Norfolk Southern (NSC) 10-K 8 Feb 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Jan. 31, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORP
Entity Central Index Key	702,165
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		298,198,651
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 26,243,199,266

Consolidated Statements Of Inco

Consolidated Statements Of Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]
Railway operating revenues	$ 10,511	$ 11,624	$ 11,245
Railway operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits	2,911	2,897	3,002
Purchased services and rents	1,752	1,687	1,629
Fuel	934	1,574	1,613
Depreciation	1,054	951	916
Materials and other	976	940	828
Total railway operating expenses	7,627	8,049	7,988
Income from railway operations	2,884	3,575	3,257
Other income – net	103	104	233
Interest expense on debt	545	545	525
Income before income taxes	2,442	3,134	2,965
Provision for income taxes	886	1,134	1,055
Net income	$ 1,556	$ 2,000	$ 1,910
Per share amounts:
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 5.13	$ 6.44	$ 6.10
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 5.10	$ 6.39	$ 6.04

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 1,556	$ 2,000	$ 1,910
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Pension and other postretirement benefits	(76)	(15)	1,122
Other comprehensive income (loss) of equity investees	0	(8)	42
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	(76)	(23)	1,164
Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)	29	6	(436)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(47)	(17)	728
Total comprehensive income	$ 1,509	$ 1,983	$ 2,638

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 1,101	$ 973
Accounts receivable – net	946	1,055
Materials and supplies	271	236
Deferred income taxes	121	167
Other current assets	194	347
Total current assets	2,633	2,778
Investments	2,572	2,679
Properties less accumulated depreciation of $11,478 and $10,814 respectively	28,992	27,694
Other assets	63	49
Total assets	34,260	33,200
Liabilities and stockholdersʼ equity
Accounts payable	1,091	1,233
Short-term debt	200	100
Income and other taxes	203	217
Other current liabilities	237	228
Current maturities of long-term debt	500	2
Total current liabilities	2,231	1,780
Long-term debt	9,393	8,883
Other liabilities	1,385	1,312
Deferred income taxes	9,063	8,817
Total liabilities	22,072	20,792
Stockholdersʼ equity:
Common stock $1.00 per share par value, 1,350,000,000 shares authorized; outstanding 297,795,016 and 308,240,130 shares, respectively, net of treasury shares	299	310
Additional paid-in capital	2,143	2,148
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(445)	(398)
Retained income	10,191	10,348
Total stockholdersʼ equity	12,188	12,408
Total liabilities and stockholdersʼ equity	$ 34,260	$ 33,200

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Properties, accumulated depreciation	$ 11,478	$ 10,814
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	297,795,016	308,240,130

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 1,556	$ 2,000	$ 1,910
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	1,059	956	922
Deferred income taxes	320	294	262
Gains and losses on properties and investments	(30)	(13)	(104)
Changes in assets and liabilities affecting operations:
Accounts receivable	109	(31)	85
Materials and supplies	(35)	(13)	(7)
Other current assets	192	(260)	(5)
Current liabilities other than debt	(183)	53	5
Other – net	(111)	(134)	10
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,877	2,852	3,078
Cash flows from investing activities:
Property additions	(2,385)	(2,118)	(1,971)
Property sales and other transactions	63	114	144
Investments, including short-term	(5)	(104)	(130)
Investment sales and other transactions	240	106	63
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,087)	(2,002)	(1,894)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends	(713)	(687)	(637)
Common Stock issued	43	130	131
Purchase and retirement of Common Stock	(1,075)	(318)	(627)
Proceeds from borrowings – net	1,185	200	989
Debt repayments	(102)	(645)	(250)
Net cash used in financing activities	(662)	(1,320)	(394)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	128	(470)	790
Cash and cash equivalents:
At beginning of year	973	1,443	653
At end of year	1,101	973	1,443
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)	518	522	492
Income taxes (net of refunds)	$ 386	$ 1,102	$ 735

Consolidated Statements Of Chan

Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Retained Income
Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 9,760	$ 315	$ 1,911	$ (1,109)	$ 8,643
Net income	1,910				1,910
Other comprehensive income (loss)	728			728
Total comprehensive income	2,638
Dividends on Common Stock ($2.04, 2.22 and $2.36 for years ended 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively)	(637)				(637)
Share repurchases	(627)	(8)	(49)		(570)
Stock-based compensation, including tax benefit ($38, $37 and $14 for years ended 2013, 2014 and 2015, 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 (loss)	(17)			(17)
Total comprehensive income	1,983
Dividends on Common Stock ($2.04, 2.22 and $2.36 for years ended 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively)	(687)				(687)
Share repurchases	(318)	(3)	(20)		(295)
Stock-based compensation, including tax benefit ($38, $37 and $14 for years ended 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively)	144	3	147		(6)
Other	(3)				(3)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	12,408	310	2,148	(398)	10,348
Net income	1,556				1,556
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(47)			(47)
Total comprehensive income	1,509
Dividends on Common Stock ($2.04, 2.22 and $2.36 for years ended 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively)	(713)				(713)
Share repurchases	(1,075)	(11)	(75)		(989)
Stock-based compensation, including tax benefit ($38, $37 and $14 for years ended 2013, 2014 and 2015, respectively)	62	0	70		(8)
Other	(3)				(3)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 12,188	$ 299	$ 2,143	$ (445)	$ 10,191

Consolidated Statements Of Cha8

Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 2.36	$ 2.22	$ 2.04
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation	$ 14	$ 37	$ 38

Summary Of Significant Accounti

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 2015 ): intermodal ( 23% ); coal ( 17% ); chemicals ( 17% ); agriculture/consumer products/government ( 15% ); metals/construction ( 12% ); automotive ( 9% ); 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 $3 million at December 31, 2015 and $6 million at December 31, 2014 . 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 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 2015 , roadway depreciation rates ranged from 0.83% to 33.33% 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 April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015-03, “Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” This update requires that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a reduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this update. We early adopted the provisions of this ASU during the second quarter of 2015 and applied it retrospectively. The adoption of ASU 2015-03 resulted in the presentation of $47 million of debt issuance costs as a reduction of “Long-term debt” at December 31, 2015. We retrospectively adjusted the December 31, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011 consolidated balance sheets and related disclosures to reflect the reclassification of $41 million , $44 million , $40 million , and $33 million of debt issuance costs, respectively, from “Other assets” to “Long-term debt.” There was no other impact on our consolidated financial statements from the adoption of ASU 2015-03. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." This update will replace most existing revenue recognitionguidance in 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. In July 2015, the FASB approved a one-year deferral of the effective date of the new standard, making it effective for our annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2018. Early application is permitted, but not before the original effective date for public business entities (annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016). 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. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, “ Income Taxes (Subtopic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes .” This update, effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet rather than as separate current and noncurrent amounts on the balance sheet. Early application is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period, and may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. This update, once adopted, will not have a material effect on our presentation of deferred tax liabilities and assets on our balance sheet.

Other Income - Net

Other Income - Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Income - Net	Other Income – Net 2015 2014 2013 ($ in millions) Income from natural resources: Royalties from coal $ 19 $ 33 $ 50 Nonoperating depletion and depreciation (5 ) (5 ) (6 ) Subtotal 14 28 44 Rental income 80 75 61 Gains and losses from sale of properties (including joint venture sales) 55 13 101 Interest income 8 9 8 Equity in earnings of Conrail Inc. (Note 5) — — 42 Corporate-owned life insurance – net (1 ) 24 25 Other interest expense – net (4 ) (12 ) (12 ) Charitable contributions (9 ) (9 ) (11 ) Taxes on nonoperating property (10 ) (9 ) (10 ) Other (30 ) (15 ) (15 ) Total $ 103 $ 104 $ 233 “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, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Provisions for Income Taxes 2015 2014 2013 ($ in millions) Current: Federal $ 505 $ 729 $ 695 State 61 111 98 Total current taxes 566 840 793 Deferred: Federal 292 299 270 State 28 (5 ) (8 ) Total deferred taxes 320 294 262 Provision for income taxes $ 886 $ 1,134 $ 1,055 Other current assets include prepaid income taxes of $51 million and $248 million , respectively, at December 31, 2015 and 2014 . Reconciliation of Statutory Rate to Effective Rate The “Provision for income taxes” in the Consolidated Statements of Income differs from the amounts computed by applying the statutory federal corporate tax rate as follows: 2015 2014 2013 Amount % Amount % Amount % ($ in millions) Federal income tax at statutory rate $ 855 35 $ 1,097 35 $ 1,038 35 State income taxes, net of federal tax effect 72 3 88 3 69 2 State tax law changes, net of federal tax effect (14 ) (1 ) (20 ) (1 ) (11 ) — Other, net (27 ) (1 ) (31 ) (1 ) (41 ) (1 ) Provision for income taxes $ 886 36 $ 1,134 36 $ 1,055 36 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, 2015 2014 ($ in millions) Deferred tax assets: Compensation and benefits, including postretirement $ 430 $ 454 Accruals, including casualty and other claims 108 107 Other 65 45 Total gross deferred tax assets 603 606 Less valuation allowance (35 ) (33 ) Net deferred tax asset 568 573 Deferred tax liabilities: Property (9,072 ) (8,768 ) Other (438 ) (455 ) Total gross deferred tax liabilities (9,510 ) (9,223 ) Net deferred tax liability (8,942 ) (8,650 ) Net current deferred tax asset 121 167 Net long-term deferred tax liability $ (9,063 ) $ (8,817 ) 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 and state investment tax credits that may not be utilized prior to their expiration. The total valuation allowance increased by $2 million in 2015 and $1 million in 2014 . Uncertain Tax Positions A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 ($ in millions) Balance at beginning of year $ 61 $ 65 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 4 6 Additions for tax positions of prior years — 1 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (34 ) (8 ) Settlements with taxing authorities (5 ) (1 ) Lapse of statutes of limitations (1 ) (2 ) Balance at end of year $ 25 $ 61 Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2015 , are potential benefits of $17 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 2013. We are not currently under audit by the IRS. 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. Interest related to unrecognized tax benefits, which is included in “Other income – net,” totaled $3 million of income in 2015 and $1 million of expense in both 2014 and 2013 . There were no penalties related to tax matters in 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 . We have recorded a liability of $2 million at December 31, 2015 , and $6 million at December 31, 2014 , for the payment of interest on unrecognized tax benefits. We have no liability recorded at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , for the payment of penalties on unrecognized tax benefits.

