Norfolk Southern (NSC) 10-K 11 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP
Entity Central Index Key	702165
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		307,411,965
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$31,787,780,476

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Inc

Consolidated Statements Of Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Railway operating revenues	$11,624	$11,245	$11,040
Railway operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits	2,897	3,002	2,960
Purchased services and rents	1,687	1,629	1,604
Fuel	1,574	1,613	1,577
Depreciation	951	916	916
Materials and other	940	828	859
Total railway operating expenses	8,049	7,988	7,916
Income from railway operations	3,575	3,257	3,124
Other income – net	104	233	129
Interest expense on debt	545	525	495
Income before income taxes	3,134	2,965	2,758
Provision for income taxes	1,134	1,055	1,009
Net income	$2,000	$1,910	$1,749
Per share amounts:
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$6.44	$6.10	$5.42
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$6.39	$6.04	$5.37

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$511	$559	$562	$368	$513	$482	$465	$450	$2,000	$1,910	$1,749
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Pension and other postretirement benefits									-15	1,122	-114
Other comprehensive income (loss) of equity investees									-8	42	-13
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax									-23	1,164	-127
Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)									6	-436	44
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									-17	728	-83
Total comprehensive income									$1,983	$2,638	$1,666

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$973	$1,443
Short-term investments	0	118
Accounts receivable – net	1,055	1,024
Materials and supplies	236	223
Deferred income taxes	167	180
Other current assets	347	87
Total current assets	2,778	3,075
Investments	2,679	2,439
Properties less accumulated depreciation of $10,814 and $10,387 respectively	27,694	26,645
Other assets	90	324
Total assets	33,241	32,483
Liabilities and stockholdersʼ equity
Accounts payable	1,233	1,265
Short-term debt	100	100
Income and other taxes	217	225
Other current liabilities	228	270
Current maturities of long-term debt	2	445
Total current liabilities	1,780	2,305
Long-term debt	8,924	8,903
Other liabilities	1,312	1,444
Deferred income taxes	8,817	8,542
Total liabilities	20,833	21,194
Stockholdersʼ equity:
Common stock $1.00 per share par value, 1,350,000,000 shares authorized; outstanding 308,240,130 and 308,878,402 shares, respectively, net of treasury shares	310	310
Additional paid-in capital	2,148	2,021
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-398	-381
Retained income	10,348	9,339
Total stockholdersʼ equity	12,408	11,289
Total liabilities and stockholdersʼ equity	$33,241	$32,483

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Properties, accumulated depreciation	$10,814	$10,387
Common stock, par or stated value per share	$1	$1
Common stock, shares authorized	1,350,000,000	1,350,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding, net of treasury shares	308,240,130	308,878,402

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$2,000	$1,910	$1,749
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	956	922	922
Deferred income taxes	294	262	366
Gains and losses on properties and investments	-13	-104	-6
Changes in assets and liabilities affecting operations:
Accounts receivable	-31	85	-64
Materials and supplies	-13	-7	-7
Other current assets	-260	-5	-6
Current liabilities other than debt	53	5	82
Other – net	-134	10	29
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,852	3,078	3,065
Cash flows from investing activities:
Property additions	-2,118	-1,971	-2,241
Property sales and other transactions	114	144	192
Investments, including short-term	-104	-130	-23
Investment sales and other transactions	106	63	78
Net cash used in investing activities	-2,002	-1,894	-1,994
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends	-687	-637	-624
Common Stock issued	130	131	89
Purchase and retirement of Common Stock	-318	-627	-1,288
Proceeds from borrowings – net	200	989	1,491
Debt repayments	-645	-250	-362
Net cash used in financing activities	-1,320	-394	-694
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	-470	790	377
Cash and cash equivalents:
At beginning of year	1,443	653	276
At end of year	973	1,443	653
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)	522	492	473
Income taxes (net of refunds)	$1,102	$735	$618

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cha

Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Retained Income
In Millions
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$9,911	$332	$1,912	($1,026)	$8,693
Net income	1,749				1,749
Other comprehensive income	-83			-83
Total comprehensive income	1,666
Dividends on Common Stock ($1.94, $2.04 and $2.22 for years ended 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively)	-624				-624
Share repurchases	-1,288	-19	-104		-1,165
Stock-based compensation, including tax benefit ($42, $38 and $37 for years ended 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively)	95	2	103		-10
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	9,760	315	1,911	-1,109	8,643
Net income	1,910				1,910
Other comprehensive income	728			728
Total comprehensive income	2,638
Dividends on Common Stock ($1.94, $2.04 and $2.22 for years ended 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively)	-637				-637
Share repurchases	-627	-8	-49		-570
Stock-based compensation, including tax benefit ($42, $38 and $37 for years ended 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively)	155	3	159		-7
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	11,289	310	2,021	-381	9,339
Net income	2,000				2,000
Other comprehensive income	-17			-17
Total comprehensive income	1,983
Dividends on Common Stock ($1.94, $2.04 and $2.22 for years ended 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively)	-687				-687
Share repurchases	-318	-3	-20		-295
Stock-based compensation, including tax benefit ($42, $38 and $37 for years ended 2012, 2013 and 2014, respectively)	144	3	147		-6
Other	-3				-3
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$12,408	$310	$2,148	($398)	$10,348

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cha1

Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$2.22	$2.04	$1.94
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation	$37	$38	$42

Summary_Of_Significant_Account

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Description of Business
	Norfolk Southern Corporation (Norfolk Southern) is a Virginia-based holding company engaged principally in the rail transportation business, operating approximately 20,000 miles of road primarily in the East and Midwest.  These consolidated financial statements include Norfolk Southern and its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries (collectively, NS, we, us, and our).  Norfolk Southern’s major subsidiary is Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NSR).  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	NSR and its railroad subsidiaries transport raw materials, intermediate products and finished goods classified in the following commodity groups (percent of total railway operating revenues in 2014): intermodal (22%); coal (21%); chemicals (16%); metals/construction (13%); agriculture/consumer products/government (13%); automotive (8%); and, paper/clay/forest products (7%).  Although most of our customers are domestic, ultimate points of origination or destination for some of the products transported (particularly coal bound for export and some intermodal containers) may be outside the U.S.  More than 80% of our railroad employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements with various labor unions.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  We periodically review our estimates, including those related to the recoverability and useful lives of assets, as well as liabilities for litigation, environmental remediation, casualty claims, income taxes and pension and other postretirement benefits.  Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates.
	Revenue Recognition
	Transportation revenue is recognized proportionally as a shipment moves from origin to destination, and related expenses are recognized as incurred.  Refunds (which are primarily volume-based incentives) are recorded as a reduction to revenues on the basis of management’s best estimate of projected liability, which is based on historical activity, current shipment counts and the expectation of future activity.  We regularly monitor our contract refund liability and, historically, the estimates have not differed significantly from the amounts ultimately refunded.   Switching, demurrage and other incidental service revenues are recognized when the services are performed.
	Cash Equivalents
	“Cash equivalents” are highly liquid investments purchased three months or less from maturity.
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	Our allowance for doubtful accounts was $6 million at December 31, 2014 and $3 million at December 31, 2013.  To determine our allowance for doubtful accounts, we evaluate historical loss experience (which has not been significant), the characteristics of current accounts, and general economic conditions and trends.
	Materials and Supplies
	“Materials and supplies,” consisting mainly of fuel oil and items for maintenance of property and equipment, are stated at the lower of average cost or market.  The cost of materials and supplies expected to be used in property additions or improvements is included in “Properties.”
	Investments
	Debt securities classified as “held-to-maturity” are reported at amortized cost.
	Investments where we have the ability to exercise significant influence over but do not control the entity are accounted for using the equity method, whereby the investment is carried at the cost of the acquisition plus our equity in undistributed earnings or losses since acquisition.
	Properties
	“Properties” are stated principally at cost and are depreciated using the group method whereby assets with similar characteristics, use, and expected lives are grouped together in asset classes and depreciated using a composite depreciation rate.  This methodology treats each asset class as a pool of resources, not as singular items.  We use approximately 70 depreciable asset classes.  The primary depreciation method for our asset base is group life.  Units of production is the principal method of depreciation for rail in high density corridors and for depletion of natural resources (Note 2).  Remaining properties are depreciated generally using the straight-line method over the lesser of estimated service or lease lives.  Depreciation in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows includes both depreciation and depletion.
	Depreciation expense is based on our assumptions concerning expected service lives of our properties as well as the expected net salvage that will be received upon their retirement.  In developing these assumptions, we utilize periodic depreciation studies that are performed by an independent outside firm of consulting engineers and approved by the Surface Transportation Board (STB).  Our depreciation studies are conducted about every three years for equipment and every six years for track assets and other roadway property.  The frequency of these studies is consistent with guidelines established by the STB.  Key factors that are considered in developing average service life and salvage estimates include:
	•	statistical analysis of historical retirement data and surviving asset records;
	•	review of historical salvage received and current market rates;
	•	review of our operations including expected changes in technology, customer demand, maintenance practices and asset management strategies;
	•	review of accounting policies and assumptions; and
	•	industry review and analysis.
	The units of production depreciation rate for rail in high density corridors is derived based on consideration of annual gross ton miles as compared to the total or ultimate capacity of rail in these corridors.  Our experience has shown that traffic density is a leading factor in determination of the expected service life of rail in high density corridors.  In developing the respective depreciation rate, consideration is also given to several rail characteristics including age, weight, condition (new or second hand) and type (curve or straight).  As a result, a composite depreciation rate is developed which is applied to the depreciable base.
	We adjust our rates based on the results of these studies and implement the changes prospectively.  The studies may also indicate that the recorded amount of accumulated depreciation is deficient (or in excess) of the amount indicated by the study.  Any such deficiency (or excess) is amortized as a component of depreciation expense over the remaining service lives of the affected class of property, as determined by the study.  For 2014, roadway depreciation rates ranged from 0.83% to 33.3% and equipment depreciation rates ranged from 1.55% to 33.33%.
	We capitalize interest on major projects during the period of their construction.  Expenditures, including those on leased assets, that extend an asset’s useful life or increase its utility are capitalized.  Expenditures capitalized include those that are directly related to a capital project and may include materials, labor and equipment, in addition to an allocable portion of indirect costs that clearly relate to a particular project. Due to the capital intensive nature of the railroad industry, a significant portion of annual capital spending relates to the replacement of self-constructed assets. Because removal activities occur in conjunction with replacement, removal costs are estimated based on an average percentage of time employees replacing assets spend on removal functions.  Costs related to repairs and maintenance activities that do not extend an asset’s useful life or increase its utility are expensed when such repairs are performed.
	When properties other than land and nonrail assets are sold or retired in the ordinary course of business, the cost of the assets, net of sale proceeds or salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation, and no gain or loss is recognized in earnings.  Actual historical cost values are retired when available, such as with equipment assets.  The use of estimates in recording the retirement of certain roadway assets is necessary based on the impracticality of tracking individual asset costs.  When retiring rail, ties and ballast, we use statistical curves that indicate the relative distribution of the age of the assets retired.  The historical cost of other roadway assets is estimated using a combination of inflation indices specific to the rail industry and those published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.  The indices are applied to the replacement value based on the age of the retired assets.  These indices are used because they closely correlate with the costs of roadway assets.  Gains and losses on disposal of land and nonrail assets are included in “Other income – net” (Note 2) since such income is not a product of our railroad operations.
	A retirement is considered abnormal if it does not occur in the normal course of business, if it relates to disposition of a large segment of an asset class and if the retirement varies significantly from the retirement profile identified through our depreciation studies, which inherently consider the impact of normal retirements on expected service lives and depreciation rates.  Gains or losses from abnormal retirements are recognized in earnings.
	We review the carrying amount of properties whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such carrying amount may not be recoverable based on future undiscounted cash flows.  Assets that are deemed impaired as a result of such review are recorded at the lower of carrying amount or fair value.
	Required Accounting Changes
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” This update, effective for our annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2017, will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP and requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. Early application is not permitted, but once effective, the ASU permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Other_Income_Net

Other Income - Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Income - Net	Other Income – Net
		2014			2013			2012
		($ in millions)
	Income from natural resources:
	Royalties from coal	$	33		$	50		$	72
	Nonoperating depletion and depreciation	(5		)	(6		)	(6		)
	Subtotal	28			44			66
	Rental income	75			61			54
	Corporate-owned life insurance – net	24			25			13
	Gains and losses from sale of properties	13			101			5
	Interest income	9			8			8
	Equity in earnings of Conrail Inc. (Note 5)	—			42			34
	Taxes on nonoperating property	(9		)	(10		)	(10		)
	Charitable contributions	(9		)	(11		)	(9		)
	Other interest expense – net	(12		)	(12		)	(9		)
	Other	(15		)	(15		)	(23		)
	Total	$	104		$	233		$	129
	“Other income – net” includes income and costs not part of rail operations and the income generated by the activities of our noncarrier subsidiaries as well as the costs incurred by those subsidiaries in their operations.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Provisions for Income Taxes
		2014			2013				2012
		($ in millions)
	Current:
	Federal	$	729		$	695			$	569
	State	111			98				74
	Total current taxes	840			793				643
	Deferred:
	Federal	299			270				339
	State	(5		)	(8		)		27
	Total deferred taxes	294			262				366
	Provision for income taxes	$	1,134		$	1,055			$	1,009
	Other current assets include prepaid income taxes of $248 million and zero, respectively, at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	Reconciliation of Statutory Rate to Effective Rate
	The “Provision for income taxes” in the Consolidated Statements of Income differs from the amounts computed by applying the statutory federal corporate tax rate as follows:
		2014						2013					2012
		Amount			%			Amount			%		Amount			%
		($ in millions)
	Federal income tax at statutory rate	$	1,097		35			$	1,038		35		$	965		35
	State income taxes, net of federal tax effect	88			3			69			2		69			3
	Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audit, settlement	—			—			—			—		(6		)	—
	State tax law changes, net of federal tax effect	(20		)	(1	)		(11		)	—		(3		)	—
	Other, net	(31		)	(1	)		(41		)	(1	)	(16		)	(1	)
	Provision for income taxes	$	1,134		36			$	1,055		36		$	1,009		37
	Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities
	Certain items are reported in different periods for financial reporting and income tax purposes.  Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded in recognition of these differences.  The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		($ in millions)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Compensation and benefits, including postretirement	$	454		$	462
	Accruals, including casualty and other claims	107			114
	Other	45			54
	Total gross deferred tax assets	606			630
	Less valuation allowance	(33		)	(32		)
	Net deferred tax asset	573			598
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property	(8,768		)	(8,494		)
	Other	(455		)	(466		)
	Total gross deferred tax liabilities	(9,223		)	(8,960		)
	Net deferred tax liability	(8,650		)	(8,362		)
	Net current deferred tax asset	167			180
	Net long-term deferred tax liability	$	(8,817	)	$	(8,542	)
	Except for amounts for which a valuation allowance has been provided, we believe that it is more likely than not that the results of future operations will generate sufficient taxable income to realize the deferred tax assets.  The valuation allowance at the end of each year primarily relates to subsidiary state income tax net operating losses that may not be utilized prior to their expiration.  The valuation allowance for 2014 also includes state investment tax credits that may not be utilized prior to their expiration.  The total valuation allowance increased by $1 million in 2014 and $13 million in 2013.
	Uncertain Tax Positions
	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		($ in millions)
	Balance at beginning of year	$	65		$	63
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	6			3
	Additions for tax positions of prior years	1			4
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(8		)	(1		)
	Settlements with taxing authorities	(1		)	(2		)
	Lapse of statutes of limitations	(2		)	(2		)
	Balance at end of year	$	61		$	65
	Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2014, are potential benefits of $28 million that would affect the effective tax rate if recognized.  Unrecognized tax benefits are adjusted in the period in which new information about a tax position becomes available or the final outcome differs from the amount recorded.
	IRS examinations have been completed for all years prior to 2011. Our consolidated federal income tax returns for 2011 and 2012 are currently being audited by the IRS. We anticipate that the IRS will complete its examination in 2015. State income tax returns generally are subject to examination for a period of three to four years after filing of the return.  In addition, we are generally obligated to report changes in taxable income arising from federal income tax examinations to the states within a period of up to two years from the date the federal examination is final.  We have various state income tax returns either under examination, administrative appeal, or litigation.  We expect that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2014, will decrease by approximately $6 million in 2015 due to tax positions for which there was an uncertainty about the timing of deductibility in earlier years, but deductibility may become certain by the close of 2015.  We do not expect that the aforementioned potential change in unrecognized tax benefits will have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.
	Interest related to unrecognized tax benefits, which is included in “Other income – net,” totaled $1 million of expense in both 2014 and 2013, and $1 million of income in 2012.  There were no penalties related to tax matters in 2014, 2013, and 2012.  We have recorded a liability of $6 million at December 31, 2014, and $4 million at December 31, 2013, for the payment of interest on unrecognized tax benefits.  We have no liability recorded at December 31, 2014 and 2013, for the payment of penalties on unrecognized tax benefits.

