expense (benefit)	0.1	0	0.1	0
Net income	-115.9	-87	-225.2	-262.4
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0
Net income attributable to Kansas City Southern and subsidiaries	-115.9	-87	-225.2	-262.4
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	-0.4	-0.4	-0.3
Comprehensive income attributable to Kansas City Southern and subsidiaries	($115.90)	($87.40)	($225.60)	($262.70)

Condensed_Consolidating_Balanc

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Assets:
Current assets	$617.70	$522.30
Investments	42.6	51.5
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries	0	0
Restricted funds	10.8	14.2
Property and equipment (including concession assets), net	6,120.40	5,684.80
Other assets	89.5	123.1
Total assets	6,881	6,395.90
Liabilities and equity:
Current liabilities	454.8	424.8
Long-term debt	1,728.60	1,547.60
Deferred income taxes	985.4	894.2
Other liabilities	129.5	128.6
Stockholders' equity	3,277.30	3,096.60
Noncontrolling interest	305.4	304.1
Total liabilities and equity	6,881	6,395.90
Parent [Member]
Assets:
Current assets	26.1	2.4
Investments	0	0
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries	2,460.80	2,242
Restricted funds	0	0
Property and equipment (including concession assets), net	0	0
Other assets	1.4	1.3
Total assets	2,488.30	2,245.70
Liabilities and equity:
Current liabilities	-836.7	-881.1
Long-term debt	0.2	0.2
Deferred income taxes	20	2.7
Other liabilities	6.8	6.7
Stockholders' equity	3,298	3,117.20
Noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total liabilities and equity	2,488.30	2,245.70
KCSR [Member]
Assets:
Current assets	259.6	236.4
Investments	9.7	23.9
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries	-1.7	-0.2
Restricted funds	0	0
Property and equipment (including concession assets), net	2,579.40	2,275
Other assets	134.6	190.6
Total assets	2,981.60	2,725.70
Liabilities and equity:
Current liabilities	1,004	1,058.90
Long-term debt	730	569.6
Deferred income taxes	639.2	575.5
Other liabilities	95.4	116.4
Stockholders' equity	513	405.3
Noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total liabilities and equity	2,981.60	2,725.70
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Assets:
Current assets	7.9	5.4
Investments	0	0
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries	459.4	454.8
Restricted funds	0	0
Property and equipment (including concession assets), net	200.4	204.3
Other assets	0	0
Total assets	667.7	664.5
Liabilities and equity:
Current liabilities	128.3	131.4
Long-term debt	0.2	0.3
Deferred income taxes	131.8	130
Other liabilities	0.5	0.4
Stockholders' equity	101.5	98.3
Noncontrolling interest	305.4	304.1
Total liabilities and equity	667.7	664.5
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Assets:
Current assets	356.7	318.6
Investments	32.9	27.6
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries	0	0
Restricted funds	10.8	14.2
Property and equipment (including concession assets), net	3,340.60	3,205.50
Other assets	37.2	67.7
Total assets	3,778.20	3,633.60
Liabilities and equity:
Current liabilities	191.8	156.1
Long-term debt	1,081.90	1,090.30
Deferred income taxes	194.4	186
Other liabilities	26.8	28.8
Stockholders' equity	2,283.30	2,172.40
Noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total liabilities and equity	3,778.20	3,633.60
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]
Assets:
Current assets	-32.6	-40.5
Investments	0	0
Investments in consolidated subsidiaries	-2,918.50	-2,696.60
Restricted funds	0	0
Property and equipment (including concession assets), net	0	0
Other assets	-83.7	-136.5
Total assets	-3,034.80	-2,873.60
Liabilities and equity:
Current liabilities	-32.6	-40.5
Long-term debt	-83.7	-112.8
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Other liabilities	0	-23.7
Stockholders' equity	-2,918.50	-2,696.60
Noncontrolling interest	0	0
Total liabilities and equity	($3,034.80)	($2,873.60)