Fair Value

Fair Value	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 or 2014. 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,” “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: 2015 2014 Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value ($ in millions) Long-term investments $ 162 $ 190 $ 162 $ 193 Long-term debt, including current maturities (9,893 ) (11,124 ) (8,885 ) (10,962 ) 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, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Total ($ in millions) Long-term investments $ 49 $ 141 $ 190 Long-term debt, including current maturities (11,022 ) (102 ) (11,124 ) 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 )

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	Investments December 31, 2015 2014 ($ in millions) Long-term investments: Equity method investments: Conrail Inc. $ 1,147 $ 1,102 TTX Company 445 425 Meridian Speedway LLC 274 277 Pan Am Southern LLC 153 152 Other 83 91 Total equity method investments 2,102 2,047 Company-owned life insurance at net cash surrender value 308 470 Other investments 162 162 Total long-term investments $ 2,572 $ 2,679 Investment in Conrail Through a limited liability company, we and CSX Corporation (CSX) jointly own Conrail Inc. (Conrail), whose primary subsidiary is 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, 2015 , based on the funded status of Conrail’s pension plans, we increased our proportional investment in Conrail by $3 million . This resulted in income of $3 million recorded to “Other comprehensive loss” and a combined federal and state deferred tax liability of less than $1 million . 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, 2015 , the difference between our investment in Conrail and our share of Conrail’s underlying net equity was $526 million . Our equity in the earnings of Conrail, net of amortization, included in “Purchased services and rents” was $42 million for 2015 and $39 million for 2014. For 2013, this amounted to $42 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 $154 million in 2015 , $144 million in 2014 , and $146 million in 2013 . Future minimum lease payments due to CRC under the Shared Assets Areas agreements are as follows: $36 million in each of 2016 through 2020 and $124 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. “Accounts payable” includes $71 million at December 31, 2015 , and $56 million at December 31, 2014 , due to Conrail for the operation of the Shared Assets Areas. “Other liabilities” includes $280 million at both December 31, 2015 and 2014 for long-term advances from Conrail, maturing 2044 , that bear interest at an average rate of 2.9% . Investment in TTX Along with eight other railroads, we jointly own TTX Company (formerly Trailer Train Company). We have a 19.65% interest in TTX, which is engaged in the business of leasing a fleet of standardized types of railroad flatcars to railroads in the United States. We pay TTX a monthly fee for use of certain equipment, included in “Purchased services and rents.” For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, this amounted to $219 million , $200 million , and $179 million of expense, respectively. Offsetting these amounts, our equity in the earnings of TTX, also included in “Purchased services and rents” totaled $21 million for 2015, $19 million for 2014, and $14 million for 2013.

Properties

Properties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Properties	Properties Accumulated Net Book Depreciation At December 31, 2015 Cost Depreciation Value Rate (1) ($ in millions) Land $ 2,327 $ — $ 2,327 — Roadway: Rail and other track material 6,467 (1,944 ) 4,523 2.46 % Ties 4,846 (1,229 ) 3,617 3.26 % Ballast 2,468 (539 ) 1,929 2.64 % Construction in process 686 — 686 — Other roadway 12,662 (3,225 ) 9,437 2.54 % Total roadway 27,129 (6,937 ) 20,192 Equipment: Locomotives 5,291 (2,126 ) 3,165 3.31 % Freight cars 3,437 (1,422 ) 2,015 2.87 % Computers and software 500 (296 ) 204 11.25 % Construction in process 237 — 237 — Other equipment 1,074 (421 ) 653 6.09 % Total equipment 10,539 (4,265 ) 6,274 Other property 475 (276 ) 199 0.95 % Total properties $ 40,470 $ (11,478 ) $ 28,992 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 11.60 % 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 (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 $2 million at December 31, 2015 and $8 million at December 31, 2014 , of assets recorded pursuant to capital leases with accumulated amortization of less than $1 million at December 31, 2015 and $3 million at December 31, 2014 . Other property includes the costs of obtaining rights to natural resources of $336 million at both December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , with accumulated depletion of $198 million and $196 million , respectively. Capitalized Interest Total interest cost incurred on debt was $566 million in 2015 , $564 million in 2014 , and $543 million in 2013 , of which $21 million , $19 million , and $18 million , respectively, was capitalized.

Current Liabilities

Current Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Current Liabilities	Current Liabilities December 31, 2015 2014 ($ in millions) Accounts payable: Accounts and wages payable $ 602 $ 748 Casualty and other claims (Note 16) 174 187 Vacation liability 135 132 Due to Conrail (Note 5) 71 56 Other 109 110 Total $ 1,091 $ 1,233 Other current liabilities: Interest payable $ 123 $ 118 Pension benefit obligations (Note 11) 16 14 Other 98 96 Total $ 237 $ 228

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt Debt with weighted average interest rates and maturities is presented below: December 31, 2015 2014 ($ in millions) Notes and debentures: 6.78% maturing to 2020 $ 2,464 $ 2,464 3.37% maturing 2021 to 2023 1,783 1,783 5.71% maturing 2024 to 2027 1,019 1,019 6.83% maturing 2029 to 2037 783 783 4.71% maturing 2041 to 2046 2,934 1,833 6.39% maturing 2097 to 2111 1,328 1,328 Securitization borrowings, 1.48% 200 200 Other debt, 8.21% maturing to 2024 87 90 Discounts and premiums, net (458 ) (474 ) Debt issuance costs (reclassified, see Note 1) (47 ) (41 ) Total debt 10,093 8,985 Less current maturities and short-term debt (700 ) (102 ) Long-term debt excluding current maturities and short-term debt $ 9,393 $ 8,883 Long-term debt maturities subsequent to 2016 are as follows: 2017 $ 550 2018 600 2019 585 2020 314 2021 and subsequent years 7,344 Total $ 9,393 During 2015, we issued $600 million of 4.65% senior notes due 2046 in the fourth quarter and $500 million of 4.45% senior notes due 2045 in the second quarter. 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 $100 million and repaid $100 million in 2015 . In 2014, we received $200 million and repaid $200 million under this facility. At December 31, 2015 , the amount outstanding under the receivables securitization facility was $200 million (at an average variable interest rate of 1.48% ) included in “Short-term debt” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. At December 31, 2014, the amount outstanding was $200 million (at an average variable interest rate of 1.28% ) which included $100 million in “Short-term debt” with the remaining $100 million included in “Long-term debt” on 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, 2015 and 2014 , the receivables included in “Accounts receivable – net” serving as collateral for these borrowings totaled $653 million and $782 million , respectively. Issuance of Debt or Equity Securities We have authority from our Board of Directors to issue an additional $600 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 December 2016 , which provides for borrowings at prevailing rates and includes covenants. We had no amounts outstanding under this facility at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , and we are in compliance with all of its covenants.