Fair_Value

Fair Value	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value	Fair Value
	Fair Value Measurements
	ASC 820-10, “Fair Value Measurements,” established a framework for measuring fair value and a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels, as follows:
	Level 1	Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that we have the ability to access.
	Level 2	Inputs to the valuation methodology include:
		•         quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
		•         quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets;
		•         inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability;
		•         inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
		If the asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
	Level 3	Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
	The asset’s or liability’s fair value measurement level within the hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Other than those assets and liabilities described below that approximate fair value, there were no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2014 or 2013.
	Fair Values of Financial Instruments
	We have evaluated the fair values of financial instruments and methods used to determine those fair values.  The fair values of “Cash and cash equivalents,” “Short-term investments,” “Accounts receivable,” “Accounts payable,” and “Short-term debt” approximate carrying values because of the short maturity of these financial instruments.  The carrying value of corporate-owned life insurance is recorded at cash surrender value and, accordingly, approximates fair value. The carrying amounts and estimated fair values for the remaining financial instruments, excluding investments accounted for under the equity method, consisted of the following at December 31:
		2014						2013
		Carrying			Fair			Carrying			Fair
		Amount			Value			Amount			Value
		($ in millions)
	Long-term investments	$	162		$	193		$	148		$	177
	Long-term debt, including current maturities	(8,926		)	(10,962		)	(9,348		)	(10,673		)
	Underlying net assets were used to estimate the fair value of investments with the exception of notes receivable, which are based on future discounted cash flows.  The fair values of long-term debt were estimated based on quoted market prices or discounted cash flows using current interest rates for debt with similar terms, company rating, and remaining maturity.
	The following tables set forth the fair value of long-term investment and long-term debt balances disclosed above by valuation technique level, within the fair value hierarchy (there were no level 3 valued assets or liabilities).
		December 31, 2014
		Level 1			Level 2			Total
		($ in millions)
	Long-term investments	$	50		$	143		$	193
	Long-term debt, including current maturities	(10,754		)	(208		)	(10,962		)
		December 31, 2013
		Level 1			Level 2			Total
		($ in millions)
	Long-term investments	$	47		$	130		$	177
	Long-term debt, including current maturities	(10,449		)	(224		)	(10,673		)

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	Investments
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		($ in millions)
	Short-term investments:
	Commercial paper, 2 months	$	—	$	98
	Federal government bonds, held-to-maturity, 3 months	—		20
	Total short-term investments	$	—	$	118
	Long-term investments:
	Equity method investments:
	Conrail Inc.	$	1,102	$	1,075
	TTX Company	425		404
	Meridian Speedway LLC	277		278
	Pan Am Southern LLC	152		155
	Other	91		90
	Total equity method investments	2,047		2,002
	Company-owned life insurance at net cash surrender value	470		289
	Other investments	162		148
	Total long-term investments	$	2,679	$	2,439
	Investment in Conrail
	Through a limited liability company, we and CSX Corporation (CSX) jointly own Conrail Inc. (Conrail), whose primary subsidiary is Consolidated Rail Corporation (CRC).  We have a 58% economic and 50% voting interest in the jointly owned entity, and CSX has the remainder of the economic and voting interests.  We are amortizing the excess of the purchase price over Conrail’s net equity using the principles of purchase accounting, based primarily on the estimated useful lives of Conrail’s depreciable property and equipment, including the related deferred tax effect of the differences in book and tax accounting bases for such assets, as all of the purchase price at acquisition was allocable to Conrail’s tangible assets and liabilities.
	At December 31, 2014, based on the funded status of Conrail’s pension plans, we decreased our proportional investment in Conrail by $12 million.  This resulted in expense of $11 million recorded to “Other comprehensive loss” and a combined federal and state deferred tax asset of $1 million.
	At December 31, 2013, based on the funded status of Conrail’s pension plans, we increased our proportional investment in Conrail by $37 million.  This resulted in income of $34 million recorded to “Other comprehensive income” and a combined federal and state deferred tax liability of $3 million.
	At December 31, 2014, the difference between our investment in Conrail and our share of Conrail’s underlying net equity was $529 million.  Our equity in the earnings of Conrail, net of amortization, included in “Purchased services and rents” was $39 million for 2014. For 2013 and 2012, this amounted to $42 million and $34 million and was included in “Other income – net.”
	CRC owns and operates certain properties (the Shared Assets Areas) for the joint and exclusive benefit of NSR and CSX Transportation, Inc. (CSXT).  The costs of operating the Shared Assets Areas are borne by NSR and CSXT based on usage.  In addition, NSR and CSXT pay CRC a fee for access to the Shared Assets Areas. “Purchased services and rents” and “Fuel” include expenses for amounts due to CRC for operation of the Shared Assets Areas totaling $144 million in 2014, $146 million in 2013, and $147 million in 2012. Future minimum lease payments due to CRC under the Shared Assets Areas agreements are as follows:  $36 million in each of 2015 through 2019 and $160 million thereafter. We provide certain general and administrative support functions to Conrail, the fees for which are billed in accordance with several service-provider arrangements and approximate $8 million annually.
	In 2014, we converted approximately $147 million of our accounts payable into the long-term advance from Conrail included in "Other Liabilities." “Accounts payable” includes $56 million at December 31, 2014, and $187 million at December 31, 2013, due to Conrail for the operation of the Shared Assets Areas.  “Other liabilities” includes $280 million and $133 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013 for long-term advances from Conrail, maturing 2044 and 2035 that bear interest at an average rate of 2.9% and 4.4%, respectively.

Properties

Properties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Properties	Properties
				Accumulated			Net Book		Depreciation
	At December 31, 2014	Cost		Depreciation			Value		Rate (1)
		($ in millions)
	Land	$	2,260	$	—		$	2,260	—
	Roadway:
	Rail and other track material	6,173		(1,848		)	4,325		2.46	%
	Ties	4,628		(1,156		)	3,472		3.25	%
	Ballast	2,360		(498		)	1,862		2.63	%
	Construction in process	500		—			500		—
	Other roadway	12,078		(2,989		)	9,089		2.55	%
	Total roadway	25,739		(6,491		)	19,248
	Equipment:
	Locomotives	5,120		(2,010		)	3,110		3.27	%
	Freight cars	3,276		(1,411		)	1,865		2.82	%
	Computers and software	487		(281		)	206		11.6	%
	Construction in process	199		—			199		—
	Other equipment	952		(349		)	603		6.09	%
	Total equipment	10,034		(4,051		)	5,983
	Other property	475		(272		)	203		1.04	%
	Total properties	$	38,508	$	(10,814	)	$	27,694
				Accumulated			Net Book		Depreciation
	At December 31, 2013	Cost		Depreciation			Value		Rate (1)
		($ in millions)
	Land	$	2,253	$	—		$	2,253	—
	Roadway:
	Rail and other track material	5,934		(1,782		)	4,152		2.46	%
	Ties	4,464		(1,100		)	3,364		3.24	%
	Ballast	2,244		(468		)	1,776		2.65	%
	Construction in process	405		—			405		—
	Other roadway	11,704		(2,814		)	8,890		2.55	%
	Total roadway	24,751		(6,164		)	18,587
	Equipment:
	Locomotives	4,814		(1,918		)	2,896		3.42	%
	Freight cars	3,225		(1,429		)	1,796		2.78	%
	Computers and software	513		(292		)	221		11.07	%
	Construction in process	139		—			139		—
	Other equipment	862		(316		)	546		6.15	%
	Total equipment	9,553		(3,955		)	5,598
	Other property	475		(268		)	207		1.15	%
	Total properties	$	37,032	$	(10,387	)	$	26,645
	(1)	Composite annual depreciation rate for the underlying assets, excluding the effects of the amortization of any deficiency (or excess) that resulted from our depreciation studies.
	Roadway and equipment property included $8 million at both December 31, 2014 and 2013, of assets recorded pursuant to capital leases with accumulated amortization of $3 million at both December 31, 2014 and 2013.  Other property includes the costs of obtaining rights to natural resources of $336 million at both December 31, 2014 and 2013, with accumulated depletion of $196 million and $195 million, respectively.
	Capitalized Interest
	Total interest cost incurred on debt was $564 million in 2014, $543 million in 2013, and $515 million in 2012, of which $19 million, $18 million, and $20 million, respectively, was capitalized.

Current_Liabilities

Current Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Current Liabilities	Current Liabilities
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		($ in millions)
	Accounts payable:
	Accounts and wages payable	$	748	$	685
	Casualty and other claims (Note 16)	187		166
	Vacation liability	132		130
	Due to Conrail (Note 5)	56		187
	Other	110		97
	Total	$	1,233	$	1,265
	Other current liabilities:
	Interest payable	$	118	$	121
	Postretirement and pension benefit obligations (Note 11)	14		64
	Other	96		85
	Total	$	228	$	270

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt
	Debt with weighted average interest rates and maturities is presented below:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		($ in millions)
	Notes and debentures:
	6.21% maturing to 2019	$	2,150		$	2,582
	6.27% maturing 2020 to 2021	897			897
	3.22% maturing 2022 to 2024	1,600			1,600
	6.92% maturing 2025 to 2037	1,402			1,402
	4.81% maturing 2041 to 2043	1,833			1,833
	6.39% maturing 2097 to 2111	1,328			1,328
	Securitization borrowings, 1.28%	200			200
	Other debt, 8.14% maturing to 2024	90			101
	Discounts and premiums, net	(474		)	(495		)
	Total debt	9,026			9,448
	Less current maturities and short-term debt	(102		)	(545		)
	Long-term debt excluding current maturities and short-term debt	$	8,924		$	8,903
	Long-term debt maturities subsequent to 2015 are as follows:
	2016	$	500
	2017	550
	2018	600
	2019	585
	2020 and subsequent years	6,689
	Total	$	8,924
	We have in place a $350 million receivables securitization facility under which NSR sells substantially all of its eligible third-party receivables to a subsidiary, which in turn may transfer beneficial interests in the receivables to various commercial paper vehicles.  Amounts received under the facility are accounted for as borrowings.  Under this facility, we received $200 million and repaid $200 million in 2014.
	At both December 31, 2014 and 2013, the amounts outstanding under the receivables securitization facility were $200 million at an average variable interest rate of 1.28% and 1.23%, respectively.  Our intent is to refinance $100 million of these borrowings on a long-term basis, which is supported by our $750 million credit agreement (see below).  Accordingly, these amounts outstanding are included in the line item “Long-term debt” and the remaining $100 million outstanding at both December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013, is included in the line item “Short-term debt” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.  The facility has a two year term which was renewed and amended in October 2014 to run until October 2016.  At December 31, 2014 and 2013, the receivables included in “Accounts receivable – net” serving as collateral for these borrowings totaled $782 million and $747 million, respectively.
	Issuance of Debt or Equity Securities
	We have authority from our Board of Directors to issue an additional $800 million of debt or equity securities through public or private sale.
	Credit Agreement, Debt Covenants, and Commercial Paper
	We have in place and available a $750 million, five-year credit agreement expiring in 2016, which provides for borrowings at prevailing rates and includes covenants.  We had no amounts outstanding under this facility at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and we are in compliance with all of its covenants.
	On June 4, 2014, we terminated our commercial paper dealer agreement.

Lease_Commitments

Lease Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Lease Commitments	Lease Commitments
	We are committed under long-term lease agreements, which expire on various dates through 2067, for equipment, lines of road and other property.  The following amounts do not include payments to CRC under the Shared Assets Areas agreements (Note 5).  Future minimum lease payments and operating lease expense are as follows:
	Future Minimum Lease Payments
		Operating		Capital
		Leases		Leases
		($ in millions)
	2015	$	83	$	2
	2016	75		—
	2017	65		—
	2018	58		—
	2019	47		—
	2020 and subsequent years	383		2
	Total	$	711	4
	Less imputed interest on capital leases at an average rate of 5.6%			(1		)
	Present value of minimum lease payments included in debt			$	3
	Operating Lease Expense
		2014		2013			2012
		($ in millions)
	Minimum rents	$	109	$	121		$	129
	Contingent rents	92		82			73
	Total	$	201	$	203		$	202
	Contingent rents are primarily comprised of usage-based rent paid to other railroads for joint facility operations.

Other_Liabilities

Other Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities	Other Liabilities
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		($ in millions)
	Net retiree other postretirement benefit obligations (Note 11)	$	309	$	566
	Long-term advances from Conrail (Note 5)	280		133
	Net pension benefit obligations (Note 11)	260		218
	Casualty and other claims (Note 16)	199		214
	Deferred compensation	116		120
	Other	148		193
	Total	$	1,312	$	1,444