Condensed_Consolidating_Statem1

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Operating activities:
Net cash provided	$572.50	$516
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures	-381.8	-296.3
Purchase of equipment under operating leases	-155.1	-22.9
Property investments in MSLLC	-25	-31.4
Proceeds from repayment of loans to affiliates	0	0
Loans to affiliates	0
Other investing activities	-1.9	22.4
Net cash used for investing activities	-563.8	-328.2
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	1,468.70	329.7
Repayment of long-term debt	-1,301.80	-363.8
Debt costs	-109.3	-19.3
Dividends paid	-47.6	-43.1
Proceeds from loans from affiliates	0
Repayment of loans from affiliates	0	0
Other financing activities	4.6	23.3
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	14.6	-73.2
Cash and cash equivalents:
Net increase during each period	23.3	114.6
At beginning of year	72.6	72.4
At end of period	95.9	187
Parent [Member]
Operating activities:
Net cash provided	67.3	20.2
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures	0	0
Purchase of equipment under operating leases	0	0
Property investments in MSLLC	0	0
Proceeds from repayment of loans to affiliates	0	0
Loans to affiliates	0
Other investing activities	-0.7	-0.3
Net cash used for investing activities	-0.7	-0.3
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	0	0
Repayment of long-term debt	0	0
Debt costs	0	0
Dividends paid	-47.6	-43.1
Proceeds from loans from affiliates	0
Repayment of loans from affiliates	0	0
Other financing activities	4.6	23.3
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	-43	-19.8
Cash and cash equivalents:
Net increase during each period	23.6	0.1
At beginning of year	0.1	0
At end of period	23.7	0.1
KCSR [Member]
Operating activities:
Net cash provided	187.2	206.5
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures	-246.6	-157.6
Purchase of equipment under operating leases	-88.6	-19.7
Property investments in MSLLC	0	0
Proceeds from repayment of loans to affiliates	97.4	65.6
Loans to affiliates	-69.5
Other investing activities	-5.3	5.7
Net cash used for investing activities	-312.6	-106
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	487.9	329.7
Repayment of long-term debt	-336.5	-348
Debt costs	-5.6	-19.3
Dividends paid	0	0
Proceeds from loans from affiliates	0
Repayment of loans from affiliates	0	0
Other financing activities	0	0
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	145.8	-37.6
Cash and cash equivalents:
Net increase during each period	20.4	62.9
At beginning of year	29.6	49
At end of period	50	111.9
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Operating activities:
Net cash provided	2.3	1.5
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures	-1.9	-1.4
Purchase of equipment under operating leases	0	0
Property investments in MSLLC	0	0
Proceeds from repayment of loans to affiliates	0	0
Loans to affiliates	0
Other investing activities	-1	-0.3
Net cash used for investing activities	-2.9	-1.7
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	0	0
Repayment of long-term debt	-0.1	-0.1
Debt costs	0	0
Dividends paid	0	0
Proceeds from loans from affiliates	0
Repayment of loans from affiliates	0	0
Other financing activities	0.6	0.3
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	0.5	0.2
Cash and cash equivalents:
Net increase during each period	-0.1	0
At beginning of year	0.1	0.1
At end of period	0	0.1
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Operating activities:
Net cash provided	320.7	287.9
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures	-133.7	-137.3
Purchase of equipment under operating leases	-66.5	-3.2
Property investments in MSLLC	-25	-31.4
Proceeds from repayment of loans to affiliates	0	0
Loans to affiliates	0
Other investing activities	4.2	16.6
Net cash used for investing activities	-221	-155.3
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	980.8	0
Repayment of long-term debt	-965.2	-15.7
Debt costs	-103.7	0
Dividends paid	-5	0
Proceeds from loans from affiliates	69.5
Repayment of loans from affiliates	-97.4	-65.6
Other financing activities	0.7	0.3
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	-120.3	-81
Cash and cash equivalents:
Net increase during each period	-20.6	51.6
At beginning of year	42.8	23.3
At end of period	22.2	74.9
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]
Operating activities:
Net cash provided	-5	-0.1
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures	0.4	0
Purchase of equipment under operating leases	0	0
Property investments in MSLLC	0	0
Proceeds from repayment of loans to affiliates	-97.4	-65.6
Loans to affiliates	69.5
Other investing activities	0.9	0.7
Net cash used for investing activities	-26.6	-64.9
Financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	0	0
Repayment of long-term debt	0	0
Debt costs	0	0
Dividends paid	5	0
Proceeds from loans from affiliates	-69.5
Repayment of loans from affiliates	97.4	65.6
Other financing activities	-1.3	-0.6
Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities	31.6	65
Cash and cash equivalents:
Net increase during each period	0	0
At beginning of year	0	0
At end of period	$0	$0