Lease Commitments

Lease Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 Leases ($ in millions) 2016 $ 77 2017 73 2018 65 2019 51 2020 50 2021 and subsequent years 348 Total $ 664 Our aggregate future minimum capital lease payments, less imputed interest at an average rate of 6.3% , totaled $2 million as of December 31, 2015, with payments extending to 2024. Operating Lease Expense 2015 2014 2013 ($ in millions) Minimum rents $ 111 $ 109 $ 121 Contingent rents 84 92 82 Total $ 195 $ 201 $ 203 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, 2015 2014 ($ in millions) Net retiree other postretirement benefit obligations (Note 11) $ 347 $ 309 Net pension benefit obligations (Note 11) 318 260 Long-term advances from Conrail (Note 5) 280 280 Casualty and other claims (Note 16) 191 199 Deferred compensation 117 116 Other 132 148 Total $ 1,385 $ 1,312

Pensions And Other Postretireme

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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. Those 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. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations and Plan Assets Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 ($ in millions) Change in benefit obligations: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 2,429 $ 2,091 $ 571 $ 855 Service cost 41 34 7 7 Interest cost 93 93 21 24 Actuarial losses (gains) (64 ) 335 (7 ) 102 Plan amendments — — (8 ) (367 ) Benefits paid (127 ) (124 ) (48 ) (50 ) Benefit obligation at end of year 2,372 2,429 536 571 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 2,167 2,115 262 239 Actual return on plan assets (14 ) 163 2 26 Employer contribution (reimbursement) 1 14 13 (27 ) 47 Benefits paid (127 ) (124 ) (48 ) (50 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 2,040 2,167 189 262 Funded status at end of year $ (332 ) $ (262 ) $ (347 ) $ (309 ) Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets: Noncurrent assets $ 2 $ 12 $ — $ — Current liabilities (16 ) (14 ) — — Noncurrent liabilities (318 ) (260 ) (347 ) (309 ) Net amount recognized $ (332 ) $ (262 ) $ (347 ) $ (309 ) Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss (before tax): Net loss $ 904 $ 854 $ 16 $ 6 Prior service cost (benefit) 3 3 (331 ) (347 ) 1 Norfolk Southern is eligible to receive reimbursement from the Norfolk Southern Corporation Post-Retirement Benefits Trust (Trust), and the Trust had an outstanding liability to Norfolk Southern of $30 million as of December 31, 2015. Our accumulated benefit obligation for our defined benefit pension plans is $2.2 billion at both December 31, 2015 and 2014 . 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 both December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , and had accumulated benefit obligations of $252 million at December 31, 2015 , and $244 million at December 31, 2014 . Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Cost Components 2015 2014 2013 ($ in millions) Pension benefits: Service cost $ 41 $ 34 $ 41 Interest cost 93 93 81 Expected return on plan assets (165 ) (151 ) (142 ) Amortization of net losses 65 54 89 Amortization of prior service cost — 1 — Net cost $ 34 $ 31 $ 69 Other postretirement benefits: Service cost $ 7 $ 7 $ 16 Interest cost 21 24 50 Expected return on plan assets (19 ) (18 ) (16 ) Amortization of net losses — — 58 Amortization of prior service benefit (24 ) (20 ) — Net cost (benefit) $ (15 ) $ (7 ) $ 108 Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss 2015 Pension Other ($ in millions) Net loss arising during the year $ 115 $ 10 Prior service effect of plan amendment — (8 ) Amortization of net losses (65 ) — Amortization of prior service benefit — 24 Total recognized in other comprehensive loss $ 50 $ 26 Total recognized in net periodic cost and other comprehensive loss $ 84 $ 11 Net actuarial losses arising during the year to our pension and other postretirement benefits were due primarily to a lower than expected return on plan assets partially offset by an increase in our discount rate and a change in our mortality assumption. 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 $50 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: 2015 2014 2013 Pension funded status: Discount rate 4.30 % 3.95 % 4.60 % Future salary increases 4.50 % 4.50 % 4.50 % Other postretirement benefits funded status: Discount rate 4.02 % 3.70 % 4.65 % Pension cost: Discount rate 3.95 % 4.60 % 3.65 % Return on assets in plans 8.25 % 8.25 % 8.25 % Future salary increases 4.50 % 4.50 % 4.50 % Other postretirement benefits cost: Discount rate 1 3.70 % 3.90 % 3.80 % Return on assets in plans 8.00 % 8.00 % 8.00 % Health care trend rate 6.56 % 6.94 % 7.33 % 1 2014 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, 2015 , increases in the per capita cost of pre-Medicare covered health care benefits were assumed to be 6.30% for 2016 . It is assumed the rate will decrease gradually to an ultimate rate of 5.0% for 2021 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 11 (10 ) 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, 2015 2014 Domestic equity securities 50 % 50 % Debt securities 25 % 25 % International equity securities 23 % 23 % Cash and cash equivalents 2 % 2 % 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, 2015 , of 67% in equity securities and 33% in debt securities compared with 66% in equity securities and 34% in debt securities at December 31, 2014 . 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 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . A one-percentage point change to the rate of return assumption would result in a $20 million change to the net pension cost and, as a result, an equal change in “Compensation and benefits” expense. For 2016 , 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, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Total ($ in millions) Common stock $ 1,119 $ — $ 1,119 Common collective trusts: Debt securities — 505 505 International equity securities — 301 301 Commingled funds — 77 77 Interest bearing cash 34 — 34 U.S. government and agencies securities — 4 4 Total investments $ 1,153 $ 887 $ 2,040 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 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 $189 million and $262 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 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 2016 , we expect to contribute approximately $16 million to our unfunded pension plans for payments to pensioners and approximately $20 million to our other postretirement benefit plans for retiree health and death benefits. We do not expect to contribute to our funded pension plan in 2016 . Benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits ($ in millions) 2016 $ 135 $ 44 2017 137 43 2018 140 42 2019 142 42 2020 143 41 Years 2021 – 2025 731 185 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 $32 million in 2015 , $36 million in 2014 , and $41 million in 2013 . 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 $21 million in 2015 , $20 million in 2014 , and $19 million in 2013 .

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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), which is 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 104,125,000 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 on page K69. 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 and second quarters of 2015, 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 $42 million in 2015 , $44 million in 2014 , and $54 million in 2013 . The total tax effects recognized in income in relation to stock-based compensation were benefits of $13 million in 2015 , $14 million in 2014 , and $18 million in 2013 . “Common stock issued” in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 includes tax benefits generated from tax deductions in excess of compensation costs recognized for share-based awards of $14 million , $37 million , and $38 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 2015 , 511,010 options were granted under LTIP and 181,320 options were granted under TSOP. In the second quarter of 2015, 132,880 options were granted under LTIP. The grant prices were $104.23 and $92.76 for the options granted in the first and second quarters of 2015, respectively. In the first quarter of 2014 , 515,240 options were granted under LTIP and 181,070 options were granted under TSOP, each with a grant price of $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 . 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 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 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 the 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. A dividend yield of zero was used for LTIP options during the vesting period. For 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , a dividend yield of 2.27% , 2.29% , and 2.86% , respectively, was used for all vested LTIP options and all TSOP options. The assumptions for the LTIP and TSOP grants for the last three years are shown in the following table: 2015 2014 2013 Expected volatility range 19% – 27% 23% – 27% 24% – 30% Average expected volatility 25% 25% 26% Average risk-free interest rate 1.83% 2.79% 1.88% Average expected option term LTIP 9.3 years 8.9 years 9.0 years Per-share grant-date fair value LTIP $ 30.35 $ 29.87 $ 20.40 Average expected option term TSOP 9.1 years 8.8 years 8.9 years Per-share grant-date fair value TSOP $ 24.71 $ 24.38 $ 15.84 Options granted (LTIP and TSOP) 825,210 696,310 1,016,700 A summary of the status of changes in stock options is presented below: Stock Options Weighted Avg. Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2014 5,831,317 $ 61.57 Granted 825,210 102.38 Exercised (589,081 ) 52.99 Forfeited (18,710 ) 86.70 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 6,048,736 67.90 The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding at December 31, 2015 , was $122 million with a weighted average remaining contractual term of 5.4 years. Of these options outstanding, 3,420,586 were exercisable and had an aggregate intrinsic value of $106 million with a weighted average exercise price of $53.69 and a weighted average remaining contractual term of 3.8 years. The following table provides information related to options exercised for the last three years: 2015 2014 2013 ($ in millions) Options exercised 589,081 2,009,461 2,570,088 Total intrinsic value $ 27 $ 106 $ 106 Cash received upon exercise 29 93 93 Related tax benefits realized 7 26 31 At December 31, 2015 , total unrecognized compensation related to options granted under LTIP and TSOP was $12 million , and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.4 years. Restricted Stock Units RSU grants and grant-date fair values were 101,470 and $104.23 in 2015 ; 113,505 and $94.17 in 2014 ; and 162,000 and $69.83 in 2013 . RSUs granted in all three years have a five -year restriction period and will be settled through the issuance of shares of Common Stock. The RSU grants include cash dividend equivalent payments during the restriction period in an amount equal to regular quarterly dividends paid on Common Stock. During 2015 , 166,750 of the RSUs granted in 2010 vested, with 99,337 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, 2014 756,505 $ 67.94 Granted 101,470 104.23 Vested (166,750 ) 47.76 Forfeited (2,500 ) 78.07 Nonvested at December 31, 2015 688,725 78.14 At December 31, 2015 , 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 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 were $4 million , $6 million , and $2 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 413,770 in 2015 and grant-date fair values relating to performance and market conditions were $97.24 and $46.08 , respectively, with the market condition fair value measured on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model. PSU grants were 399,530 and 550,800 in 2014 and 2013 , respectively; grant-date fair values relating to performance and market conditions were $94.17 and $50.31 , respectively, in 2014, and grant-date fair values relating to performance and market conditions were $69.83 and $36.01 , respectively, in 2013 . During 2015 , 236,601 of the PSUs granted in 2012 were earned, with 141,386 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, 2014 1,414,780 $ 72.26 Granted 413,770 71.66 Earned (236,601 ) 75.14 Unearned (229,149 ) 75.14 Forfeited (1,750 ) 70.98 Balance at December 31, 2015 1,361,050 71.09 At December 31, 2015 , total unrecognized compensation related to PSUs granted under LTIP was $5 million , and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.6 years. The total related tax benefits realized were $3 million in 2015 , and $5 million in both 2014 and 2013 . 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: 2015 2014 2013 Available for future grants: LTIP 11,769,796 4,899,428 5,945,033 TSOP 832,676 998,896 1,172,256 Issued: LTIP 708,059 2,168,641 2,765,986 TSOP 121,745 252,042 331,282