Pensions_And_Other_Postretirem

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits	Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits
	We have both funded and unfunded defined benefit pension plans covering principally salaried employees.  We also provide specified health care and life insurance benefits to eligible retired employees; these plans can be amended or terminated at our option.  Under our self-insured retiree health care plan, for those participants who are not Medicare-eligible, a defined percentage of health care expenses is covered for retired employees and their dependents, reduced by any deductibles, coinsurance, and, in some cases, coverage provided under other group insurance policies.
	In the first quarter of 2014, we amended our retiree medical plan for participants who are Medicare-eligible resulting in a remeasurement of our plan assets and obligations. Effective July 1, 2014, participants who are Medicare-eligible are not covered under the self-insured retiree health care plan but instead are provided with an employer-funded health reimbursement account which can be used for reimbursement of health insurance premiums or eligible out-of-pocket medical expenses, and which is not subject to health care cost trends. The Medicare Part D subsidy no longer applies as Medicare-eligible participants are no longer covered under the self-insured retiree health care plan.
	Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations and Plan Assets
		Pension Benefits								Other Postretirement
										Benefits
		2014				2013				2014			2013
		($ in millions)
	Change in benefit obligations:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	2,091			$	2,285			$	855		$	1,311
	Service cost	34				41				7			16
	Interest cost	93				81				24			50
	Actuarial losses (gains)	335				(196		)		102			(471		)
	Plan amendments	—				—				(367		)	—
	Benefits paid	(124		)		(120		)		(50		)	(51		)
	Benefit obligation at end of year	2,429				2,091				571			855
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	2,115				1,791				239			205
	Actual return on plan assets	163				432				26			34
	Employer contribution	13				12				47			51
	Benefits paid	(124		)		(120		)		(50		)	(51		)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,167				2,115				262			239
	Funded status at end of year	$	(262	)		$	24			$	(309	)	$	(616	)
	Amounts recognized in the Consolidated
	Balance Sheets:
	Noncurrent assets	$	12			$	256			$	—		$	—
	Current liabilities	(14		)		(14		)		—			(50		)
	Noncurrent liabilities	(260		)		(218		)		(309		)	(566		)
	Net amount recognized	$	(262	)		$	24			$	(309	)	$	(616	)
	Amounts incuded in accumulated other comprehensive
	loss (before tax):
	Net loss (gain)	$	854			$	585			$	6		$	(88	)
	Prior service cost (benefit)	3				4				(347		)	—
	Our accumulated benefit obligation for our defined benefit pension plans is $2.2 billion and $1.9 billion at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Our unfunded pension plans, included above, which in all cases have no assets and therefore have an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets, had projected benefit obligations of $274 million at December 31, 2014, and $231 million at December 31, 2013, and had accumulated benefit obligations of $244 million at December 31, 2014, and $206 million at December 31, 2013.
	Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Cost Components
		2014				2013				2012
		($ in millions)
	Pension benefits:
	Service cost	$	34			$	41			$	34
	Interest cost	93				81				89
	Expected return on plan assets	(151		)		(142		)		(138		)
	Amortization of net losses	54				89				75
	Amortization of prior service cost	1				—				—
	Net cost	$	31			$	69			$	60
	Other postretirement benefits:
	Service cost	$	7			$	16			$	15
	Interest cost	24				50				54
	Expected return on plan assets	(18		)		(16		)		(15		)
	Amortization of net losses	—				58				53
	Amortization of prior service benefit	(20		)		—				—
	Net cost (benefit)	$	(7	)		$	108			$	107
	Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss
		2014
		Pension				Other
		Benefits				Postretirement
						Benefits
		($ in millions)
	Net loss arising during the year	$	323			$	94
	Prior service effect of plan amendment	—				(367		)
	Amortization of net losses	(54		)		—
	Amortization of prior service benefit (cost)	(1		)		20
	Total recognized in other comprehensive loss	$	268			$	(253	)
	Total recognized in net periodic cost
	and other comprehensive loss	$	299			$	(260	)
Net actuarial losses arising during the year to our pension and other postretirement benefits were due primarily to a decrease in our discount rate and a change in our mortality rate.
The estimated net losses for the pension benefit plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic cost over the next year are $65 million.  The estimated prior service benefit for the other postretirement benefit plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit over the next year is $24 million.
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Assumptions
Costs for pension and other postretirement benefits are determined based on actuarial valuations that reflect appropriate assumptions as of the measurement date, ordinarily the beginning of each year.  The funded status of the plans is determined using appropriate assumptions as of each year end.  A summary of the major assumptions follows:
	2014			2013			2012
Pension funded status:
Discount rate	3.95	%		4.6	%		3.65	%
Future salary increases	4.5	%		4.5	%		4.5	%
Other postretirement benefits funded status:
Discount rate	3.7	%		4.65	%		3.8	%
Pension cost:
Discount rate	4.6	%		3.65	%		4.5	%
Return on assets in plans	8.25	%		8.25	%		8.25	%
Future salary increases	4.5	%		4.5	%		4.5	%
Other postretirement benefits cost:
Discount rate1	3.9	%		3.8	%		4.55	%
Return on assets in plans	8	%		8	%		8	%
Health care trend rate	6.94	%		7.33	%		7.7	%
1 Current year other postretirement benefits cost was based on a discount rate of 4.65% prior to our retiree medical plan amendment in the first quarter of 2014, and 3.90% after the plan amendment.
To determine the discount rates, we utilize analyses in which the projected annual cash flows from the pension and other postretirement benefit plans were matched with yield curves based on an appropriate universe of high-quality corporate bonds.  We use the results of the yield curve analyses to select the discount rates that match the payment streams of the benefits in these plans.
Health Care Cost Trend Assumptions
For measurement purposes at December 31, 2014, increases in the per capita cost of pre-Medicare covered health care benefits were assumed to be 6.56% for 2015.  It is assumed the rate will decrease gradually to an ultimate rate of 5.0% for 2019 and remain at that level thereafter.
Assumed health care cost trend rates affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements.  To illustrate, a one-percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend would have the following effects:
	One-percentage point
	Increase				Decrease
	($ in millions)
Increase (decrease) in:
Total service and interest cost components	$	1			$	(1	)
Postretirement benefit obligation	12				(11		)
Asset Management
Ten investment firms manage our defined benefit pension plans’ assets under investment guidelines approved by our Benefits Investment Committee that is comprised of members of our management.  Investments are restricted to domestic and international equity securities, domestic and international fixed income securities, and unleveraged exchange-traded options and financial futures.  Limitations restrict investment concentration and use of certain derivative investments.  The target asset allocation for equity is 75% of the pension plans’ assets.  The fixed income portfolio is invested in the Barclays Government/Credit Bond Index Fund, except that the Canadian earmarked portion of the portfolio is maintained in U.S. Treasury Bonds. Equity investments must be in liquid securities listed on national exchanges.  No investment is permitted in our securities (except through commingled pension trust funds).  Investment managers’ returns are expected to meet or exceed selected market indices by prescribed margins.
Our pension plans’ weighted-average asset allocations, by asset category, were as follows:
	Percentage of plan
	assets at December 31,
	2014			2013
Domestic equity securities	50	%		54	%
Debt securities	25	%		20	%
International equity securities	23	%		22	%
Cash and cash equivalents	2	%		4	%
Total	100	%		100	%
The other postretirement benefit plan assets consist primarily of trust-owned variable life insurance policies with an asset allocation at December 31, 2014, of 66% in equity securities and 34% in debt securities compared with 65% in equity securities and 35% in debt securities at December 31, 2013.  The target asset allocation for equity is between 50% and 75% of the plan’s assets.
The plans’ assumed future returns are based principally on the asset allocations and historic returns for the plans’ asset classes determined from both actual plan returns and, over longer time periods, expected market returns for those asset classes. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is applied to a calculated value of plan assets that recognizes changes in fair value over a three-year period. We assumed a rate of return on pension plan assets of 8.25% for each 2014, 2013, and 2012.  A one-percentage point change to the rate of return assumption would result in an $18 million change to the net pension cost and, as a result, an equal change in “Compensation and benefits” expense.  For 2015, we assume an 8.25% return on pension plan assets.
Fair Value of Plan Assets
Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for pension plan assets measured at fair value.
Common stock:  Shares held by the plan at year end are valued at the official closing price as defined by the exchange or at the most recent trade price of a security at the close of the active market.
Common collective trusts:  Valued at the net asset value (NAV) of shares held by the plan at year end, based on the quoted market prices of the underlying assets of the trusts.  The investments are valued using NAV as a practical expedient for fair value.  The common collective trusts hold equity securities, fixed income securities and cash and cash equivalents.
Commingled funds:  Valued at the NAV of shares held by the plan at year end, based on the quoted market prices of the underlying assets of the funds.  The investments are valued using NAV as a practical expedient for fair value.  The commingled funds hold equity securities.
Interest bearing cash:  Short-term bills or notes are valued at an estimated price at which a dealer would pay for the security at year end using observable market-based inputs; money market funds are valued at the closing price reported on the active market on which the funds are traded.
United States Government and agencies securities:  Valued at an estimated price at which a dealer would pay for a security at year end using observable market-based inputs.  Inflation adjusted instruments utilize the appropriate index factor.
Preferred stock:   Shares held by the plan at year end are valued at the most recent trade price of a security at the close of the active market or at an estimated price at which a dealer would pay for a similar security at year end using observable market-based inputs.
The following table sets forth the pension plans’ assets by valuation technique level, within the fair value hierarchy (there were no level 3 valued assets).
	December 31, 2014
	Level 1				Level 2				Total
	($ in millions)
Common stock	$	1,180			$	—			$	1,180
Common collective trusts:
Debt securities	—				532				532
International equity securities	—				327				327
Commingled funds	—				81				81
Interest bearing cash	41				—				41
U.S. government and agencies securities	—				4				4
Preferred stock	—				2				2
Total investments	$	1,221			$	946			$	2,167
	December 31, 2013
	Level 1				Level 2				Total
	($ in millions)
Common stock	$	1,245			$	—			$	1,245
Common collective trusts:
Debt securities	—				423				423
International equity securities	—				265				265
Commingled funds	—				95				95
Interest bearing cash	83				—				83
U.S. government and agencies securities	—				4				4
Total investments	$	1,328			$	787			$	2,115
Following is a description of the valuation methodologies used for other postretirement benefit plan assets measured at fair value.
Trust-owned life insurance:  Valued at our share of the net assets of trust-owned life insurance issued by a major insurance company.  The underlying investments of that trust consist of a U.S. stock account and a U.S. bond account, and a loan asset account, but may retain cash at times as well. The U.S. stock account and U.S. bond account are valued based upon the aggregate market values of the underlying investments, and the loan asset account is valued at cash surrender value at the time of the loan, plus accrued interest.
The other postretirement benefit plan assets consisted of trust-owned life insurance with fair values of $262 million and $239 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013 respectively, and are valued under level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. There were no level 1 or level 3 related assets.
The methods used to value pension and other postretirement benefit plan assets may produce a fair value calculation that may not be indicative of net realizable value or reflective of future fair values.  Furthermore, while we believe our valuation methods are appropriate and consistent with other market participants, the use of different methodologies or assumptions to determine the fair value of certain financial instruments could result in a different fair value measurement at the reporting date.
Contributions and Estimated Future Benefit Payments
In 2015, we expect to contribute approximately $14 million to our unfunded pension plans for payments to pensioners and approximately $19 million to our other postretirement benefit plans for retiree health and death benefits.  We do not expect to contribute to our funded pension plan in 2015.
Benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid as follows:
	Pension				Other
	Benefits				Postretirement
					Benefits
	($ in millions)
2015	$	130			$	44
2016	134				43
2017	137				43
2018	139				43
2019	141				42
Years 2020 – 2024	718				194
Other Postretirement Coverage
Under collective bargaining agreements, Norfolk Southern and certain subsidiaries participate in a multi-employer benefit plan, which provides certain postretirement health care and life insurance benefits to eligible union employees.  Premiums under this plan are expensed as incurred and totaled $36 million in 2014, $41 million in 2013, and $47 million in 2012.
Section 401(k) Plans
Norfolk Southern and certain subsidiaries provide Section 401(k) savings plans for employees.  Under the plans, we match a portion of employee contributions, subject to applicable limitations.  Our matching contributions, recorded as an expense, under these plans were $20 million in 2014, $19 million in 2013, and $18 million in 2012.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	Under the stockholder-approved Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), the Compensation Committee (Committee), made up of nonemployee members of the Board of Directors or the Chief Executive Officer (if delegated such authority by the Committee), may grant stock options, stock appreciation rights (SARs), restricted stock units (RSUs), restricted shares, performance share units (PSUs), and performance shares, up to a maximum of 96,125,000 shares of our common stock (Common Stock).
	The number of shares remaining for issuance under LTIP is reduced (i) by 1 for each award granted as a stock option or stock-settled SAR, or (ii) by 1.61 for an award made in the form other than a stock option or stock-settled SAR.  Under the Board-approved Thoroughbred Stock Option Plan (TSOP), the Committee may grant stock options up to a maximum of 6,000,000 shares of Common Stock; as a broad-based stock option plan, stockholder approval of TSOP was not required.  We use newly issued shares to satisfy any exercises and awards under LTIP and TSOP.  Shares available for future grants are shown in the table below.
	LTIP also permits the payment – on a current or a deferred basis and in cash or in stock – of dividend equivalents on shares of Common Stock covered by stock options, RSUs, or PSUs in an amount commensurate with regular quarterly dividends paid on Common Stock.  With respect to stock options, if employment of the participant is terminated for any reason, including retirement, disability, or death, we have no further obligation to make any dividend equivalent payments.  Regarding RSUs, if employment of the participant is terminated for any reason other than retirement, disability, or death, we have no further obligation to make any dividend equivalent payments.  Should an employee terminate employment, they are not required to forfeit dividend equivalent payments already received.  Outstanding PSUs do not currently receive dividend equivalent payments.
	During the first quarter of 2014, the Committee granted stock options, RSUs and PSUs pursuant to LTIP and granted stock options pursuant to TSOP.  Receipt of an award under LTIP was made contingent upon the awardee’s execution of a non-compete agreement, and all awards under LTIP were made subject to forfeiture in the event the awardee “engages in competing employment” for a period of time following retirement.
	Accounting Method
	We account for our grants of stock options, RSUs, PSUs, and dividend equivalent payments in accordance with ASC 718 “Compensation-Stock Compensation.” Accordingly, all awards result in charges to net income while dividend equivalent payments, which are all related to equity classified awards, are charged to retained income. Related compensation costs were $44 million in 2014, $54 million in 2013, and $45 million in 2012.  The total tax effects recognized in income in relation to stock-based compensation were benefits of $14 million in 2014, $18 million in 2013, and $14 million in 2012.
	“Common stock issued – net” in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 includes tax benefits generated from tax deductions in excess of compensation costs recognized for share-based awards of $37 million, $38 million, and $42 million, respectively.
	Stock Options
	Option exercise prices may not be less than the average of the high and low prices at which Common Stock is traded on the grant date and, effective for LTIP options granted after May 13, 2010, will be at least the higher of (i) the average of the high and low prices at which Common Stock is traded on the grant date, or (ii) the closing price of Common Stock on the grant date.  All options are subject to a vesting period of at least one year, and the term of the option will not exceed ten years. Holders of the options granted under LTIP who remain actively employed receive cash dividend equivalent payments for four years in an amount equal to the regular quarterly dividends paid on Common Stock. Dividend equivalent payments are not made on TSOP options.
	In the first quarter of 2014, 515,240 options were granted under LTIP and 181,070 options were granted under TSOP.  In each case, the grant price was $94.17.  In the first quarter of 2013, 748,200 options were granted under LTIP and 268,500 options were granted under TSOP, each with a grant price of $69.83.   In the first quarter of 2012, 567,300 options were granted under LTIP and 210,300 options were granted under TSOP, each with a grant price of $75.14.   For all years, options granted under LTIP and TSOP may not be exercised prior to the fourth and third anniversaries of the date of grant, respectively, or if the optionee retires or dies before that anniversary date, may not be exercised before the later of one year after the grant date or the date of the optionee’s retirement or death.
	The fair value of each option awarded in 2014, 2013, and 2012 was measured on the date of grant using a lattice-based option valuation model.  Expected volatilities are based on implied volatilities from traded options on, and historical volatility of, Common Stock.  Historical data is used to estimate option exercises and employee terminations within the valuation model.  The average expected option life is derived from the output of the valuation model and represents the period of time that all options granted are expected to be outstanding, including branches of the model that result in options expiring unexercised.  The average risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant.  For options granted that include dividend equivalent payments, a dividend yield of zero was used.  For 2014, 2013, and 2012, a dividend yield of 2.29%, 2.86%, and 2.30%, respectively, was used for LTIP options for periods where no dividend equivalent payments are made, as well as for TSOP options, which do not receive dividend equivalents.
	The assumptions for the LTIP and TSOP grants for the last three years are shown in the following table:
		2014			2013			2012
	Expected volatility range	23% – 27%			24% – 30%			27% – 29%
	Average expected volatility	25%			26%			27%
	Average risk-free interest rate	2.79%			1.88%			1.96%
	Average expected option term LTIP	8.9 years			9.0 years			8.9 years
	Per-share grant-date fair value LTIP	$	29.87		$	20.4		$	23.84
	Average expected option term TSOP	8.8 years			8.9 years			8.8 years
	Per-share grant-date fair value TSOP	$	24.38		$	15.84		$	19.55
	Options granted (LTIP and TSOP)	696,310			1,016,700			777,600
	A summary of the status of changes in stock options is presented below:
		Stock		Weighted Avg.
		Options		Exercise Price
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	7,152,178		$	54.52
	Granted	696,310		94.17
	Exercised	(2,009,461	)	47.7
	Forfeited	(7,710	)	78.78
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	5,831,317		61.57
	The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding at December 31, 2014, was $280 million with a weighted average remaining contractual term of 5.7 years.  Of these options outstanding, 3,091,117 were exercisable and had an aggregate intrinsic value of $188 million with a weighted average exercise price of $48.82 and a weighted average remaining contractual term of 3.9 years.
	The following table provides information related to options exercised for the last three years:
		2014			2013			2012
		($ in millions)
	Options exercised	2,009,461			2,570,088			1,809,770
	Total intrinsic value	$	106		$	106		$	80
	Cash received upon exercise	93			93			47
	Related tax benefits realized	26			31			28
	At December 31, 2014, total unrecognized compensation related to options granted under LTIP and TSOP was $11 million, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.3 years.
	Restricted Stock Units
	RSU grants and grant-date fair values were 113,505 and $94.17 in 2014; 162,000 and $69.83 in 2013; and 140,000 and $75.14 in 2012.  RSUs granted in all three years have a five-year restriction period and will be settled through issuance of shares of Common Stock.  The RSU grants include cash dividend equivalent payments during the restriction period commensurate with regular quarterly dividends paid on Common Stock.  During 2014, 319,150 of the RSUs granted in 2009 vested, with 187,969 shares of Common Stock issued net of withholding taxes.  A summary of the status of and changes in RSUs is presented below:
		RSUs		Weighted-
				Average
				Grant-Date
				Fair Value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013	964,000		$	55.17
	Granted	113,505		94.17
	Vested	(319,150	)	38.72
	Forfeited	(1,850	)	60.76
	Nonvested at December 31, 2014	756,505		67.94
	At December 31, 2014, total unrecognized compensation related to RSUs granted under LTIP was $8 million, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 3.1 years.  The total related tax benefits realized in 2014, 2013, and 2012 were $6 million, $2 million, and $3 million, respectively.
	Performance Share Units
	PSUs provide for awards based on achievement of certain predetermined corporate performance goals at the end of a three-year cycle and are settled through the issuance of shares of Common Stock. PSU grants were 399,530 in 2014 and grant-date fair values relating to performance and market conditions were $94.17 and $50.31, respectively, with the market condition fair value measured on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model. PSU grants were 550,800 and 468,850 in 2013 and 2012, respectively, and grant-date fair values relating to performance conditions were $69.83 and $75.14 in 2013 and 2012, respectively.  During 2014, 374,099 of the PSUs granted in 2011 were earned, with 223,253 shares of Common Stock issued net of withholding taxes.  A summary of the status of and changes in PSUs is presented below:
		PSUs		Weighted-
				Average
				Grant-Date
				Fair Value
	Balance at December 31, 2013	1,595,800		$	68.81
	Granted	399,530		72.24
	Earned	(374,099	)	62.75
	Unearned	(205,001	)	62.75
	Forfeited	(1,450	)	75.14
	Balance at December 31, 2014	1,414,780		72.26
	At December 31, 2014, total unrecognized compensation related to PSUs granted under LTIP was $7 million, and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.6 years. The total related tax benefits realized were $5 million in both 2014 and 2013, and $11 million in 2012.
Shares Available and Issued
Shares of Common Stock available for future grants and issued in connection with all features of LTIP and TSOP at December 31, were as follows:
	2014		2013			2012
Available for future grants:
LTIP	4,899,428		5,945,033			7,638,688
TSOP	998,896		1,172,256			1,434,356
Issued:
LTIP	2,168,641		2,765,986			2,337,179
TSOP	252,042		331,282			153,423