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2015 and 2014 amounted to 20,320,777 , with a cost of $19 million at both dates. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The components of "Other comprehensive income (loss)" reported in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and changes in the cumulative balances of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following: Balance at Beginning of Year Net Loss Reclassification Adjustments Balance at End of Year ($ in millions) Year ended December 31, 2015 Pensions and other postretirement liabilities $ (320 ) $ (72 ) $ 25 (1) $ (367 ) Other comprehensive loss of equity investees (78 ) — — (78 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (398 ) $ (72 ) $ 25 $ (445 ) 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 ) (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 Amount Tax (Expense) Benefit Net-of-Tax Amount ($ in millions) Year ended December 31, 2015 Net gain (loss) arising during the year: Pensions and other postretirement benefits $ (117 ) $ 45 $ (72 ) Reclassification adjustments for costs included in net income 41 (16 ) 25 Other comprehensive loss $ (76 ) $ 29 $ (47 ) 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

Stock Repurchase Program

Stock Repurchase Program	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Stock Repurchase Program [Abstract]
Stock Repurchase Program	Stock Repurchase Program We repurchased and retired 11.3 million , 3.1 million , and 8.3 million shares of Common Stock under our stock repurchase program in 2015 , 2014 , and 2013 , respectively, at a cost of $1.1 billion , $318 million , and $627 million . 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 151.1 million shares at a total cost of $9.5 billion .

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 ($ in millions except per share amounts, shares in millions) Net income $ 1,556 $ 2,000 $ 1,910 $ 1,556 $ 2,000 $ 1,910 Dividend equivalent payments (6 ) (6 ) (7 ) (5 ) (4 ) (4 ) Income available to common stockholders $ 1,550 $ 1,994 $ 1,903 $ 1,551 $ 1,996 $ 1,906 Weighted-average shares outstanding 301.9 309.4 311.9 301.9 309.4 311.9 Dilutive effect of outstanding options and share-settled awards 2.5 3.1 3.6 Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding 304.4 312.5 315.5 Earnings per share $ 5.13 $ 6.44 $ 6.10 $ 5.10 $ 6.39 $ 6.04 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 dilution calculations exclude options having exercise prices exceeding the average market price of Common Stock as follows: Period 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) 1st Quarter — 0.7 0.8 2nd Quarter 0.7 — — 3rd Quarter 1.5 — 0.8 4th Quarter 1.5 — —

Commitments And Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 Alkali 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. In 2014, the STB resolved both rate reasonableness complaints in our favor. The STB’s findings in the Sunbelt case remain subject to technical corrections and requests for reconsideration. Both cases remain open to possible 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 $69 million at December 31, 2015 , and $66 million at December 31, 2014 (of which $15 million is classified as a current liability at the end of both 2015 and 2014, respectively). At December 31, 2015 , the liability represents our estimates of the probable cleanup, investigation, and remediation costs based on available information at 145 known locations and projects compared with 146 locations and projects at December 31, 2014 . At December 31, 2015 , 14 sites accounted for $42 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 12 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 Environmental Protection Agency or comparable state authorities), estimates of our ultimate potential financial exposure for a given site or in the aggregate for all such sites can change over time 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 we transport, 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 $1.1 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, 2015 , we had outstanding purchase commitments totaling approximately $909 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 2020. 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, 2015 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, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data	NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited) Three Months Ended March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 ($ in millions, except per share amounts) 2015 Railway operating revenues $ 2,567 $ 2,713 $ 2,713 $ 2,518 Income from railway operations 606 814 822 642 Net income 310 433 452 361 Earnings per share: Basic 1.01 1.43 1.50 1.21 Diluted 1.00 1.41 1.49 1.20 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 1.80 1.65 Diluted 1.17 1.79 1.79 1.64

Schedule II - Valuation And Qua

Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2013 , 2014 , and 2015 ($ in millions) Additions charged to: Beginning Balance Expenses Other Accounts Deductions Ending Balance 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 Year ended December 31, 2015 Valuation allowance (included net in deferred tax liability) for deferred tax assets $ 33 $ 2 $ — $ — $ 35 Casualty and other claims included in other liabilities 199 66 (1) — 74 (3) 191 Current portion of casualty and other claims included in accounts payable 187 19 119 (2) 151 (4) 174 (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 Accoun27

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 2015 ): intermodal ( 23% ); coal ( 17% ); chemicals ( 17% ); agriculture/consumer products/government ( 15% ); metals/construction ( 12% ); automotive ( 9% ); 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 $3 million at December 31, 2015 and $6 million at December 31, 2014 . 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 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 2015 , roadway depreciation rates ranged from 0.83% to 33.33% 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 April 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015-03, “Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs.” This update requires that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a reduction from the related debt liability rather than as an asset, consistent with debt discounts. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the amendments in this update. We early adopted the provisions of this ASU during the second quarter of 2015 and applied it retrospectively. The adoption of ASU 2015-03 resulted in the presentation of $47 million of debt issuance costs as a reduction of “Long-term debt” at December 31, 2015. We retrospectively adjusted the December 31, 2014, 2013, 2012, and 2011 consolidated balance sheets and related disclosures to reflect the reclassification of $41 million , $44 million , $40 million , and $33 million of debt issuance costs, respectively, from “Other assets” to “Long-term debt.” There was no other impact on our consolidated financial statements from the adoption of ASU 2015-03. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." This update will replace most existing revenue recognitionguidance in 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. In July 2015, the FASB approved a one-year deferral of the effective date of the new standard, making it effective for our annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2018. Early application is permitted, but not before the original effective date for public business entities (annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016). 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. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, “ Income Taxes (Subtopic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes .” This update, effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet rather than as separate current and noncurrent amounts on the balance sheet. Early application is permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period, and may be applied either prospectively or retrospectively. This update, once adopted, will not have a material effect on our presentation of deferred tax liabilities and assets on our balance sheet.

Other Income - Net (Tables)

Other Income - Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Income - Net	2015 2014 2013 ($ in millions) Income from natural resources: Royalties from coal $ 19 $ 33 $ 50 Nonoperating depletion and depreciation (5 ) (5 ) (6 ) Subtotal 14 28 44 Rental income 80 75 61 Gains and losses from sale of properties (including joint venture sales) 55 13 101 Interest income 8 9 8 Equity in earnings of Conrail Inc. (Note 5) — — 42 Corporate-owned life insurance – net (1 ) 24 25 Other interest expense – net (4 ) (12 ) (12 ) Charitable contributions (9 ) (9 ) (11 ) Taxes on nonoperating property (10 ) (9 ) (10 ) Other (30 ) (15 ) (15 ) Total $ 103 $ 104 $ 233

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provisions For Income Taxes	Provisions for Income Taxes 2015 2014 2013 ($ in millions) Current: Federal $ 505 $ 729 $ 695 State 61 111 98 Total current taxes 566 840 793 Deferred: Federal 292 299 270 State 28 (5 ) (8 ) Total deferred taxes 320 294 262 Provision for income taxes $ 886 $ 1,134 $ 1,055
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: 2015 2014 2013 Amount % Amount % Amount % ($ in millions) Federal income tax at statutory rate $ 855 35 $ 1,097 35 $ 1,038 35 State income taxes, net of federal tax effect 72 3 88 3 69 2 State tax law changes, net of federal tax effect (14 ) (1 ) (20 ) (1 ) (11 ) — Other, net (27 ) (1 ) (31 ) (1 ) (41 ) (1 ) Provision for income taxes $ 886 36 $ 1,134 36 $ 1,055 36
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, 2015 2014 ($ in millions) Deferred tax assets: Compensation and benefits, including postretirement $ 430 $ 454 Accruals, including casualty and other claims 108 107 Other 65 45 Total gross deferred tax assets 603 606 Less valuation allowance (35 ) (33 ) Net deferred tax asset 568 573 Deferred tax liabilities: Property (9,072 ) (8,768 ) Other (438 ) (455 ) Total gross deferred tax liabilities (9,510 ) (9,223 ) Net deferred tax liability (8,942 ) (8,650 ) Net current deferred tax asset 121 167 Net long-term deferred tax liability $ (9,063 ) $ (8,817 )
Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: December 31, 2015 2014 ($ in millions) Balance at beginning of year $ 61 $ 65 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 4 6 Additions for tax positions of prior years — 1 Reductions for tax positions of prior years (34 ) (8 ) Settlements with taxing authorities (5 ) (1 ) Lapse of statutes of limitations (1 ) (2 ) Balance at end of year $ 25 $ 61

Fair Value (Tables)

Fair Value (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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: 2015 2014 Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value ($ in millions) Long-term investments $ 162 $ 190 $ 162 $ 193 Long-term debt, including current maturities (9,893 ) (11,124 ) (8,885 ) (10,962 )
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, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Total ($ in millions) Long-term investments $ 49 $ 141 $ 190 Long-term debt, including current maturities (11,022 ) (102 ) (11,124 ) 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 )

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	December 31, 2015 2014 ($ in millions) Long-term investments: Equity method investments: Conrail Inc. $ 1,147 $ 1,102 TTX Company 445 425 Meridian Speedway LLC 274 277 Pan Am Southern LLC 153 152 Other 83 91 Total equity method investments 2,102 2,047 Company-owned life insurance at net cash surrender value 308 470 Other investments 162 162 Total long-term investments $ 2,572 $ 2,679

Properties (Tables)

Properties (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Properties	Accumulated Net Book Depreciation At December 31, 2015 Cost Depreciation Value Rate (1) ($ in millions) Land $ 2,327 $ — $ 2,327 — Roadway: Rail and other track material 6,467 (1,944 ) 4,523 2.46 % Ties 4,846 (1,229 ) 3,617 3.26 % Ballast 2,468 (539 ) 1,929 2.64 % Construction in process 686 — 686 — Other roadway 12,662 (3,225 ) 9,437 2.54 % Total roadway 27,129 (6,937 ) 20,192 Equipment: Locomotives 5,291 (2,126 ) 3,165 3.31 % Freight cars 3,437 (1,422 ) 2,015 2.87 % Computers and software 500 (296 ) 204 11.25 % Construction in process 237 — 237 — Other equipment 1,074 (421 ) 653 6.09 % Total equipment 10,539 (4,265 ) 6,274 Other property 475 (276 ) 199 0.95 % Total properties $ 40,470 $ (11,478 ) $ 28,992 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 11.60 % 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 (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, 2015
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Current Liabilities	December 31, 2015 2014 ($ in millions) Accounts payable: Accounts and wages payable $ 602 $ 748 Casualty and other claims (Note 16) 174 187 Vacation liability 135 132 Due to Conrail (Note 5) 71 56 Other 109 110 Total $ 1,091 $ 1,233 Other current liabilities: Interest payable $ 123 $ 118 Pension benefit obligations (Note 11) 16 14 Other 98 96 Total $ 237 $ 228

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt With Interest Rates And Maturities	Debt with weighted average interest rates and maturities is presented below: December 31, 2015 2014 ($ in millions) Notes and debentures: 6.78% maturing to 2020 $ 2,464 $ 2,464 3.37% maturing 2021 to 2023 1,783 1,783 5.71% maturing 2024 to 2027 1,019 1,019 6.83% maturing 2029 to 2037 783 783 4.71% maturing 2041 to 2046 2,934 1,833 6.39% maturing 2097 to 2111 1,328 1,328 Securitization borrowings, 1.48% 200 200 Other debt, 8.21% maturing to 2024 87 90 Discounts and premiums, net (458 ) (474 ) Debt issuance costs (reclassified, see Note 1) (47 ) (41 ) Total debt 10,093 8,985 Less current maturities and short-term debt (700 ) (102 ) Long-term debt excluding current maturities and short-term debt $ 9,393 $ 8,883 Long-term debt maturities subsequent to 2016 are as follows: 2017 $ 550 2018 600 2019 585 2020 314 2021 and subsequent years 7,344 Total $ 9,393

Lease Commitments (Tables)

Lease Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Future Minimum Lease Payments	Future minimum lease payments and operating lease expense are as follows: Future Minimum Lease Payments Operating Leases ($ in millions) 2016 $ 77 2017 73 2018 65 2019 51 2020 50 2021 and subsequent years 348 Total $ 664
Operating Lease Expense	Operating Lease Expense 2015 2014 2013 ($ in millions) Minimum rents $ 111 $ 109 $ 121 Contingent rents 84 92 82 Total $ 195 $ 201 $ 203

Other Liabilities (Tables)

Other Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities	December 31, 2015 2014 ($ in millions) Net retiree other postretirement benefit obligations (Note 11) $ 347 $ 309 Net pension benefit obligations (Note 11) 318 260 Long-term advances from Conrail (Note 5) 280 280 Casualty and other claims (Note 16) 191 199 Deferred compensation 117 116 Other 132 148 Total $ 1,385 $ 1,312

Pensions And Other Postretire37

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations And Plan Assets	Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations and Plan Assets Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits 2015 2014 2015 2014 ($ in millions) Change in benefit obligations: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 2,429 $ 2,091 $ 571 $ 855 Service cost 41 34 7 7 Interest cost 93 93 21 24 Actuarial losses (gains) (64 ) 335 (7 ) 102 Plan amendments — — (8 ) (367 ) Benefits paid (127 ) (124 ) (48 ) (50 ) Benefit obligation at end of year 2,372 2,429 536 571 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 2,167 2,115 262 239 Actual return on plan assets (14 ) 163 2 26 Employer contribution (reimbursement) 1 14 13 (27 ) 47 Benefits paid (127 ) (124 ) (48 ) (50 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 2,040 2,167 189 262 Funded status at end of year $ (332 ) $ (262 ) $ (347 ) $ (309 ) Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets: Noncurrent assets $ 2 $ 12 $ — $ — Current liabilities (16 ) (14 ) — — Noncurrent liabilities (318 ) (260 ) (347 ) (309 ) Net amount recognized $ (332 ) $ (262 ) $ (347 ) $ (309 ) Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss (before tax): Net loss $ 904 $ 854 $ 16 $ 6 Prior service cost (benefit) 3 3 (331 ) (347 ) 1 Norfolk Southern is eligible to receive reimbursement from the Norfolk Southern Corporation Post-Retirement Benefits Trust (Trust), and the Trust had an outstanding liability to Norfolk Southern of $30 million as of December 31, 2015.
Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Cost Components	Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Cost Components 2015 2014 2013 ($ in millions) Pension benefits: Service cost $ 41 $ 34 $ 41 Interest cost 93 93 81 Expected return on plan assets (165 ) (151 ) (142 ) Amortization of net losses 65 54 89 Amortization of prior service cost — 1 — Net cost $ 34 $ 31 $ 69 Other postretirement benefits: Service cost $ 7 $ 7 $ 16 Interest cost 21 24 50 Expected return on plan assets (19 ) (18 ) (16 ) Amortization of net losses — — 58 Amortization of prior service benefit (24 ) (20 ) — Net cost (benefit) $ (15 ) $ (7 ) $ 108
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 2015 Pension Other ($ in millions) Net loss arising during the year $ 115 $ 10 Prior service effect of plan amendment — (8 ) Amortization of net losses (65 ) — Amortization of prior service benefit — 24 Total recognized in other comprehensive loss $ 50 $ 26 Total recognized in net periodic cost and other comprehensive loss $ 84 $ 11
Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Assumptions	A summary of the major assumptions follows: 2015 2014 2013 Pension funded status: Discount rate 4.30 % 3.95 % 4.60 % Future salary increases 4.50 % 4.50 % 4.50 % Other postretirement benefits funded status: Discount rate 4.02 % 3.70 % 4.65 % Pension cost: Discount rate 3.95 % 4.60 % 3.65 % Return on assets in plans 8.25 % 8.25 % 8.25 % Future salary increases 4.50 % 4.50 % 4.50 % Other postretirement benefits cost: Discount rate 1 3.70 % 3.90 % 3.80 % Return on assets in plans 8.00 % 8.00 % 8.00 % Health care trend rate 6.56 % 6.94 % 7.33 % 1 2014 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 11 (10 )
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, 2015 2014 Domestic equity securities 50 % 50 % Debt securities 25 % 25 % International equity securities 23 % 23 % Cash and cash equivalents 2 % 2 % 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, 2015 Level 1 Level 2 Total ($ in millions) Common stock $ 1,119 $ — $ 1,119 Common collective trusts: Debt securities — 505 505 International equity securities — 301 301 Commingled funds — 77 77 Interest bearing cash 34 — 34 U.S. government and agencies securities — 4 4 Total investments $ 1,153 $ 887 $ 2,040 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
Estimated Future Benefit Payments	Benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits ($ in millions) 2016 $ 135 $ 44 2017 137 43 2018 140 42 2019 142 42 2020 143 41 Years 2021 – 2025 731 185

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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: 2015 2014 2013 Expected volatility range 19% – 27% 23% – 27% 24% – 30% Average expected volatility 25% 25% 26% Average risk-free interest rate 1.83% 2.79% 1.88% Average expected option term LTIP 9.3 years 8.9 years 9.0 years Per-share grant-date fair value LTIP $ 30.35 $ 29.87 $ 20.40 Average expected option term TSOP 9.1 years 8.8 years 8.9 years Per-share grant-date fair value TSOP $ 24.71 $ 24.38 $ 15.84 Options granted (LTIP and TSOP) 825,210 696,310 1,016,700
Schedule Of Stock Option Activity	A summary of the status of changes in stock options is presented below: Stock Options Weighted Avg. Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2014 5,831,317 $ 61.57 Granted 825,210 102.38 Exercised (589,081 ) 52.99 Forfeited (18,710 ) 86.70 Outstanding at December 31, 2015 6,048,736 67.90
Summary Of Stock Options Exercised	The following table provides information related to options exercised for the last three years: 2015 2014 2013 ($ in millions) Options exercised 589,081 2,009,461 2,570,088 Total intrinsic value $ 27 $ 106 $ 106 Cash received upon exercise 29 93 93 Related tax benefits realized 7 26 31
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: 2015 2014 2013 Available for future grants: LTIP 11,769,796 4,899,428 5,945,033 TSOP 832,676 998,896 1,172,256 Issued: LTIP 708,059 2,168,641 2,765,986 TSOP 121,745 252,042 331,282
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, 2014 756,505 $ 67.94 Granted 101,470 104.23 Vested (166,750 ) 47.76 Forfeited (2,500 ) 78.07 Nonvested at December 31, 2015 688,725 78.14
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, 2014 1,414,780 $ 72.26 Granted 413,770 71.66 Earned (236,601 ) 75.14 Unearned (229,149 ) 75.14 Forfeited (1,750 ) 70.98 Balance at December 31, 2015 1,361,050 71.09