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders’ Equity
	Common Stock
	Common Stock is reported net of shares held by our consolidated subsidiaries (Treasury Shares). Treasury Shares at December 31, 2014 and 2013, amounted to 20,320,777, with a cost of $19 million for both 2014 and 2013.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The components of "Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)" reported in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and changes in the cumulative balances of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following:
		Balance			Net			Reclassification				Balance
		at Beginning			Gain (Loss)			Adjustments				at End
		of Year										of Year
		($ in millions)
	Year ended December 31, 2014
	Pensions and other postretirement
	liabilities	$	(310	)	$	(31	)	$	21		(1)	$	(320	)
	Other comprehensive loss
	of equity investees	(71		)	(7		)	—				(78		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(381	)	$	(38	)	$	21			$	(398	)
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Pensions and other postretirement
	liabilities	$	(999	)	$	600		$	89		(1)	$	(310	)
	Other comprehensive gain (loss)
	of equity investees	(110		)	39			—				(71		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(1,109	)	$	639		$	89			$	(381	)
	(1)	These items are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs.  See Note 11, “Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits,” for additional information.
	Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	“Other comprehensive income (loss)” reported in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income consisted of the following:
		Pretax			Tax			Net-of-Tax
		Amount			(Expense)			Amount
					Benefit
		($ in millions)
	Year ended December 31, 2014
	Net gain (loss) arising during the year:
	Pensions and other postretirement benefits	$	(50	)	$	19		$	(31	)
	Reclassification adjustments for costs
	included in net income	35			(14		)	21
	Subtotal	(15		)	5			(10		)
	Other comprehensive loss of equity investees	(8		)	1			(7		)
	Other comprehensive loss	$	(23	)	$	6		$	(17	)
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Net gain (loss) arising during the year:
	Pensions and other postretirement benefits	$	975		$	(375	)	$	600
	Reclassification adjustments for costs
	included in net income	147			(58		)	89
	Subtotal	1,122			(433		)	689
	Other comprehensive income of equity investees	42			(3		)	39
	Other comprehensive income	$	1,164		$	(436	)	$	728
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Net gain (loss) arising during the year:
	Pensions and other postretirement benefits	$	(242	)	$	93		$	(149	)
	Reclassification adjustments for costs
	included in net income	128			(50		)	78
	Subtotal	(114		)	43			(71		)
	Other comprehensive loss of equity investees	(13		)	1			(12		)
	Other comprehensive loss	$	(127	)	$	44		$	(83	)

Stock_Repurchase_Program

Stock Repurchase Program	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Stock Repurchase Program [Abstract]
Stock Repurchase Program	Stock Repurchase Program
	We repurchased and retired 3.1 million, 8.3 million, and 18.8 million shares under our share repurchase program in 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, at a cost of $318 million, $627 million, and $1.3 billion.  On August 1, 2012, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional 50 million shares of Common Stock through December 31, 2017.  The timing and volume of purchases is guided by our assessment of market conditions and other pertinent factors.  Any near-term share repurchases are expected to be made with internally generated cash, cash on hand, or proceeds from borrowings.  Since the beginning of 2006, we have repurchased and retired 139.8 million shares of Common Stock at a total cost of $8.4 billion.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share
	The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
		Basic									Diluted
		2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
		($ in millions except per share amounts, shares in millions)
	Net income	$	2,000		$	1,910		$	1,749		$	2,000		$	1,910		$	1,749
	Dividend equivalent payments	(6		)	(7		)	(9		)	(4		)	(4		)	(4		)
	Income available to common stockholders	$	1,994		$	1,903		$	1,740		$	1,996		$	1,906		$	1,745
	Weighted-average shares outstanding	309.4			311.9			320.9			309.4			311.9			320.9
	Dilutive effect of outstanding options
	and share-settled awards										3.1			3.6			4.3
	Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding										312.5			315.5			325.2
	Earnings per share	$	6.44		$	6.1		$	5.42		$	6.39		$	6.04		$	5.37
	In each year, dividend equivalent payments were made to holders of stock options and RSUs.  For purposes of computing basic earnings per share, dividend equivalent payments made to holders of stock options and RSUs were deducted from net income to determine income available to common stockholders.  For purposes of computing diluted earnings per share, we evaluate on a grant-by-grant basis those stock options and RSUs receiving dividend equivalent payments under the two-class and treasury stock methods to determine which method is the more dilutive for each grant.  For those grants for which the two-class method was more dilutive, net income was reduced by dividend equivalent payments to determine income available to common stockholders.  The diluted calculations exclude options having exercise prices exceeding the average market price of Common Stock as follows: none in 2014 and 2013, and 2 million in 2012.

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies
	Lawsuits
	We and/or certain subsidiaries are defendants in numerous lawsuits and other claims relating principally to railroad operations.  When we conclude that it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the liability can be reasonably estimated, it is accrued through a charge to earnings.  While the ultimate amount of liability incurred in any of these lawsuits and claims is dependent on future developments, in our opinion, the recorded liability is adequate to cover the future payment of such liability and claims.  However, the final outcome of any of these lawsuits and claims cannot be predicted with certainty, and unfavorable or unexpected outcomes could result in additional accruals that could be significant to results of operations in a particular year or quarter.  Any adjustments to the recorded liability will be reflected in earnings in the periods in which such adjustments become known.
	Two of our customers, DuPont and Sunbelt Chlor Alkai Partnership (Sunbelt), filed rate reasonableness complaints before the Surface Transportation Board (STB) alleging that our tariff rates for transportation of regulated movements are unreasonable. Since June 1, 2009, in the case of DuPont, and April 1, 2011, in the case of Sunbelt, we have been billing and collecting amounts based on the challenged tariff rates. On March 14, 2014, the STB resolved DuPont’s rate reasonableness complaint in our favor, and on June 20, 2014, the STB resolved Sunbelt’s rate case in our favor. The STB’s findings in both cases remain subject to technical corrections, requests for reconsideration, and appeal. We believe the estimate of any reasonably possible loss will not have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity. With regard to rate cases, we record adjustments to revenues in the periods if and when such adjustments are probable and estimable.
	On November 6, 2007, various antitrust class actions filed against us and other Class I railroads in various Federal district courts regarding fuel surcharges were consolidated in the District of Columbia by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation. On June 21, 2012, the court certified the case as a class action. The defendant railroads appealed this certification, and the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia vacated the District Court’s decision and remanded the case for further consideration. We believe the allegations in the complaints are without merit and intend to vigorously defend the cases. We do not believe the outcome of these proceedings will have a material effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity. A lawsuit containing similar allegations against us and four other major railroads that was filed on March 25, 2008, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, was voluntarily dismissed by the plaintiff subject to a tolling agreement entered into in August 2008, and most recently extended in August 2013.
	Casualty Claims
	Casualty claims include employee personal injury and occupational claims as well as third-party claims, all exclusive of legal costs.  To aid in valuing our personal injury liability and determining the amount to accrue with respect to such claims during the year, we utilize studies prepared by an independent consulting actuarial firm.  Job-related accidental injury and occupational claims are subject to the Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA), which is applicable only to railroads.  FELA’s fault-based system produces results that are unpredictable and inconsistent as compared with a no-fault workers’ compensation system.  The variability inherent in this system could result in actual costs being different from the liability recorded.  While the ultimate amount of claims incurred is dependent on future developments, in our opinion, the recorded liability is adequate to cover the future payments of claims and is supported by the most recent actuarial study.  In all cases, we record a liability when the expected loss for the claim is both probable and estimable.
	Employee personal injury claims – The largest component of casualties and other claims expense is employee personal injury costs.  The independent actuarial firm engaged by us provides quarterly studies to aid in valuing our employee personal injury liability and estimating personal injury expense.  The actuarial firm studies our historical patterns of reserving for claims and subsequent settlements, taking into account relevant outside influences.  The actuarial firm uses the results of these analyses to estimate the ultimate amount of liability, which includes amounts for incurred but unasserted claims. We adjust the liability quarterly based upon our assessment and the results of the study. Our estimate of loss liabilities is subject to inherent limitation given the difficulty of predicting future events such as jury decisions, court interpretations, or legislative changes and as such the actual loss may vary from the estimated liability recorded.
	Occupational claims – Occupational claims (including asbestosis and other respiratory diseases, as well as conditions allegedly related to repetitive motion) are often not caused by a specific accident or event but rather allegedly result from a claimed exposure over time.  Many such claims are being asserted by former or retired employees, some of whom have not been employed in the rail industry for decades.  The independent actuarial firm provides an estimate of the occupational claims liability based upon our history of claim filings, severity, payments, and other pertinent facts.  The liability is dependent upon judgments we make as to the specific case reserves as well as judgments of the actuarial firm in the quarterly studies.  The actuarial firm’s estimate of ultimate loss includes a provision for those claims that have been incurred but not reported.  This provision is derived by analyzing industry data and projecting our experience into the future as far as can be reasonably determined.  We adjust the liability quarterly based upon our assessment and the results of the study.  However, it is possible that the recorded liability may not be adequate to cover the future payment of claims.  Adjustments to the recorded liability are reflected in operating expenses in the periods in which such adjustments become known.
	Third-party claims – We record a liability for third-party claims including those for highway crossing accidents, trespasser and other injuries, automobile liability, property damage, and lading damage.  The actuarial firm assists us with the calculation of potential liability for third-party claims, except lading damage, based upon our experience including the number and timing of incidents, amount of payments, settlement rates, number of open claims, and legal defenses. The actuarial estimate includes a provision for claims that have been incurred but not reported. We adjust the liability quarterly based upon our assessment and the results of the study.  Given the inherent uncertainty in regard to the ultimate outcome of third-party claims, it is possible that the actual loss may differ from the estimated liability recorded.
	Environmental Matters
	We are subject to various jurisdictions’ environmental laws and regulations.  We record a liability where such liability or loss is probable and its amount can be estimated reasonably.  Claims, if any, against third parties, for recovery of cleanup costs we have incurred are reflected as receivables (when collection is probable) in the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are not netted against the associated liability.  Environmental engineers regularly participate in ongoing evaluations of all known sites and in determining any necessary adjustments to liability estimates.  We have an Environmental Policy Council, composed of senior managers, to oversee and interpret our environmental policy.
	Our Consolidated Balance Sheets include liabilities for environmental exposures of $66 million at December 31, 2014, and $58 million at December 31, 2013 (of which $15 million is classified as a current liability at the end of each period).  At December 31, 2014, the liability represents our estimate of the probable cleanup and remediation costs based on available information at 146 known locations and projects compared with 142 locations and projects at December 31, 2013.  At December 31, 2014, 15 sites accounted for $39 million of the liability, and no individual site was considered to be material.  We anticipate that much of this liability will be paid out over five years; however, some costs will be paid out over a longer period.
	At 11 locations, one or more of our subsidiaries in conjunction with a number of other parties have been identified as potentially responsible parties under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act of 1980 or comparable state statutes that impose joint and several liability for cleanup costs.  We calculate our estimated liability for these sites based on facts and legal defenses applicable to each site and not solely on the basis of the potential for joint liability.
	With respect to known environmental sites (whether identified by us or by the EPA or comparable state authorities), estimates of our ultimate potential financial exposure for a given site or in the aggregate for all such sites are necessarily imprecise because of the widely varying costs of currently available cleanup techniques, unpredictable contaminant recovery and reduction rates associated with available cleanup technologies, the likely development of new cleanup technologies, the difficulty of determining in advance the nature and full extent of contamination and each potential participant’s share of any estimated loss (and that participant’s ability to bear it), and evolving statutory and regulatory standards governing liability.
	The risk of incurring environmental liability – for acts and omissions, past, present, and future – is inherent in the railroad business.  Some of the commodities in our traffic mix, particularly those classified as hazardous materials, pose special risks that we work diligently to reduce.  In addition, several of our subsidiaries own, or have owned, land used as operating property, or which is leased and operated by others, or held for sale.  Because environmental problems that are latent or undisclosed may exist on these properties, there can be no assurance that we will not incur environmental liabilities or costs with respect to one or more of them, the amount and materiality of which cannot be estimated reliably at this time.  Moreover, lawsuits and claims involving these and potentially other unidentified environmental sites and matters are likely to arise from time to time.  The resulting liabilities could have a significant effect on financial position, results of operations, or liquidity in a particular year or quarter.
	Based on our assessment of the facts and circumstances now known, we believe we have recorded the probable and reasonably estimable costs for dealing with those environmental matters of which we are aware.  Further, we believe that it is unlikely that any known matters, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or liquidity.
	Insurance
	We obtain on behalf of ourself and our subsidiaries insurance for potential losses for third-party liability and first-party property damages.  We are currently self-insured up to $50 million and above $1.2 billion per occurrence and/or policy year for bodily injury and property damage to third parties and up to $25 million and above $200 million per occurrence and/or policy year for property owned by us or in our care, custody, or control.
	Purchase Commitments
	At December 31, 2014, we had outstanding purchase commitments totaling approximately $879 million for locomotives, freight cars and containers, track material, and track and yard expansion projects in connection with our capital programs as well as long-term service contracts through 2018.
	Change-In-Control Arrangements
	We have compensation agreements with certain officers and key employees that become operative only upon a change in control of Norfolk Southern, as defined in those agreements.  The agreements provide generally for payments based on compensation at the time of a covered individual’s involuntary or other specified termination and for certain other benefits.
	Guarantees
	In a number of instances, we have agreed to indemnify lenders for additional costs they may bear as a result of certain changes in laws or regulations applicable to their loans.  Such changes may include impositions or modifications with respect to taxes, duties, reserves, liquidity, capital adequacy, special deposits, and similar requirements relating to extensions of credit by, deposits with, or the assets or liabilities of such lenders.  The nature and timing of changes in laws or regulations applicable to our financings are inherently unpredictable, and therefore our exposure in connection with the foregoing indemnifications cannot be quantified.  No liability has been recorded related to these indemnifications.
	We have agreed to indemnify parties in a number of transactions for U.S. income tax withholding imposed as a result of changes in U.S. tax law.  In all cases, we have the right to unwind the related transaction if the withholding cannot be avoided in the future.  Because these indemnities would be triggered and are dependent upon a change in the tax law, the maximum exposure is not quantifiable.  We do not believe it is likely that we will be required to make any payments under these indemnities.
	At December 31, 2014, certain Norfolk Southern subsidiaries are contingently liable as guarantors with respect to $7 million of indebtedness, due in 2019, of an entity in which they have an ownership interest, the Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis.  Four other railroads are also jointly and severally liable as guarantors for this indebtedness.  No liability has been recorded related to this guaranty.