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 at Beginning of Year Net Loss Reclassification Adjustments Balance at End of Year ($ in millions) Year ended December 31, 2015 Pensions and other postretirement liabilities $ (320 ) $ (72 ) $ 25 (1) $ (367 ) Other comprehensive loss of equity investees (78 ) — — (78 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (398 ) $ (72 ) $ 25 $ (445 ) 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 ) (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 Amount Tax (Expense) Benefit Net-of-Tax Amount ($ in millions) Year ended December 31, 2015 Net gain (loss) arising during the year: Pensions and other postretirement benefits $ (117 ) $ 45 $ (72 ) Reclassification adjustments for costs included in net income 41 (16 ) 25 Other comprehensive loss $ (76 ) $ 29 $ (47 ) 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

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
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 2015 2014 2013 2015 2014 2013 ($ in millions except per share amounts, shares in millions) Net income $ 1,556 $ 2,000 $ 1,910 $ 1,556 $ 2,000 $ 1,910 Dividend equivalent payments (6 ) (6 ) (7 ) (5 ) (4 ) (4 ) Income available to common stockholders $ 1,550 $ 1,994 $ 1,903 $ 1,551 $ 1,996 $ 1,906 Weighted-average shares outstanding 301.9 309.4 311.9 301.9 309.4 311.9 Dilutive effect of outstanding options and share-settled awards 2.5 3.1 3.6 Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding 304.4 312.5 315.5 Earnings per share $ 5.13 $ 6.44 $ 6.10 $ 5.10 $ 6.39 $ 6.04
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount [Table Text Block]	The dilution calculations exclude options having exercise prices exceeding the average market price of Common Stock as follows: Period 2015 2014 2013 (in millions) 1st Quarter — 0.7 0.8 2nd Quarter 0.7 — — 3rd Quarter 1.5 — 0.8 4th Quarter 1.5 — —

Quarterly Financial Data (Table

Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data	Three Months Ended March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 ($ in millions, except per share amounts) 2015 Railway operating revenues $ 2,567 $ 2,713 $ 2,713 $ 2,518 Income from railway operations 606 814 822 642 Net income 310 433 452 361 Earnings per share: Basic 1.01 1.43 1.50 1.21 Diluted 1.00 1.41 1.49 1.20 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 1.80 1.65 Diluted 1.17 1.79 1.79 1.64

Summary Of Significant Accoun42

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)midepreciable_asset_class	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Operating route miles | mi	20,000
Employees covered by collective bargaining agreements	80.00%
Allowance for doubtful accounts | $	$ 3	$ 6
Number Of Depreciable Asset Classes Used Range Low End | depreciable_asset_class	70
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	23.00%
Coal
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Market groups percent of total railway operating revenues	17.00%
Chemicals
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Market groups percent of total railway operating revenues	17.00%
Agriculture/Consumer Products/Government
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Market groups percent of total railway operating revenues	15.00%
Metals/Construction
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Market groups percent of total railway operating revenues	12.00%
Automotive
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Market groups percent of total railway operating revenues	9.00%
Paper/Clay/Forest Products
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Market groups percent of total railway operating revenues	7.00%

Summary Of Significant Accoun43

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Required Accounting Changes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Unamortized Debt Issuance Expense	$ 47	$ 41	$ 44	$ 40	$ 33

Other Income - Net (Details)

Other Income - Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Royalties from coal	$ 19	$ 33	$ 50
Nonoperating depletion and depreciation	(5)	(5)	(6)
Subtotal	14	28	44
Rental income	80	75	61
Gains and losses from sale of properties (including joint venture sales)	55	13	101
Interest income	8	9	8
Equity in earnings of Conrail Inc.	0	0	42
Corporate-owned life insurance – net	(1)	24	25
Other interest expense – net	(4)	(12)	(12)
Charitable contributions	(9)	(9)	(11)
Taxes on nonoperating property	(10)	(9)	(10)
Other	(30)	(15)	(15)
Total	$ 103	$ 104	$ 233

Income Taxes (Provisions For In

Income Taxes (Provisions For Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Current:
Federal	$ 505	$ 729	$ 695
State	61	111	98
Total current taxes	566	840	793
Deferred:
Federal	292	299	270
State	28	(5)	(8)
Total deferred taxes	320	294	262
Provision for income taxes	$ 886	$ 1,134	$ 1,055

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Statutory Rate To Effective Rate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal income tax at statutory rate	$ 855	$ 1,097	$ 1,038
State income taxes, net of federal tax effect	72	88	69
State tax law changes, net of federal tax effect	(14)	(20)	(11)
Other, net	(27)	(31)	(41)
Provision for income taxes	$ 886	$ 1,134	$ 1,055
Federal income tax at statutory rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of Federal tax effect	3.00%	3.00%	2.00%
State tax law changes, net of federal tax effect	(1.00%)	(1.00%)	0.00%
Other, net	(1.00%)	(1.00%)	(1.00%)
Provision for income taxes	36.00%	36.00%	36.00%

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Defer

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Deferred tax assets:
Compensation and benefits, including postretirement	$ 430	$ 454
Accruals, including casualty and other claims	108	107
Other	65	45
Total gross deferred tax assets	603	606
Less valuation allowance	(35)	(33)
Net deferred tax asset	568	573
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property	(9,072)	(8,768)
Other	(438)	(455)
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	(9,510)	(9,223)
Net deferred tax liability	(8,942)	(8,650)
Net current deferred tax asset	121	167
Net long-term deferred tax liability	$ (9,063)	$ (8,817)

Income Taxes (Reconciliation 48

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 61	$ 65
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	4	6
Additions for tax positions of prior years	0	1
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(34)	(8)
Settlements with taxing authorities	(5)	(1)
Lapse of statutes of limitations	(1)	(2)
Balance at end of year	$ 25	$ 61

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Prepaid Taxes	$ 51	$ 248
Change in valuation allowance	2	1
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	17
Interest expense (income) related to unrecognized tax benefits	(3)	1	$ 1
Interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits	$ 2	$ 6

Fair Value (Details)

Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 0	$ 0
Long-term investments, carrying value	162	162
Long-term investments, fair value	190	193
Long-term debt, including current maturities, carrying value	(9,893)	(8,885)
Long-term debt, including current maturities, fair value	$ (11,124)	$ (10,962)

Fair Value (Schedule of Fair Va

Fair Value (Schedule of Fair Value of Long-term Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term investments, fair value	$ 190	$ 193
Long-term debt, including current maturities, fair value	(11,124)	(10,962)
Fair Value Inputs Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term investments, fair value	49	50
Long-term debt, including current maturities, fair value	(11,022)	(10,754)
Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term investments, fair value	141	143
Long-term debt, including current maturities, fair value	$ (102)	$ (208)

Investments (Details)

Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	$ 2,102	$ 2,047
Company-owned life insurance at net cash surrender value	308	470
Other investments	162	162
Total long-term investments	2,572	2,679
Conrail Inc.
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	1,147	1,102
TTX Company
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	445	425
Meridian Speedway LLC
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	274	277
Pan Am Southern LLC
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	153	152
Other
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	$ 83	$ 91

Investments (Narrative) (Detail

Investments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Difference between investment in Conrail and share of Conrail's underlying net equity	$ (526)
Equity in earnings of investee	0	$ 0	$ 42
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	348
Shared Assets Areas CRC Lease
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Future annual minimum payments, due next five years	36
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter	$ 124
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	$ 3	(12)
Portion of pension plan change attributable to other comprehensive income (loss), affiliate	(3)	11
Portion of pension plan change attributable to deferred taxes, affiliate	1	(1)
Equity in earnings of investee			42
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	154	144	146
General and administrative support to Conrail	8
Due to affiliate, current	71	56
Due to affiliate, noncurrent	$ 280	$ 280
Due to affiliate, noncurrent, maturity date	2,044	2,044
Due to affiliate, average interest rate	2.90%	2.90%
TTX Company
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	19.65%
Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party	$ 219	$ 200	179
Purchased Services and Rent | Conrail Inc.
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings of investee	42	39
Purchased Services and Rent | TTX Company
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings of investee	$ 21	$ 19	$ 14

Properties (Details)

Properties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 40,470,000	$ 38,508,000
Accumulated Depreciation		(11,478,000)	(10,814,000)
Net Book Value		28,992,000	27,694,000
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		2,327,000	2,260,000
Accumulated Depreciation		0	0
Net Book Value		$ 2,327,000	$ 2,260,000
Depreciation Rate	[1]	0.00%	0.00%
Rail and other track material
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 6,467,000	$ 6,173,000
Accumulated Depreciation		(1,944,000)	(1,848,000)
Net Book Value		$ 4,523,000	$ 4,325,000
Depreciation Rate	[1]	2.46%	2.46%
Ties
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 4,846,000	$ 4,628,000
Accumulated Depreciation		(1,229,000)	(1,156,000)
Net Book Value		$ 3,617,000	$ 3,472,000
Depreciation Rate	[1]	3.26%	3.25%
Ballast
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 2,468,000	$ 2,360,000
Accumulated Depreciation		(539,000)	(498,000)
Net Book Value		$ 1,929,000	$ 1,862,000
Depreciation Rate	[1]	2.64%	2.63%
Construction in process
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 686,000	$ 500,000
Accumulated Depreciation		0	0
Net Book Value		686,000	500,000
Other roadway
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		12,662,000	12,078,000
Accumulated Depreciation		(3,225,000)	(2,989,000)
Net Book Value		$ 9,437,000	$ 9,089,000
Depreciation Rate	[1]	2.54%	2.55%
Total roadway
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 27,129,000	$ 25,739,000
Accumulated Depreciation		(6,937,000)	(6,491,000)
Net Book Value		20,192,000	19,248,000
Locomotives
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		5,291,000	5,120,000
Accumulated Depreciation		(2,126,000)	(2,010,000)
Net Book Value		$ 3,165,000	$ 3,110,000
Depreciation Rate	[1]	3.31%	3.27%
Freight cars
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 3,437,000	$ 3,276,000
Accumulated Depreciation		(1,422,000)	(1,411,000)
Net Book Value		$ 2,015,000	$ 1,865,000
Depreciation Rate	[1]	2.87%	2.82%
Computers and software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 500,000	$ 487,000
Accumulated Depreciation		(296,000)	(281,000)
Net Book Value		$ 204,000	$ 206,000
Depreciation Rate	[1]	11.25%	11.60%
Construction in process
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 237,000	$ 199,000
Accumulated Depreciation		0	0
Net Book Value		$ 237,000	$ 199,000
Depreciation Rate	[1]	0.00%	0.00%
Other equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 1,074,000	$ 952,000
Accumulated Depreciation		(421,000)	(349,000)
Net Book Value		$ 653,000	$ 603,000
Depreciation Rate	[1]	6.09%	6.09%
Total equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 10,539,000	$ 10,034,000
Accumulated Depreciation		(4,265,000)	(4,051,000)
Net Book Value		6,274,000	5,983,000
Other property
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		475,000	475,000
Accumulated Depreciation		(276,000)	(272,000)
Net Book Value		$ 199,000	$ 203,000
Depreciation Rate	[1]	0.95%	1.04%
[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 ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Railway Property Recorded Pursuant To Capital Leases	$ 2	$ 8
Accumulated Depreciation Associated With Railway Property Recorded Pursuant To Capital Leases	(1)	(3)
Costs Of Obtaining Rights To Natural Resources	336	336
Accumulated Depreciation Associated With Costs Of Obtaining Rights To Natural Resources	198	196
Interest Costs Incurred	566	564	$ 543
Interest Costs Capitalized	$ 21	$ 19	$ 18

Current Liabilities (Details)

Current Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts and wages payable	$ 602	$ 748
Casualty and other claims	174	187
Vacation liability	135	132
Other	109	110
Total	1,091	1,233
Interest payable	123	118
Other	98	96
Total	237	228
Conrail Inc [Member]
Due to Conrail	71	56
Net pension benefit obligations
Pension benefit obligations	$ 16	$ 14

Debt (Debt With Interest Rates

Debt (Debt With Interest Rates And Maturities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Discounts and premiums, net	$ (458)		$ (458)	$ (474)
Debt issuance costs (reclassified, see Note 1)	(47)		(47)	(41)	$ (44)	$ (40)	$ (33)
Total debt	10,093		10,093	8,985
Less current maturities and short-term debt	(700)		(700)	(102)
2,017	550		550
2,018	600		600
2,019	585		585
2,020	314		314
2021 and subsequent years	7,344		7,344
Long-term debt	$ 9,393		$ 9,393	$ 8,883
6.78% maturing to 2020
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	6.78%		6.78%	6.78%
Total debt	$ 2,464		$ 2,464	$ 2,464
3.37% maturing 2021 to 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	3.37%		3.37%	3.37%
Total debt	$ 1,783		$ 1,783	$ 1,783
5.71% maturing 2024 to 2027
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	5.71%		5.71%	5.71%
Total debt	$ 1,019		$ 1,019	$ 1,019
6.83% maturing 2029 to 2037
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	6.83%		6.83%	6.83%
Total debt	$ 783		$ 783	$ 783
4.71% maturing 2041 to 2046
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	4.71%		4.71%	4.71%
Total debt	$ 2,934		$ 2,934	$ 1,833
6.39% maturing 2097 to 2111
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	6.39%		6.39%	6.39%
Total debt	$ 1,328		$ 1,328	$ 1,328
Securitization borrowings, 1.48%
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date			Oct. 16, 2016
Long-term Line of Credit	$ 200		$ 200	$ 200
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	1.48%		1.48%	1.48%
Long-term debt				$ 100
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	$ 350		$ 350
Other debt, 8.21% maturing to 2024
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate	8.21%		8.21%	8.21%
Total debt	$ 87		$ 87	$ 90
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date			Dec. 14, 2016
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity	750		$ 750
Debt Instrument, Term			5 years
November 2015 Senior Note 4.65% Due 2046 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	$ 600
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.65%		4.65%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description	2,046
June 2015 Senior Note 4.45% Due 2045 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt		$ 500
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.45%		4.45%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description		2,045

Debt (Narrative) (Details)

Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Short-term Debt			$ 100,000,000	$ 200,000,000
Repayments of short-term debt			$ 100,000,000	$ 200,000,000
Average variable interest rate	1.48%		1.48%	1.28%
Short-term Debt	$ 200,000,000		$ 200,000,000	$ 100,000,000
Long-term debt	9,393,000,000		$ 9,393,000,000	8,883,000,000
Account Receivable Securitization Facility Term Years			2 years
Collateral for securitization borrowings	653,000,000		$ 653,000,000	782,000,000
Authority to issue debt/equity securities			600,000,000
Securitization Borrowings [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Receivables securitization facility - total to be borrowed	350,000,000		350,000,000
Long-term Line of Credit	200,000,000		$ 200,000,000	200,000,000
Long-term debt				$ 100,000,000
Credit agreement due date, year			Oct. 16, 2016
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Receivables securitization facility - total to be borrowed	750,000,000		$ 750,000,000
Credit agreement term, years			5 years
Credit agreement due date, year			Dec. 14, 2016
November 2015 Senior Note 4.65% Due 2046 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt	$ 600,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.65%		4.65%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description	2,046
June 2015 Senior Note 4.45% Due 2045 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt		$ 500,000,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.45%		4.45%
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description		2,045

Lease Commitments (Details)

Lease Commitments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Leases [Abstract]
2016 - Operating Leases	$ 77
2017 - Operating Leases	73
2018 - Operating Leases	65
2019 - Operating Leases	51
2020 - Operating Leases	50
2021 and subsequent years	348
Total - Operating Leases	664
Present value of minimum lease payments - capital leases	$ 2
Average rate of imputed interest on capital leases	6.30%
Operating lease expense - minimum rents	$ 111	$ 109	$ 121
Operating leases - contingent rents	84	92	82
Total operating lease expense	$ 195	$ 201	$ 203

Other Liabilities (Details)

Other Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Other liabilities
Casualty and other claims	$ 191	$ 199
Deferred compensation	117	116
Other	132	148
Total	1,385	1,312
Conrail Inc [Member]
Other liabilities
Long-term advances from Conrail	280	280
Net retiree other postretirement benefit obligations (Note 11)
Other liabilities
Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Liabilities, Noncurrent	347	309
Pension Benefits
Other liabilities
Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Liabilities, Noncurrent	$ 318	$ 260

Pensions And Other Postretire61

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations And Plan Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Post-retirement benefits, reimbursement receivable	$ 30
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	2,167
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,040	$ 2,167
Pension Benefits
Change in benefit obligations:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	2,429	2,091
Service cost	41	34	$ 41
Interest cost	93	93	81
Actuarial losses (gains)	(64)	335
Plan amendments	0	0
Benefits paid	(127)	(124)
Benefit obligation at end of year	2,372	2,429	2,091
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	2,167	2,115
Actual return on plan assets	(14)	163
Employer contribution (reimbursement)1	14	13
Benefits paid	(127)	(124)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,040	2,167	2,115
Funded status at end of year	(332)	(262)
Noncurrent assets	2	12
Current liabilities	(16)	(14)
Noncurrent liabilities	(318)	(260)
Net amount recognized	(332)	(262)
Net loss	904	854
Prior service cost (benefit)	3	3
OPEB
Change in benefit obligations:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	571	855
Service cost	7	7	16
Interest cost	21	24	50
Actuarial losses (gains)	(7)	102
Plan amendments	(8)	(367)
Benefits paid	(48)	(50)
Benefit obligation at end of year	536	571	855
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	262	239
Actual return on plan assets	2	26
Employer contribution (reimbursement)1	(27)	47
Benefits paid	(48)	(50)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	189	262	$ 239
Funded status at end of year	(347)	(309)
Noncurrent assets	0	0
Current liabilities	0	0
Noncurrent liabilities	(347)	(309)
Net amount recognized	(347)	(309)
Net loss	16	6
Prior service cost (benefit)	$ (331)	$ (347)