Quarterly_Financial_Data

Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data	NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
	QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA
	(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar		June 30		30-Sep		31-Dec
		($ in millions, except per share amounts)
	2014
	Railway operating revenues	$	2,689	$	3,042	$	3,023	$	2,870
	Income from railway operations	667		1,019		998		891
	Net income	368		562		559		511
	Earnings per share:
	Basic	1.18		1.81		1.8		1.65
	Diluted	1.17		1.79		1.79		1.64
	2013
	Railway operating revenues	$	2,738	$	2,802	$	2,824	$	2,881
	Income from railway operations	691		836		849		881
	Net income	450		465		482		513
	Earnings per share:
	Basic	1.43		1.47		1.55		1.66
	Diluted	1.41		1.46		1.53		1.64

Schedule_II_Valuation_And_Qual

Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts	Schedule II
	Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries
	Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
	Years ended December 31, 2012, 2013, and 2014
	($ in millions)
				Additions charged to:
		Beginning		Expenses			Other			Deductions			Ending
		Balance					Accounts						Balance
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Valuation allowance (included net in
	deferred tax liability) for deferred
	tax assets	$	19	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	19
	Casualty and other claims
	included in other liabilities	275		76		(1)	—			93		(3)	258
	Current portion of casualty and
	other claims included in
	accounts payable	201		18			157		(2)	193		(4)	183
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Valuation allowance (included net in
	deferred tax liability) for deferred
	tax assets	$	19	$	13		$	—		$	—		$	32
	Casualty and other claims
	included in other liabilities	258		33		(1)	—			77		(3)	214
	Current portion of casualty and
	other claims included in
	accounts payable	183		15			101		(2)	133		(4)	166
	Year ended December 31, 2014
	Valuation allowance (included net in
	deferred tax liability) for deferred
	tax assets	$	32	$	1		$	—		$	—		$	33
	Casualty and other claims
	included in other liabilities	214		71		(1)	—			86		(3)	199
	Current portion of casualty and
	other claims included in
	accounts payable	166		19			132		(2)	130		(4)	187
	(1)	Includes adjustments for changes in estimates for prior years’ claims.
	(2)	Includes revenue refunds and overcharges provided through deductions from operating revenues and transfers
	from other accounts.
	(3)	Payments and reclassifications to/from accounts payable.
	(4)	Payments and reclassifications to/from other liabilities.

Summary_Of_Significant_Account1

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Description of Business	Description of Business
	Norfolk Southern Corporation (Norfolk Southern) is a Virginia-based holding company engaged principally in the rail transportation business, operating approximately 20,000 miles of road primarily in the East and Midwest.  These consolidated financial statements include Norfolk Southern and its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries (collectively, NS, we, us, and our).  Norfolk Southern’s major subsidiary is Norfolk Southern Railway Company (NSR).  All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	NSR and its railroad subsidiaries transport raw materials, intermediate products and finished goods classified in the following commodity groups (percent of total railway operating revenues in 2014): intermodal (22%); coal (21%); chemicals (16%); metals/construction (13%); agriculture/consumer products/government (13%); automotive (8%); and, paper/clay/forest products (7%).  Although most of our customers are domestic, ultimate points of origination or destination for some of the products transported (particularly coal bound for export and some intermodal containers) may be outside the U.S.  More than 80% of our railroad employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements with various labor unions.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  We periodically review our estimates, including those related to the recoverability and useful lives of assets, as well as liabilities for litigation, environmental remediation, casualty claims, income taxes and pension and other postretirement benefits.  Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	Transportation revenue is recognized proportionally as a shipment moves from origin to destination, and related expenses are recognized as incurred.  Refunds (which are primarily volume-based incentives) are recorded as a reduction to revenues on the basis of management’s best estimate of projected liability, which is based on historical activity, current shipment counts and the expectation of future activity.  We regularly monitor our contract refund liability and, historically, the estimates have not differed significantly from the amounts ultimately refunded.   Switching, demurrage and other incidental service revenues are recognized when the services are performed.
Cash Equivalents	Cash Equivalents
	“Cash equivalents” are highly liquid investments purchased three months or less from maturity.
Allowance For Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	Our allowance for doubtful accounts was $6 million at December 31, 2014 and $3 million at December 31, 2013.  To determine our allowance for doubtful accounts, we evaluate historical loss experience (which has not been significant), the characteristics of current accounts, and general economic conditions and trends.
Materials And Supplies	Materials and Supplies
	“Materials and supplies,” consisting mainly of fuel oil and items for maintenance of property and equipment, are stated at the lower of average cost or market.  The cost of materials and supplies expected to be used in property additions or improvements is included in “Properties.”
Investments	Investments
	Debt securities classified as “held-to-maturity” are reported at amortized cost.
	Investments where we have the ability to exercise significant influence over but do not control the entity are accounted for using the equity method, whereby the investment is carried at the cost of the acquisition plus our equity in undistributed earnings or losses since acquisition.
Properties	Properties
	“Properties” are stated principally at cost and are depreciated using the group method whereby assets with similar characteristics, use, and expected lives are grouped together in asset classes and depreciated using a composite depreciation rate.  This methodology treats each asset class as a pool of resources, not as singular items.  We use approximately 70 depreciable asset classes.  The primary depreciation method for our asset base is group life.  Units of production is the principal method of depreciation for rail in high density corridors and for depletion of natural resources (Note 2).  Remaining properties are depreciated generally using the straight-line method over the lesser of estimated service or lease lives.  Depreciation in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows includes both depreciation and depletion.
	Depreciation expense is based on our assumptions concerning expected service lives of our properties as well as the expected net salvage that will be received upon their retirement.  In developing these assumptions, we utilize periodic depreciation studies that are performed by an independent outside firm of consulting engineers and approved by the Surface Transportation Board (STB).  Our depreciation studies are conducted about every three years for equipment and every six years for track assets and other roadway property.  The frequency of these studies is consistent with guidelines established by the STB.  Key factors that are considered in developing average service life and salvage estimates include:
	•	statistical analysis of historical retirement data and surviving asset records;
	•	review of historical salvage received and current market rates;
	•	review of our operations including expected changes in technology, customer demand, maintenance practices and asset management strategies;
	•	review of accounting policies and assumptions; and
	•	industry review and analysis.
	The units of production depreciation rate for rail in high density corridors is derived based on consideration of annual gross ton miles as compared to the total or ultimate capacity of rail in these corridors.  Our experience has shown that traffic density is a leading factor in determination of the expected service life of rail in high density corridors.  In developing the respective depreciation rate, consideration is also given to several rail characteristics including age, weight, condition (new or second hand) and type (curve or straight).  As a result, a composite depreciation rate is developed which is applied to the depreciable base.
	We adjust our rates based on the results of these studies and implement the changes prospectively.  The studies may also indicate that the recorded amount of accumulated depreciation is deficient (or in excess) of the amount indicated by the study.  Any such deficiency (or excess) is amortized as a component of depreciation expense over the remaining service lives of the affected class of property, as determined by the study.  For 2014, roadway depreciation rates ranged from 0.83% to 33.3% and equipment depreciation rates ranged from 1.55% to 33.33%.
	We capitalize interest on major projects during the period of their construction.  Expenditures, including those on leased assets, that extend an asset’s useful life or increase its utility are capitalized.  Expenditures capitalized include those that are directly related to a capital project and may include materials, labor and equipment, in addition to an allocable portion of indirect costs that clearly relate to a particular project. Due to the capital intensive nature of the railroad industry, a significant portion of annual capital spending relates to the replacement of self-constructed assets. Because removal activities occur in conjunction with replacement, removal costs are estimated based on an average percentage of time employees replacing assets spend on removal functions.  Costs related to repairs and maintenance activities that do not extend an asset’s useful life or increase its utility are expensed when such repairs are performed.
	When properties other than land and nonrail assets are sold or retired in the ordinary course of business, the cost of the assets, net of sale proceeds or salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation, and no gain or loss is recognized in earnings.  Actual historical cost values are retired when available, such as with equipment assets.  The use of estimates in recording the retirement of certain roadway assets is necessary based on the impracticality of tracking individual asset costs.  When retiring rail, ties and ballast, we use statistical curves that indicate the relative distribution of the age of the assets retired.  The historical cost of other roadway assets is estimated using a combination of inflation indices specific to the rail industry and those published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.  The indices are applied to the replacement value based on the age of the retired assets.  These indices are used because they closely correlate with the costs of roadway assets.  Gains and losses on disposal of land and nonrail assets are included in “Other income – net” (Note 2) since such income is not a product of our railroad operations.
	A retirement is considered abnormal if it does not occur in the normal course of business, if it relates to disposition of a large segment of an asset class and if the retirement varies significantly from the retirement profile identified through our depreciation studies, which inherently consider the impact of normal retirements on expected service lives and depreciation rates.  Gains or losses from abnormal retirements are recognized in earnings.
	We review the carrying amount of properties whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such carrying amount may not be recoverable based on future undiscounted cash flows.  Assets that are deemed impaired as a result of such review are recorded at the lower of carrying amount or fair value.
Required Accounting Changes	Required Accounting Changes
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” This update, effective for our annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2017, will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP and requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. Early application is not permitted, but once effective, the ASU permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are evaluating the effect that ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

Other_Income_Net_Tables

Other Income - Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Income - Net
		2014			2013			2012
		($ in millions)
	Income from natural resources:
	Royalties from coal	$	33		$	50		$	72
	Nonoperating depletion and depreciation	(5		)	(6		)	(6		)
	Subtotal	28			44			66
	Rental income	75			61			54
	Corporate-owned life insurance – net	24			25			13
	Gains and losses from sale of properties	13			101			5
	Interest income	9			8			8
	Equity in earnings of Conrail Inc. (Note 5)	—			42			34
	Taxes on nonoperating property	(9		)	(10		)	(10		)
	Charitable contributions	(9		)	(11		)	(9		)
	Other interest expense – net	(12		)	(12		)	(9		)
	Other	(15		)	(15		)	(23		)
	Total	$	104		$	233		$	129

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provisions For Income Taxes	Provisions for Income Taxes
		2014			2013				2012
		($ in millions)
	Current:
	Federal	$	729		$	695			$	569
	State	111			98				74
	Total current taxes	840			793				643
	Deferred:
	Federal	299			270				339
	State	(5		)	(8		)		27
	Total deferred taxes	294			262				366
	Provision for income taxes	$	1,134		$	1,055			$	1,009
Reconciliation Of Statutory Rate To Effective Rate	The “Provision for income taxes” in the Consolidated Statements of Income differs from the amounts computed by applying the statutory federal corporate tax rate as follows:
		2014						2013					2012
		Amount			%			Amount			%		Amount			%
		($ in millions)
	Federal income tax at statutory rate	$	1,097		35			$	1,038		35		$	965		35
	State income taxes, net of federal tax effect	88			3			69			2		69			3
	Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audit, settlement	—			—			—			—		(6		)	—
	State tax law changes, net of federal tax effect	(20		)	(1	)		(11		)	—		(3		)	—
	Other, net	(31		)	(1	)		(41		)	(1	)	(16		)	(1	)
	Provision for income taxes	$	1,134		36			$	1,055		36		$	1,009		37
Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities are as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		($ in millions)
	Deferred tax assets:
	Compensation and benefits, including postretirement	$	454		$	462
	Accruals, including casualty and other claims	107			114
	Other	45			54
	Total gross deferred tax assets	606			630
	Less valuation allowance	(33		)	(32		)
	Net deferred tax asset	573			598
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property	(8,768		)	(8,494		)
	Other	(455		)	(466		)
	Total gross deferred tax liabilities	(9,223		)	(8,960		)
	Net deferred tax liability	(8,650		)	(8,362		)
	Net current deferred tax asset	167			180
	Net long-term deferred tax liability	$	(8,817	)	$	(8,542	)
Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		($ in millions)
	Balance at beginning of year	$	65		$	63
	Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	6			3
	Additions for tax positions of prior years	1			4
	Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(8		)	(1		)
	Settlements with taxing authorities	(1		)	(2		)
	Lapse of statutes of limitations	(2		)	(2		)
	Balance at end of year	$	61		$	65

Fair_Value_Tables

Fair Value (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques	ASC 820-10, “Fair Value Measurements,” established a framework for measuring fair value and a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value into three broad levels, as follows:
	Level 1	Inputs to the valuation methodology are unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that we have the ability to access.
	Level 2	Inputs to the valuation methodology include:
		•         quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
		•         quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets;
		•         inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability;
		•         inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means.
		If the asset or liability has a specified (contractual) term, the Level 2 input must be observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
	Level 3	Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.
Schedule Of Carrying Amounts And Estimated Fair Values	The carrying amounts and estimated fair values for the remaining financial instruments, excluding investments accounted for under the equity method, consisted of the following at December 31:
		2014						2013
		Carrying			Fair			Carrying			Fair
		Amount			Value			Amount			Value
		($ in millions)
	Long-term investments	$	162		$	193		$	148		$	177
	Long-term debt, including current maturities	(8,926		)	(10,962		)	(9,348		)	(10,673		)
Schedule Of Fair Value Of Long-term Assets And Liabilities	The following tables set forth the fair value of long-term investment and long-term debt balances disclosed above by valuation technique level, within the fair value hierarchy (there were no level 3 valued assets or liabilities).
		December 31, 2014
		Level 1			Level 2			Total
		($ in millions)
	Long-term investments	$	50		$	143		$	193
	Long-term debt, including current maturities	(10,754		)	(208		)	(10,962		)
		December 31, 2013
		Level 1			Level 2			Total
		($ in millions)
	Long-term investments	$	47		$	130		$	177
	Long-term debt, including current maturities	(10,449		)	(224		)	(10,673		)

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments [Abstract]
Investments
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		($ in millions)
	Short-term investments:
	Commercial paper, 2 months	$	—	$	98
	Federal government bonds, held-to-maturity, 3 months	—		20
	Total short-term investments	$	—	$	118
	Long-term investments:
	Equity method investments:
	Conrail Inc.	$	1,102	$	1,075
	TTX Company	425		404
	Meridian Speedway LLC	277		278
	Pan Am Southern LLC	152		155
	Other	91		90
	Total equity method investments	2,047		2,002
	Company-owned life insurance at net cash surrender value	470		289
	Other investments	162		148
	Total long-term investments	$	2,679	$	2,439

Properties_Tables

Properties (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Properties
				Accumulated			Net Book		Depreciation
	At December 31, 2014	Cost		Depreciation			Value		Rate (1)
		($ in millions)
	Land	$	2,260	$	—		$	2,260	—
	Roadway:
	Rail and other track material	6,173		(1,848		)	4,325		2.46	%
	Ties	4,628		(1,156		)	3,472		3.25	%
	Ballast	2,360		(498		)	1,862		2.63	%
	Construction in process	500		—			500		—
	Other roadway	12,078		(2,989		)	9,089		2.55	%
	Total roadway	25,739		(6,491		)	19,248
	Equipment:
	Locomotives	5,120		(2,010		)	3,110		3.27	%
	Freight cars	3,276		(1,411		)	1,865		2.82	%
	Computers and software	487		(281		)	206		11.6	%
	Construction in process	199		—			199		—
	Other equipment	952		(349		)	603		6.09	%
	Total equipment	10,034		(4,051		)	5,983
	Other property	475		(272		)	203		1.04	%
	Total properties	$	38,508	$	(10,814	)	$	27,694
				Accumulated			Net Book		Depreciation
	At December 31, 2013	Cost		Depreciation			Value		Rate (1)
		($ in millions)
	Land	$	2,253	$	—		$	2,253	—
	Roadway:
	Rail and other track material	5,934		(1,782		)	4,152		2.46	%
	Ties	4,464		(1,100		)	3,364		3.24	%
	Ballast	2,244		(468		)	1,776		2.65	%
	Construction in process	405		—			405		—
	Other roadway	11,704		(2,814		)	8,890		2.55	%
	Total roadway	24,751		(6,164		)	18,587
	Equipment:
	Locomotives	4,814		(1,918		)	2,896		3.42	%
	Freight cars	3,225		(1,429		)	1,796		2.78	%
	Computers and software	513		(292		)	221		11.07	%
	Construction in process	139		—			139		—
	Other equipment	862		(316		)	546		6.15	%
	Total equipment	9,553		(3,955		)	5,598
	Other property	475		(268		)	207		1.15	%
	Total properties	$	37,032	$	(10,387	)	$	26,645
	(1)	Composite annual depreciation rate for the underlying assets, excluding the effects of the amortization of any deficiency (or excess) that resulted from our depreciation studies.

Current_Liabilities_Tables

Current Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Current Liabilities
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		($ in millions)
	Accounts payable:
	Accounts and wages payable	$	748	$	685
	Casualty and other claims (Note 16)	187		166
	Vacation liability	132		130
	Due to Conrail (Note 5)	56		187
	Other	110		97
	Total	$	1,233	$	1,265
	Other current liabilities:
	Interest payable	$	118	$	121
	Postretirement and pension benefit obligations (Note 11)	14		64
	Other	96		85
	Total	$	228	$	270

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt With Interest Rates And Maturities	Debt with weighted average interest rates and maturities is presented below:
		December 31,
		2014			2013
		($ in millions)
	Notes and debentures:
	6.21% maturing to 2019	$	2,150		$	2,582
	6.27% maturing 2020 to 2021	897			897
	3.22% maturing 2022 to 2024	1,600			1,600
	6.92% maturing 2025 to 2037	1,402			1,402
	4.81% maturing 2041 to 2043	1,833			1,833
	6.39% maturing 2097 to 2111	1,328			1,328
	Securitization borrowings, 1.28%	200			200
	Other debt, 8.14% maturing to 2024	90			101
	Discounts and premiums, net	(474		)	(495		)
	Total debt	9,026			9,448
	Less current maturities and short-term debt	(102		)	(545		)
	Long-term debt excluding current maturities and short-term debt	$	8,924		$	8,903
	Long-term debt maturities subsequent to 2015 are as follows:
	2016	$	500
	2017	550
	2018	600
	2019	585
	2020 and subsequent years	6,689
	Total	$	8,924

Lease_Commitments_Tables

Lease Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Future Minimum Lease Payments	Future minimum lease payments and operating lease expense are as follows:
	Future Minimum Lease Payments
		Operating		Capital
		Leases		Leases
		($ in millions)
	2015	$	83	$	2
	2016	75		—
	2017	65		—
	2018	58		—
	2019	47		—
	2020 and subsequent years	383		2
	Total	$	711	4
	Less imputed interest on capital leases at an average rate of 5.6%			(1		)
	Present value of minimum lease payments included in debt			$	3
Operating Lease Expense	Operating Lease Expense
		2014		2013			2012
		($ in millions)
	Minimum rents	$	109	$	121		$	129
	Contingent rents	92		82			73
	Total	$	201	$	203		$	202

Other_Liabilities_Tables

Other Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities
		December 31,
		2014		2013
		($ in millions)
	Net retiree other postretirement benefit obligations (Note 11)	$	309	$	566
	Long-term advances from Conrail (Note 5)	280		133
	Net pension benefit obligations (Note 11)	260		218
	Casualty and other claims (Note 16)	199		214
	Deferred compensation	116		120
	Other	148		193
	Total	$	1,312	$	1,444

Pensions_And_Other_Postretirem1

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations And Plan Assets	Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations and Plan Assets
		Pension Benefits								Other Postretirement
										Benefits
		2014				2013				2014			2013
		($ in millions)
	Change in benefit obligations:
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	2,091			$	2,285			$	855		$	1,311
	Service cost	34				41				7			16
	Interest cost	93				81				24			50
	Actuarial losses (gains)	335				(196		)		102			(471		)
	Plan amendments	—				—				(367		)	—
	Benefits paid	(124		)		(120		)		(50		)	(51		)
	Benefit obligation at end of year	2,429				2,091				571			855
	Change in plan assets:
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	2,115				1,791				239			205
	Actual return on plan assets	163				432				26			34
	Employer contribution	13				12				47			51
	Benefits paid	(124		)		(120		)		(50		)	(51		)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,167				2,115				262			239
	Funded status at end of year	$	(262	)		$	24			$	(309	)	$	(616	)
	Amounts recognized in the Consolidated
	Balance Sheets:
	Noncurrent assets	$	12			$	256			$	—		$	—
	Current liabilities	(14		)		(14		)		—			(50		)
	Noncurrent liabilities	(260		)		(218		)		(309		)	(566		)
	Net amount recognized	$	(262	)		$	24			$	(309	)	$	(616	)
	Amounts incuded in accumulated other comprehensive
	loss (before tax):
	Net loss (gain)	$	854			$	585			$	6		$	(88	)
	Prior service cost (benefit)	3				4				(347		)	—
Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Cost Components	Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Cost Components
		2014				2013				2012
		($ in millions)
	Pension benefits:
	Service cost	$	34			$	41			$	34
	Interest cost	93				81				89
	Expected return on plan assets	(151		)		(142		)		(138		)
	Amortization of net losses	54				89				75
	Amortization of prior service cost	1				—				—
	Net cost	$	31			$	69			$	60
	Other postretirement benefits:
	Service cost	$	7			$	16			$	15
	Interest cost	24				50				54
	Expected return on plan assets	(18		)		(16		)		(15		)
	Amortization of net losses	—				58				53
	Amortization of prior service benefit	(20		)		—				—
	Net cost (benefit)	$	(7	)		$	108			$	107
Other Changes In Plan Assets And Benefit Obligations Recognized In Other Comprehensive Loss	Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss
		2014
		Pension				Other
		Benefits				Postretirement
						Benefits
		($ in millions)
	Net loss arising during the year	$	323			$	94
	Prior service effect of plan amendment	—				(367		)
	Amortization of net losses	(54		)		—
	Amortization of prior service benefit (cost)	(1		)		20
	Total recognized in other comprehensive loss	$	268			$	(253	)
	Total recognized in net periodic cost
	and other comprehensive loss	$	299			$	(260	)
Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Assumptions	A summary of the major assumptions follows:
		2014			2013			2012
	Pension funded status:
	Discount rate	3.95	%		4.6	%		3.65	%
	Future salary increases	4.5	%		4.5	%		4.5	%
	Other postretirement benefits funded status:
	Discount rate	3.7	%		4.65	%		3.8	%
	Pension cost:
	Discount rate	4.6	%		3.65	%		4.5	%
	Return on assets in plans	8.25	%		8.25	%		8.25	%
	Future salary increases	4.5	%		4.5	%		4.5	%
	Other postretirement benefits cost:
	Discount rate1	3.9	%		3.8	%		4.55	%
	Return on assets in plans	8	%		8	%		8	%
	Health care trend rate	6.94	%		7.33	%		7.7	%
	1 Current year other postretirement benefits cost was based on a discount rate of 4.65% prior to our retiree medical plan amendment in the first quarter of 2014, and 3.90% after the plan amendment.
Health Care Cost Trend Assumptions	To illustrate, a one-percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend would have the following effects:
		One-percentage point
		Increase				Decrease
		($ in millions)
	Increase (decrease) in:
	Total service and interest cost components	$	1			$	(1	)
	Postretirement benefit obligation	12				(11		)
Pension Plan Weighted-Average Asset Allocations, By Asset Category	Our pension plans’ weighted-average asset allocations, by asset category, were as follows:
		Percentage of plan
		assets at December 31,
		2014			2013
	Domestic equity securities	50	%		54	%
	Debt securities	25	%		20	%
	International equity securities	23	%		22	%
	Cash and cash equivalents	2	%		4	%
	Total	100	%		100	%
Fair Value Of Plan Assets	The following table sets forth the pension plans’ assets by valuation technique level, within the fair value hierarchy (there were no level 3 valued assets).
		December 31, 2014
		Level 1				Level 2				Total
		($ in millions)
	Common stock	$	1,180			$	—			$	1,180
	Common collective trusts:
	Debt securities	—				532				532
	International equity securities	—				327				327
	Commingled funds	—				81				81
	Interest bearing cash	41				—				41
	U.S. government and agencies securities	—				4				4
	Preferred stock	—				2				2
	Total investments	$	1,221			$	946			$	2,167
		December 31, 2013
		Level 1				Level 2				Total
		($ in millions)
	Common stock	$	1,245			$	—			$	1,245
	Common collective trusts:
	Debt securities	—				423				423
	International equity securities	—				265				265
	Commingled funds	—				95				95
	Interest bearing cash	83				—				83
	U.S. government and agencies securities	—				4				4
	Total investments	$	1,328			$	787			$	2,115
Estimated Future Benefit Payments	Benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid as follows:
		Pension				Other
		Benefits				Postretirement
						Benefits
		($ in millions)
	2015	$	130			$	44
	2016	134				43
	2017	137				43
	2018	139				43
	2019	141				42
	Years 2020 – 2024	718				194

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule Of Assumptions Used For LTIP And TSOP Grants	The assumptions for the LTIP and TSOP grants for the last three years are shown in the following table:
		2014			2013			2012
	Expected volatility range	23% – 27%			24% – 30%			27% – 29%
	Average expected volatility	25%			26%			27%
	Average risk-free interest rate	2.79%			1.88%			1.96%
	Average expected option term LTIP	8.9 years			9.0 years			8.9 years
	Per-share grant-date fair value LTIP	$	29.87		$	20.4		$	23.84
	Average expected option term TSOP	8.8 years			8.9 years			8.8 years
	Per-share grant-date fair value TSOP	$	24.38		$	15.84		$	19.55
	Options granted (LTIP and TSOP)	696,310			1,016,700			777,600
Schedule Of Stock Option Activity	A summary of the status of changes in stock options is presented below:
		Stock		Weighted Avg.
		Options		Exercise Price
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	7,152,178		$	54.52
	Granted	696,310		94.17
	Exercised	(2,009,461	)	47.7
	Forfeited	(7,710	)	78.78
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	5,831,317		61.57
Summary Of Stock Options Exercised	The following table provides information related to options exercised for the last three years:
		2014			2013			2012
		($ in millions)
	Options exercised	2,009,461			2,570,088			1,809,770
	Total intrinsic value	$	106		$	106		$	80
	Cash received upon exercise	93			93			47
	Related tax benefits realized	26			31			28
Schedule Of Stock Available For Future Grants	Shares of Common Stock available for future grants and issued in connection with all features of LTIP and TSOP at December 31, were as follows:
		2014		2013			2012
	Available for future grants:
	LTIP	4,899,428		5,945,033			7,638,688
	TSOP	998,896		1,172,256			1,434,356
	Issued:
	LTIP	2,168,641		2,765,986			2,337,179
	TSOP	252,042		331,282			153,423
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule Of Other Share Activity	A summary of the status of and changes in RSUs is presented below:
		RSUs		Weighted-
				Average
				Grant-Date
				Fair Value
	Nonvested at December 31, 2013	964,000		$	55.17
	Granted	113,505		94.17
	Vested	(319,150	)	38.72
	Forfeited	(1,850	)	60.76
	Nonvested at December 31, 2014	756,505		67.94
Performance Share Units (PSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule Of Other Share Activity	A summary of the status of and changes in PSUs is presented below:
		PSUs		Weighted-
				Average
				Grant-Date
				Fair Value
	Balance at December 31, 2013	1,595,800		$	68.81
	Granted	399,530		72.24
	Earned	(374,099	)	62.75
	Unearned	(205,001	)	62.75
	Forfeited	(1,450	)	75.14
	Balance at December 31, 2014	1,414,780		72.26

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The components of "Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)" reported in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and changes in the cumulative balances of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following:
		Balance			Net			Reclassification				Balance
		at Beginning			Gain (Loss)			Adjustments				at End
		of Year										of Year
		($ in millions)
	Year ended December 31, 2014
	Pensions and other postretirement
	liabilities	$	(310	)	$	(31	)	$	21		(1)	$	(320	)
	Other comprehensive loss
	of equity investees	(71		)	(7		)	—				(78		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(381	)	$	(38	)	$	21			$	(398	)
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Pensions and other postretirement
	liabilities	$	(999	)	$	600		$	89		(1)	$	(310	)
	Other comprehensive gain (loss)
	of equity investees	(110		)	39			—				(71		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(1,109	)	$	639		$	89			$	(381	)
	(1)	These items are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs.  See Note 11, “Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits,” for additional information.
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Of Equity Investees	“Other comprehensive income (loss)” reported in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income consisted of the following:
		Pretax			Tax			Net-of-Tax
		Amount			(Expense)			Amount
					Benefit
		($ in millions)
	Year ended December 31, 2014
	Net gain (loss) arising during the year:
	Pensions and other postretirement benefits	$	(50	)	$	19		$	(31	)
	Reclassification adjustments for costs
	included in net income	35			(14		)	21
	Subtotal	(15		)	5			(10		)
	Other comprehensive loss of equity investees	(8		)	1			(7		)
	Other comprehensive loss	$	(23	)	$	6		$	(17	)
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Net gain (loss) arising during the year:
	Pensions and other postretirement benefits	$	975		$	(375	)	$	600
	Reclassification adjustments for costs
	included in net income	147			(58		)	89
	Subtotal	1,122			(433		)	689
	Other comprehensive income of equity investees	42			(3		)	39
	Other comprehensive income	$	1,164		$	(436	)	$	728
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	Net gain (loss) arising during the year:
	Pensions and other postretirement benefits	$	(242	)	$	93		$	(149	)
	Reclassification adjustments for costs
	included in net income	128			(50		)	78
	Subtotal	(114		)	43			(71		)
	Other comprehensive loss of equity investees	(13		)	1			(12		)
	Other comprehensive loss	$	(127	)	$	44		$	(83	)

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Calculation	The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share:
		Basic									Diluted
		2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
		($ in millions except per share amounts, shares in millions)
	Net income	$	2,000		$	1,910		$	1,749		$	2,000		$	1,910		$	1,749
	Dividend equivalent payments	(6		)	(7		)	(9		)	(4		)	(4		)	(4		)
	Income available to common stockholders	$	1,994		$	1,903		$	1,740		$	1,996		$	1,906		$	1,745
	Weighted-average shares outstanding	309.4			311.9			320.9			309.4			311.9			320.9
	Dilutive effect of outstanding options
	and share-settled awards										3.1			3.6			4.3
	Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding										312.5			315.5			325.2
	Earnings per share	$	6.44		$	6.1		$	5.42		$	6.39		$	6.04		$	5.37

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Table

Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data
		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar		June 30		30-Sep		31-Dec
		($ in millions, except per share amounts)
	2014
	Railway operating revenues	$	2,689	$	3,042	$	3,023	$	2,870
	Income from railway operations	667		1,019		998		891
	Net income	368		562		559		511
	Earnings per share:
	Basic	1.18		1.81		1.8		1.65
	Diluted	1.17		1.79		1.79		1.64
	2013
	Railway operating revenues	$	2,738	$	2,802	$	2,824	$	2,881
	Income from railway operations	691		836		849		881
	Net income	450		465		482		513
	Earnings per share:
	Basic	1.43		1.47		1.55		1.66
	Diluted	1.41		1.46		1.53		1.64

Summary_Of_Significant_Account2

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	mi
	depreciable_asset_class
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Number Of Depreciable Asset Classes Used Range Low End	70
Operating route miles	20,000
Employees covered by collective bargaining agreements	80.00%
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$6	$3
Depreciation studies description	Our depreciation studies are conducted about every three years for equipment and every six years for track assets and other roadway property.
Roadway
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation Studies, Period	6 years
Depreciation rate range minimum	0.83%
Depreciation rate range maximum	33.33%
Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation Studies, Period	3 years
Depreciation rate range minimum	1.55%
Depreciation rate range maximum	33.33%
Intermodal
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Market groups percent of total railway operating revenues	22.00%
Coal
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Market groups percent of total railway operating revenues	21.00%
Chemicals
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Market groups percent of total railway operating revenues	16.00%
Metals/Construction
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Market groups percent of total railway operating revenues	13.00%
Agriculture/Consumer Products/Government
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Market groups percent of total railway operating revenues	13.00%
Automotive
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Market groups percent of total railway operating revenues	8.00%
Paper/Clay/Forest Products
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Market groups percent of total railway operating revenues	7.00%

Other_Income_Net_Details

Other Income - Net (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Royalties from coal	$33	$50	$72
Nonoperating depletion and depreciation	-5	-6	-6
Subtotal	28	44	66
Rental income	75	61	54
Corporate-owned life insurance – net	24	25	13
Gains and losses from sale of properties	13	101	5
Interest income	9	8	8
Equity in earnings of Conrail Inc.	0	42	34
Taxes on nonoperating property	-9	-10	-10
Charitable contributions	-9	-11	-9
Other interest expense – net	-12	-12	-9
Other	-15	-15	-23
Total	$104	$233	$129

Income_Taxes_Provisions_For_In

Income Taxes (Provisions For Income Taxes) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Current:
Federal	$729	$695	$569
State	111	98	74
Total current taxes	840	793	643
Deferred:
Federal	299	270	339
State	-5	-8	27
Total deferred taxes	294	262	366
Provision for income taxes	$1,134	$1,055	$1,009

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_Of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Statutory Rate To Effective Rate) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal income tax at statutory rate	$1,097	$1,038	$965
State income taxes, net of federal tax effect	88	69	69
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) audit, settlement	0	0	-6
State tax law changes, net of federal tax effect	-20	-11	-3
Other, net	-31	-41	-16
Provision for income taxes	$1,134	$1,055	$1,009
Federal income tax at statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of Federal tax effect	3.00%	2.00%	3.00%
Internal Revenue Service audit, settlement	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
State tax law changes, net of federal tax effect	-1.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Other, net	-1.00%	-1.00%	-1.00%
Provision for income taxes	36.00%	36.00%	37.00%

Income_Taxes_Schedule_Of_Defer

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax assets:
Compensation and benefits, including postretirement	$454	$462
Accruals, including casualty and other claims	107	114
Other	45	54
Total gross deferred tax assets	606	630
Less valuation allowance	-33	-32
Net deferred tax asset	573	598
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property	-8,768	-8,494
Other	-455	-466
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	-9,223	-8,960
Net deferred tax liability	-8,650	-8,362
Net current deferred tax asset	167	180
Net long-term deferred tax liability	($8,817)	($8,542)

Income_Taxes_Reconciliation_Of1

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$65	$63
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	6	3
Additions for tax positions of prior years	1	4
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	-8	-1
Settlements with taxing authorities	-1	-2
Lapse of statutes of limitations	-2	-2
Balance at end of year	$61	$65

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Prepaid Taxes	$248	$0
Change in valuation allowance	1	13
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	28
Unrecognized tax benefits, period decrease	6
Interest expense (income) related to unrecognized tax benefits	1	1	-1
Interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits	$6	$4

Fair_Value_Details

Fair Value (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Long-term investments, carrying value	$162	$148
Long-term investments, fair value	193	177
Long-term debt, including current maturities, carrying value	-8,926	-9,348
Long-term debt, including current maturities, fair value	($10,962)	($10,673)

Fair_Value_Schedule_of_Fair_Va

Fair Value (Schedule of Fair Value of Long-term Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term investments, fair value	$193	$177
Long-term debt, including current maturities, fair value	-10,962	-10,673
Fair Value Inputs Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term investments, fair value	50	47
Long-term debt, including current maturities, fair value	-10,754	-10,449
Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term investments, fair value	143	130
Long-term debt, including current maturities, fair value	($208)	($224)

Investments_Details

Investments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Total short-term investments	$0	$118
Equity Method Investments	2,047	2,002
Company-owned life insurance at net cash surrender value	470	289
Other investments	162	148
Total long-term investments	2,679	2,439
Held To Maturity Commercial Paper Maturity Date	2 months	2 months
Average federal government bonds held-to-maturity, months	3 months	3 months
Conrail Inc.
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	1,102	1,075
TTX Company
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	425	404
Meridian Speedway LLC
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	277	278
Pan Am Southern LLC
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	152	155
Other
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	91	90
Commercial paper, 2 months
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity securities	0	98
Federal government bonds, held-to-maturity, 3 months
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity securities	$0	$20

Investments_Narrative_Details

Investments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Difference between investment in Conrail and share of Conrail's underlying net equity	$529
Equity in earnings of Conrail Inc.	0	42	34
Expenses for the use of the Shared Assets Area	144	146	147
2020 and subsequent years - Operating Leases	383
Due to affiliate, current	56	187
Due to affiliate, noncurrent	280	133
Due to affiliate, noncurrent, maturity date	2044	2035
Due to affiliate, average interest rate	2.90%	4.40%
Shared Assets Areas CRC Lease
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Future annual minimum payments, due next five years	36
2020 and subsequent years - Operating Leases	160
Conrail Equity
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	58.00%
Conrail Voting
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	50.00%
Conrail Inc.
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Pension plan status change in investment, affiliate	-12	37
Portion of pension plan change attributable to other comprehensive income (loss), affiliate	-11	34
Portion of pension plan change attributable to deferred taxes, affiliate	-1	3
General and administrative support to Conrail	8
Purchased Services and Rent
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings of Conrail Inc.	39
Other Liabilities
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Due to affiliate, noncurrent	$147

Properties_Details

Properties (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	$38,508		$37,032
Accumulated Depreciation	-10,814		-10,387
Net Book Value	27,694		26,645
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	2,260		2,253
Accumulated Depreciation	0		0
Net Book Value	2,260		2,253
Depreciation Rate	0.00%	[1]
Rail and other track material
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	6,173		5,934
Accumulated Depreciation	-1,848		-1,782
Net Book Value	4,325		4,152
Depreciation Rate	2.46%	[1]	2.46%	[1]
Ties
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	4,628		4,464
Accumulated Depreciation	-1,156		-1,100
Net Book Value	3,472		3,364
Depreciation Rate	3.25%	[1]	3.24%	[1]
Ballast
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	2,360		2,244
Accumulated Depreciation	-498		-468
Net Book Value	1,862		1,776
Depreciation Rate	2.63%	[1]	2.65%	[1]
Construction in process
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	500		405
Accumulated Depreciation	0		0
Net Book Value	500		405
Depreciation Rate	0.00%	[1]
Other roadway
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	12,078		11,704
Accumulated Depreciation	-2,989		-2,814
Net Book Value	9,089		8,890
Depreciation Rate	2.55%	[1]	2.55%	[1]
Total roadway
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	25,739		24,751
Accumulated Depreciation	-6,491		-6,164
Net Book Value	19,248		18,587
Locomotives
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	5,120		4,814
Accumulated Depreciation	-2,010		-1,918
Net Book Value	3,110		2,896
Depreciation Rate	3.27%	[1]	3.42%	[1]
Freight cars
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	3,276		3,225
Accumulated Depreciation	-1,411		-1,429
Net Book Value	1,865		1,796
Depreciation Rate	2.82%	[1]	2.78%	[1]
Computers and software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	487		513
Accumulated Depreciation	-281		-292
Net Book Value	206		221
Depreciation Rate	11.60%	[1]	11.07%	[1]
Construction in process
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	199		139
Accumulated Depreciation	0		0
Net Book Value	199		139
Depreciation Rate	0.00%	[1]
Other equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	952		862
Accumulated Depreciation	-349		-316
Net Book Value	603		546
Depreciation Rate	6.09%	[1]	6.15%	[1]
Total equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	10,034		9,553
Accumulated Depreciation	-4,051		-3,955
Net Book Value	5,983		5,598
Other property
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost	475		475
Accumulated Depreciation	-272		-268
Net Book Value	$203		$207
Depreciation Rate	1.04%	[1]	1.15%	[1]
[1]	Composite annual depreciation rate for the underlying assets, excluding the effects of the amortization of any deficiency (or excess) that resulted from our depreciation studies.

Properties_Properties_Narrativ

Properties Properties (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Railway Property Recorded Pursuant To Capital Leases	$8	$8
Accumulated Depreciation Associated With Railway Property Recorded Pursuant To Capital Leases	3	3
Costs Of Obtaining Rights To Natural Resources	336	336
Accumulated Depreciation Associated With Costs Of Obtaining Rights To Natural Resources	196	195
Interest Costs Incurred	564	543	515
Interest Costs Capitalized	$19	$18	$20

Current_Liabilities_Details

Current Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Accounts and wages payable	$748	$685
Casualty and other claims (Note 16)	187	166
Vacation liability	132	130
Due to Conrail (Note 5)	56	187
Other	110	97
Total	1,233	1,265
Interest payable	118	121
Postretirement and pension benefit obligations (Note 11)	14	64
Other	96	85
Total	$228	$270

Debt_Debt_With_Interest_Rates_

Debt (Debt With Interest Rates And Maturities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Securitization borrowings, 1.28%	$200	$200
Discounts and premiums, net	-474	-495
Total debt	9,026	9,448
Less current maturities and short-term debt	-102	-545
2016	500
2017	550
2018	600
2019	585
2020 and subsequent years	6,689
Long-term debt	8,924	8,903
6.21% maturing to 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	6.21%	6.21%
Debt maturing	2,150	2,582
6.27% maturing 2020 to 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	6.27%	6.27%
Debt maturing	897	897
3.22% maturing 2022 to 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	3.22%	3.22%
Debt maturing	1,600	1,600
6.92% maturing 2025 to 2037
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	6.92%	6.92%
Debt maturing	1,402	1,402
4.81% maturing 2041 to 2043
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	4.81%	4.81%
Debt maturing	1,833	1,833
6.39% maturing 2097 to 2111
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	6.39%	6.39%
Debt maturing	1,328	1,328
Securitization borrowings, 1.28%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.28%	1.28%
Securitization borrowings, 1.28%	200	200
Other debt, 8.14% maturing to 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	8.14%	8.14%
Other debt, 8.14% maturing to 2024	$90	$101

Debt_Narrative_Details

Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Receivables securitization facility - total to be borrowed	$350,000,000
Proceeds from Short-term Debt	200,000,000
Repayments of short-term debt	200,000,000
Accounts receivable securitization balance	200,000,000	200,000,000
Average variable interest rate	1.28%	1.23%
Intent to refinance	100,000,000
Credit agreement	750,000,000
Short-term Debt	100,000,000	100,000,000
Account Receivable Securitization Facility Term Years	2 years
Collateral for securitization borrowings	782,000,000	747,000,000
Authority to issue debt/equity securities	$800,000,000
Credit agreement term, years	5 years
Credit agreement due date, year	2016

Lease_Commitments_Details

Lease Commitments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Leases [Abstract]
2015 - Operating Leases	$83
2016 - Operating Leases	75
2017 - Operating Leases	65
2018 - Operating Leases	58
2019 - Operating Leases	47
2020 and subsequent years	383
Total - Operating Leases	711
2015 - Capital Leases	2
2016 - Capital Leases	0
2017 - Capital Leases	0
2018 - Capital Leases	0
2019 - Capital Leases	0
2020 and subsequent years - Capital Leases	2
Total - Capital Leases	4
Imputed interest on capital leases	-1
Present value of minimum lease payments - capital leases	3
Average rate of imputed interest on capital leases	5.60%
Operating lease expense - minimum rents	109	121	129
Operating lease expense - contingent rents	92	82	73
Total operating lease expense	$201	$203	$202

Other_Liabilities_Details

Other Liabilities (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Net retiree other postretirement benefit obligations (Note 11)	$309	$566
Long-term advances from Conrail (Note 5)	280	133
Net pension benefit obligations (Note 11)	260	218
Casualty and other claims (Note 16)	199	214
Deferred compensation	116	120
Other	148	193
Total	$1,312	$1,444

Pensions_And_Other_Postretirem2

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations And Plan Assets) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Benefits
Change in benefit obligations:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$2,091	$2,285
Service cost	34	41	34
Interest cost	93	81	89
Actuarial losses (gains)	335	-196
Plan amendments	0	0
Benefits paid	-124	-120
Benefit obligation at end of year	2,429	2,091	2,285
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	2,115	1,791
Actual return on plan assets	163	432
Employer contribution	13	12
Benefits paid	-124	-120
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,167	2,115	1,791
Funded status at end of year	-262	24
Noncurrent assets	12	256
Current liabilities	-14	-14
Noncurrent liabilities	-260	-218
Net amount recognized	-262	24
Net loss (gain)	854	585
Prior service cost (benefit)	3	4
OPEB
Change in benefit obligations:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	855	1,311
Service cost	7	16	15
Interest cost	24	50	54
Actuarial losses (gains)	102	-471
Plan amendments	-367	0
Benefits paid	-50	-51
Benefit obligation at end of year	571	855	1,311
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	239	205
Actual return on plan assets	26	34
Employer contribution	47	51
Benefits paid	-50	-51
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	262	239	205
Funded status at end of year	-309	-616
Noncurrent assets	0	0
Current liabilities	0	-50
Noncurrent liabilities	-309	-566
Net amount recognized	-309	-616
Net loss (gain)	6	-88
Prior service cost (benefit)	($347)	$0

Pensions_And_Other_Postretirem3

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Cost Components) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$34	$41	$34
Interest cost	93	81	89
Expected return on plan assets	-151	-142	-138
Amortization of net losses	54	89	75
Amortization of prior service cost	1	0	0
Net cost	31	69	60
OPEB
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	7	16	15
Interest cost	24	50	54
Expected return on plan assets	-18	-16	-15
Amortization of net losses	0	58	53
Amortization of prior service cost	-20	0	0
Net cost	($7)	$108	$107

Pensions_And_Other_Postretirem4

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Other Changes In Plan Assets And Benefit Obligations Recognized In Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total recognized in net periodic cost and other comprehensive loss	$15	($1,122)	$114
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net loss arising during the year	323
Prior service effect of plan amendment	0
Amortization of net losses	-54
Amortization of prior service benefit (cost)	-1
Total recognized in other comprehensive loss	268
Total recognized in net periodic cost and other comprehensive loss	299
OPEB
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net loss arising during the year	94
Prior service effect of plan amendment	-367
Amortization of net losses	0
Amortization of prior service benefit (cost)	20
Total recognized in other comprehensive loss	-253
Total recognized in net periodic cost and other comprehensive loss	($260)

Pensions_And_Other_Postretirem5

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2014
Funded Status
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate - assumption	3.95%		4.60%		3.65%
Future salary increases - assumption	4.50%		4.50%		4.50%
Other Postretirement Benefits Funded Status
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate - assumption	3.70%		4.65%		3.80%
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate - assumption	4.60%		3.65%		4.50%
Return on assets in plans - assumption	8.25%		8.25%		8.25%
Future salary increases - assumption	4.50%		4.50%		4.50%
OPEB
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate - assumption	3.90%	[1]	3.80%	[1]	4.55%	[1]	4.65%	[1]
Return on assets in plans - assumption	8.00%		8.00%		8.00%
Health care trend rate	6.94%		7.33%		7.70%
[1]	Current year other postretirement benefits cost was based on a discount rate of 4.65% prior to our retiree medical plan amendment in the first quarter of 2014, and 3.90% after the plan amendment.

Pensions_And_Other_Postretirem6

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Health Care Cost Trend Assumptions) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
One-percentage point increase change in total service and interest cost components	$1
One-percentage point decrease change total service and interest cost components	-1
One-percentage point increase change in postretirement benefit obligations	12
One-percentage point decrease change in postretirement benefit obligations	($11)

Pensions_And_Other_Postretirem7

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Pension Plan Weighted-Average Asset Allocations, By Asset Category) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic equity securities	50.00%	54.00%
Debt securities	25.00%	20.00%
International equity securities	23.00%	22.00%
Cash and cash equivalents	2.00%	4.00%
Total	100.00%	100.00%

Pensions_And_Other_Postretirem8

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Fair Value Of Plan Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Common Stock	$1,180	$1,245
Commingled funds	81	95
Interest bearing cash	41	83
U.S. government and agencies securities	4	4
Preferred stock	2
Total pension plan assets	2,167	2,115
Fair Value Inputs Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Common Stock	1,180	1,245
Interest bearing cash	41	83
U.S. government and agencies securities		0
Preferred stock	0
Total pension plan assets	1,221	1,328
Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Common Stock	0	0
Commingled funds	81	95
U.S. government and agencies securities	4	4
Preferred stock	2
Total pension plan assets	946	787
Debt Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Common collective trusts	532	423
Debt Securities | Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Common collective trusts	532	423
International Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Common collective trusts	327	265
International Equity Securities | Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Common collective trusts	$327	$265

Pensions_And_Other_Postretirem9

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Estimated Future Benefit Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2015	$130
2016	134
2017	137
2018	139
2019	141
Years 2020 - 2024	718
OPEB
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2015	44
2016	43
2017	43
2018	43
2019	42
Years 2020 - 2024	$194

Recovered_Sheet1

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan's accumulated benefit obligation	$2,200,000,000		1,900,000,000
Unfunded pension plans projected benefit obligation	274,000,000		231,000,000
Unfunded pension plans accumulated benefit obligations	244,000,000		206,000,000
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	100.00%		100.00%
Postretirement benefit plan target asset allocation for equity, minimum	50.00%
Postretirement benefit plan target asset allocation for equity, maximum	75.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets Recognition Period	3 years
Multi-employer benefit plan premiums	36,000,000		41,000,000		47,000,000
Section 401 (k) savings plans matching contributions	20,000,000		19,000,000		18,000,000
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate - assumption	4.60%		3.65%		4.50%
Estimated net loss for defined pension plans amortized from AOCI into net periodic cost	65,000,000
Assumed increases in per capita cost of covered health care benefits	6.56%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate	5.00%
Pension plan assets target allocation for equity	75.00%
Assumed rate of return on pension plan assets	8.25%		8.25%		8.25%
One-percentage point change to rate of return change to net pension (benefit) cost	18,000,000
Expected contribution for the next fiscal year	14,000,000
OPEB
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate - assumption	3.90%	[1]	3.80%	[1]	4.55%	[1]	4.65%	[1]
Estimated net loss for defined pension plans amortized from AOCI into net periodic cost	24,000,000
Assumed rate of return on pension plan assets	8.00%		8.00%		8.00%
Expected contribution for the next fiscal year	19,000,000
Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Trust-owned life insurance fair value	$262,000,000		239,000,000
Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	66.00%		65.00%
Debt Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	34.00%		35.00%
[1]	Current year other postretirement benefits cost was based on a discount rate of 4.65% prior to our retiree medical plan amendment in the first quarter of 2014, and 3.90% after the plan amendment.

StockBased_Compensation_Narrat

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Amended LTIP plan-award granted as an option or stock appreciation right				1
Amended LTIP plan - award granted in a form other than option or stock appreciation right				1.61
Compensation costs				44	54	45
Tax benefits associated with compensation costs				14	18	14
Excess tax benefits recognized for share-based awards				37	38	42
Stock options granted				696,310
Dividend yield for period dividend equivalents paid				0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Dividend yield for period dividend equivalents not paid				2.29%	2.86%	2.30%
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding				280
Weighted average remaining contractual term of options outstanding				5 years 8 months 12 days
Number of shares exercisable				3,091,117
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable				188
Exercisable weighted average exercise price				48.82
Weighted average remaining contractual term of options exercisable				3 years 10 months 24 days
Unrecognized compensation, weighted average period of recognition				2 years 3 months 18 days
Ltip
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares available for grant				96,125,000
Stock options granted	515,240	748,200	567,300
LTIP dividend equivalent payment, in years				4 years
Vesting Period				4 years	4 years	4 years
TSOP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares available for grant				6,000,000
Stock options granted	181,070	268,500	210,300
Vesting Period				3 years	3 years	3 years
LTIP And TSOP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted				696,310	1,016,700	777,600
Grant price of options granted	94.17	69.83	75.14
Unrecognized compensation related to stock options granted				11
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation related to stock options granted				8
Unrecognized compensation, weighted average period of recognition				3 years 1 month 6 days
Units other than stock options granted				113,505	162,000	140,000
Grant-date fair value of units granted				94.17	69.83	75.14
Restriction period, in years				5 years	5 years	5 years
Restricted Stock Units Paid In Stock				319,150
Shares issued net of withholding taxes				187,969
Excess tax benefit/expense realized				6	2	3
Performance Share Units (PSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation related to stock options granted				7
Unrecognized compensation, weighted average period of recognition				1 year 7 months 6 days
Units other than stock options granted				399,530	550,800	468,850
Grant-date fair value of units granted				72.24	69.83	75.14
Shares issued net of withholding taxes				223,253
Excess tax benefit/expense realized				5	5	11
Performance Share Units Paid				374,099
Performance
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant-date fair value of units granted				94.17
Market Condition
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant-date fair value of units granted					50.31

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Assumptions Used For LTIP And TSOP Grants) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility rate, minimum				23.00%	24.00%	27.00%
Expected volatility rate, maximum				27.00%	30.00%	29.00%
Average expected volatility rate				25.00%	26.00%	27.00%
Average risk-free interest rate				2.79%	1.88%	1.96%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures				696,310
Ltip
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Average expected option term, in years				8 years 10 months 24 days	9 years	8 years 10 months 24 days
Option per share grant-date fair value				$29.87	$20.40	$23.84
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures	515,240	748,200	567,300
TSOP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Average expected option term, in years				8 years 9 months 18 days	8 years 10 months 24 days	8 years 9 months 18 days
Option per share grant-date fair value				$24.38	$15.84	$19.55
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures	181,070	268,500	210,300
LTIP And TSOP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures				696,310	1,016,700	777,600

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu1

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Stock Option Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2013	7,152,178
Stock options granted	696,310
Stock options exercised	-2,009,461	-2,570,088	-1,809,770
Stock options forfeited	-7,710
Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014	5,831,317	7,152,178
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Weighted average exercise price of stock options outstanding at December 31, 2013	$54.52
Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted	$94.17
Weighted average exercise price of stock options exercised	$47.70
Weighted average exercise price of stock options forfeited	$78.78
Weighted average exercise price of stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014	$61.57	$54.52

StockBased_Compensation_Summar

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Stock Options Exercised) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Options exercised	2,009,461	2,570,088	1,809,770
Total intrinsic value	$106	$106	$80
Cash received upon exercise	93	93	47
Related tax benefits realized	$26	$31	$28

StockBased_Compensation_Summar1

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Stock Awards Outstanding) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2013	964,000
Granted	113,505	162,000	140,000
Vested	-319,150
Forfeited	-1,850
Balance at December 31, 2014	756,505	964,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Weighted-average grant-date fair value at December 31, 2013	$55.17
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares granted	$94.17	$69.83	$75.14
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares vested	$38.72
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares forfeited	$60.76
Weighted-average grant-date fair value at December 31, 2014	$67.94	$55.17
Performance Share Units (PSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Balance at December 31, 2013	1,595,800
Granted	399,530	550,800	468,850
Performance share units earned - paid in Common Stock	-374,099
Unearned	-205,001
Forfeited	-1,450
Balance at December 31, 2014	1,414,780	1,595,800
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Weighted-average grant-date fair value at December 31, 2013	$68.81
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares granted	$72.24	$69.83	$75.14
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares earned - paid in Common Stock	$62.75
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares unearned	$62.75
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares forfeited	$75.14
Weighted-average grant-date fair value at December 31, 2014	$72.26	$68.81

StockBased_Compensation_Schedu2

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Stock Available For Future Grants) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Ltip
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Available for future grants	4,899,428	5,945,033	7,638,688
Shares of Common Stock issued	2,168,641	2,765,986	2,337,179
TSOP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Available for future grants	998,896	1,172,256	1,434,356
Shares of Common Stock issued	252,042	331,282	153,423

Stockholders_Equity_Stockholde

Stockholders' Equity Stockholder's Equity Narrative (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Equity [Abstract]
Treasury Stock, Number of Shares Held	20,320,777	20,320,777
Treasury Stock, Value	$19	$19

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Pensions and other postretirement liabilities, beginning of the year	($310)		($999)
Pensions and other post retirement liabilities, net gain (loss)	-31		600
Pensions and other postretirement liabilities, reclassification adjustments	21	[1]	89	[1]
Pensions and other postretirement liabilities, end of year	-320		-310
Other comprehensive gain (loss) of equity investments, beginning of period	-71		-110
Other comprehensive gain (loss) of equity investments, net gain (loss)	-7		39
Other comprehensive gain (loss) of equity investments, end of period	-78		-71
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning of period	-381		-1,109
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net gain (loss)	-38		639
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, reclassification adjustments	21		89
Accumulated other comprehensive loss period end, end of period	($398)		($381)
[1]	These items are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs. See Note 11, “Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits,” for additional information.

Stockholders_Equity_Other_Comp

Stockholders' Equity Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Of Equity Investees (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income loss of equity investees	($8)	$42	($13)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	-23	1,164	-127
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	6	-436	44
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	-17	728	-83
Pretax Amount
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Pensions and other postretirement benefits	-50	975	-242
Reclassification adjustments for costs included in net income	35	147	128
Subtotal	-15	1,122	-114
Other comprehensive income loss of equity investees	-8	42	-13
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	-23	1,164	-127
Tax Expense Benefit
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Pensions and other postretirement benefits	19	-375	93
Reclassification adjustments for costs included in net income	-14	-58	-50
Subtotal	5	-433	43
Other comprehensive income loss of equity investees	1	-3	1
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	6	-436	44
Net Of Tax Amount
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Pensions and other postretirement benefits	-31	600	-149
Reclassification adjustments for costs included in net income	21	89	78
Subtotal	-10	689	-71
Other comprehensive income loss of equity investees	-7	39	-12
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	($17)	$728	($83)

Stock_Repurchase_Program_Detai

Stock Repurchase Program (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Aug. 01, 2012
Stock Repurchase Program [Abstract]
Stock repurchased and retired during period, shares	3,100,000	8,300,000	18,800,000
Stock repurchased and retired during period, cost	$318,000,000	$627,000,000	$1,288,000,000
New stock repurchase program				50,000,000
Stock repurchased and retired since beginning of stock repurchase program in 2006, shares	139,800,000
Stock repurchased and retired since beginning of stock repurchase program in 2006, cost	$8,400,000,000

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income	$511	$559	$562	$368	$513	$482	$465	$450	$2,000	$1,910	$1,749
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$1.65	$1.80	$1.81	$1.18	$1.66	$1.55	$1.47	$1.43	$6.44	$6.10	$5.42
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$1.64	$1.79	$1.79	$1.17	$1.64	$1.53	$1.46	$1.41	$6.39	$6.04	$5.37
Options With Exercise Prices Above Average Market Price									0	0	2,000,000
Earnings Per Share, Basic
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income									2,000	1,910	1,749
Dividend equivalent payments, Basic & Diluted									-6	-7	-9
Income available to common stockholder's, Basic									1,994	1,903	1,740
Weighted-average shares outstanding, Basic									309,400,000	311,900,000	320,900,000
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income									2,000	1,910	1,749
Dividend equivalent payments, Basic & Diluted									-4	-4	-4
Income available to common stockholder's, Diluted									$1,996	$1,906	$1,745
Weighted-average shares outstanding, Basic									309,400,000	311,900,000	320,900,000
Dilutive effect of outstanding options and share-settled awards									3,100,000	3,600,000	4,300,000
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding, Diluted									312,500,000	315,500,000	325,200,000

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	location	location
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Environmental liability	$66,000,000	$58,000,000
Current environmental liability	15,000,000	15,000,000
Known cleanup and remediation locations and projects	146	142
Number of sites - representative sample	15
Liability associated with those sites	39,000,000
Environmental locations representative sample liability payout period, in years	5 years
Responsible locations with another party	11
Self-insured injury/damage to third party - up to	50,000,000
Self-insured injury/damage to third parties - and above, per occurrence	1,200,000,000
Self-insured NS owned property - up to	25,000,000
Self-insured NS owned property - and above, per occurrence	200,000,000
Purchase commitments, long-term service contracts	879,000,000
Liable Guarantors Of Indebtedness	$7,000,000

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Detai

Quarterly Financial Data (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Railway operating revenues	$2,870	$3,023	$3,042	$2,689	$2,881	$2,824	$2,802	$2,738	$11,624	$11,245	$11,040
Income from railway operations	891	998	1,019	667	881	849	836	691	3,575	3,257	3,124
Net income	$511	$559	$562	$368	$513	$482	$465	$450	$2,000	$1,910	$1,749
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$1.65	$1.80	$1.81	$1.18	$1.66	$1.55	$1.47	$1.43	$6.44	$6.10	$5.42
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$1.64	$1.79	$1.79	$1.17	$1.64	$1.53	$1.46	$1.41	$6.39	$6.04	$5.37

Schedule_II_Valuation_And_Qual1

Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Valuation Allowance (Included Net In Deferred Tax Liability) For Deferred Tax Assets
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$32		$19		$19
Expenses	1		13		0
Other Accounts	0		0		0
Deductions	0		0		0
Ending Balance	33		32		19
Casualty And Other Claims Included In Other Liabilities
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	214		258		275
Expenses	71	[1]	33	[1]	76	[1]
Other Accounts	0		0		0
Deductions	86	[2]	77	[2]	93	[2]
Ending Balance	199		214		258
Current Portion Of Casualty And Other Claims Included In Accounts Payable
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	166		183		201
Expenses	19		15		18
Other Accounts	132	[3]	101	[3]	157	[3]
Deductions	130	[4]	133	[4]	193	[4]
Ending Balance	$187		$166		$183
[1]	Includes adjustments for changes in estimates for prior years’ claims.
[2]	Payments and reclassifications to/from accounts payable.
[3]	Includes revenue refunds and overcharges provided through deductions from operating revenues and transfers from other accounts.
[4]	Payments and reclassifications to/from other liabilities.