Pensions And Other Postretire62

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Cost Components) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 41	$ 34	$ 41
Interest cost	93	93	81
Expected return on plan assets	(165)	(151)	(142)
Amortization of net losses	65	54	89
Amortization of prior service cost	0	1	0
Net cost	34	31	69
OPEB
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	7	7	16
Interest cost	21	24	50
Expected return on plan assets	(19)	(18)	(16)
Amortization of net losses	0	0	58
Amortization of prior service cost	(24)	(20)	0
Net cost	$ (15)	$ (7)	$ 108

Pensions And Other Postretire63

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Other Changes In Plan Assets And Benefit Obligations Recognized In Other Comprehensive Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total recognized in net periodic cost and other comprehensive loss	$ 76	$ 15	$ (1,122)
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net loss arising during the year	115
Prior service effect of plan amendment	0
Prior service effect of plan amendments	0	0
Amortization of net losses	65
Amortization of prior service benefit	0
Total recognized in other comprehensive loss	50
Total recognized in net periodic cost and other comprehensive loss	84	15	$ (1,122)
OPEB
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net loss arising during the year	10
Prior service effect of plan amendments	(8)	$ (367)
Amortization of net losses	0
Amortization of prior service benefit	24
Total recognized in other comprehensive loss	26
Total recognized in net periodic cost and other comprehensive loss	$ 11

Pensions And Other Postretire64

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Assumptions) (Details)		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
Funded Status
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate - assumption		4.30%	3.95%	4.60%
Future salary increases - assumption		4.50%	4.50%	4.50%
Other Postretirement Benefits Funded Status
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate - assumption		4.02%	3.70%	4.65%
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate - assumption		3.95%	4.60%	3.65%
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	[1]	3.70%	3.90%	3.80%	4.65%
Return on assets in plans - assumption		8.00%	8.00%	8.00%
Health care trend rate		6.56%	6.94%	7.33%
[1]	2014 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 Postretire65

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Health Care Cost Trend Assumptions) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
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	11
One-percentage point decrease change in postretirement benefit obligations	$ (10)

Pensions And Other Postretire66

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Pension Plan Weighted-Average Asset Allocations, By Asset Category) (Details) - Net pension benefit obligations	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	100.00%	100.00%
Equity Securities | Domestic Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	50.00%	50.00%
Equity Securities | International Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	23.00%	23.00%
Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	25.00%	25.00%
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total	2.00%	2.00%

Pensions And Other Postretire67

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Fair Value Of Plan Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 2,040	$ 2,167
Fair Value Inputs Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,153	1,221
Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	887	946
Debt Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	505	532
Debt Securities | Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	505	532
International Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	301	327
International Equity Securities | Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	301	327
Common Stock [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,119	1,180
Common Stock [Member] | Fair Value Inputs Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,119	1,180
Commingled Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	77	81
Commingled Funds [Member] | Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	77	81
Interest-bearing Deposits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	34	41
Interest-bearing Deposits [Member] | Fair Value Inputs Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	34	41
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	4	4
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 4	4
Preferred Stock [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets		2
Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets		$ 2

Pensions And Other Postretire68

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Estimated Future Benefit Payments) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,016	$ 135
2,017	137
2,018	140
2,019	142
2,020	143
Years 2021 - 2025	731
OPEB
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,016	44
2,017	43
2,018	42
2,019	42
2,020	41
Years 2021 - 2025	$ 185

Pensions And Other Postretire69

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets		$ 2,040	$ 2,167
Defined benefit plan's accumulated benefit obligation		2,200	2,200
Unfunded pension plans projected benefit obligation		274	274
Unfunded pension plans accumulated benefit obligations		$ 252	244
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		$ 32	36	$ 41
Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized		21	20	19
Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets		$ 2,040	$ 2,167	$ 2,115
Discount rate - assumption		3.95%	4.60%	3.65%
Estimated net loss for defined pension plans amortized from AOCI into net periodic cost		$ 50
Assumed increases in per capita cost of covered health care benefits		6.30%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate		5.00%
Pension plan assets target allocation for equity		75.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations		100.00%	100.00%
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		$ 20
Expected contribution for the next fiscal year		16
OPEB
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets		$ 189	$ 262	$ 239
Discount rate - assumption	[1]	3.70%	3.90%	3.80%	4.65%
Estimated net loss for defined pension plans amortized from AOCI into net periodic cost		$ 24
Postretirement benefit plan target asset allocation for equity, minimum		50.00%
Postretirement benefit plan target asset allocation for equity, maximum		75.00%
Assumed rate of return on pension plan assets		8.00%	8.00%	8.00%
Expected contribution for the next fiscal year		$ 20
Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets		887	$ 946
Fair Value Inputs Level 2 | Trust Owned Life Insurance [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets		189	262
Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets		$ 301	$ 327
Equity Securities | OPEB
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations		67.00%	66.00%
Equity Securities | Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets		$ 301	$ 327
Debt Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets		$ 505	$ 532
Debt Securities | Pension Benefits
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations		25.00%	25.00%
Debt Securities | OPEB
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations		33.00%	34.00%
Debt Securities | Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets		$ 505	$ 532
[1]	2014 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.

Stock-Based Compensation (Narra

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
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					$ 42	$ 44	$ 54
Tax benefits associated with compensation costs					13	14	18
Excess tax benefits recognized for share-based awards					$ 14	37	38
Stock options granted					825,210
Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted					$ 102.38
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding					$ 122
Weighted average remaining contractual term of options outstanding					5 years 5 months
Number of shares exercisable					3,420,586
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable					$ 106
Exercisable weighted average exercise price					$ 53.69
Weighted average remaining contractual term of options exercisable					3 years 9 months 18 days
Related tax benefits realized					$ 7	$ 26	$ 31
Ltip
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares available for grant					104,125,000
Stock options granted	132,880	511,010	515,240	748,200
Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted	$ 92.76
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate					0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
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		181,320	181,070	268,500
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					825,210	696,310	1,016,700
Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted		$ 104.23	$ 94.17	$ 69.83
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate					2.27%	2.29%	2.86%
Unrecognized compensation related to stock options granted					$ 12
Unrecognized compensation, weighted average period of recognition					2 years 4 months 24 days
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
Related tax benefits realized					$ 4	$ 6	$ 2
Units other than stock options granted					101,470	113,505	162,000
Grant-date fair value of units granted					$ 104.23	$ 94.17	$ 69.83
Restricted Stock Units Paid In Stock					166,750
Shares issued net of withholding taxes					99,337
Vesting Period					5 years	5 years	5 years
Performance Share Units (PSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation related to stock options granted					$ 5
Unrecognized compensation, weighted average period of recognition					1 year 7 months 6 days
Related tax benefits realized					$ 3	$ 5	$ 5
Units other than stock options granted					413,770	399,530	550,800
Grant-date fair value of units granted					$ 71.66
Restricted Stock Units Paid In Stock					236,601
Shares issued net of withholding taxes					141,386
Performance
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant-date fair value of units granted					$ 97.24	$ 94.17	$ 69.83
Market Condition
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant-date fair value of units granted					$ 46.08	$ 50.31	$ 36.01

Stock-Based Compensation (Sched

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Assumptions Used For LTIP And TSOP Grants) (Details) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected volatility rate, minimum					19.00%	23.00%	24.00%
Expected volatility rate, maximum					27.00%	27.00%	30.00%
Average expected volatility rate					25.00%	25.00%	26.00%
Average risk-free interest rate					1.83%	2.79%	1.88%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures					825,210
Ltip
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value					$ 30.35	$ 29.87	$ 20.40
Average expected option term, in years					9 years 3 months 18 days	8 years 10 months 24 days	9 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures	132,880	511,010	515,240	748,200
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, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value					$ 24.71	$ 24.38	$ 15.84
Average expected option term, in years					9 years 1 month 6 days	8 years 9 months 18 days	8 years 10 months 24 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures		181,320	181,070	268,500
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					825,210	696,310	1,016,700

Stock-Based Compensation (Sch72

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Stock Option Activity) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2014	5,831,317
Stock options granted	825,210
Stock options exercised	(589,081)	(2,009,461)	(2,570,088)
Stock options forfeited	(18,710)
Stock options outstanding at December 31, 2015	6,048,736	5,831,317
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, 2014	$ 61.57
Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted	102.38
Weighted average exercise price of stock options exercised	52.99
Weighted average exercise price of stock options forfeited	86.70
Weighted average exercise price of stock options outstanding at December 31, 2015	$ 67.90	$ 61.57

Stock-Based Compensation (Summa

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Stock Options Exercised) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Options exercised	589,081	2,009,461	2,570,088
Total intrinsic value	$ 27	$ 106	$ 106
Cash received upon exercise	29	93	93
Related tax benefits realized	$ 7	$ 26	$ 31

Stock-Based Compensation (Sum74

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Stock Awards Outstanding) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
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, 2014	756,505
Granted	101,470	113,505	162,000
Forfeited	(2,500)
Vested	(166,750)
Balance at December 31, 2015	688,725	756,505
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, 2014	$ 67.94
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares granted	104.23	$ 94.17	$ 69.83
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares vested	47.76
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares forfeited	78.07
Weighted-average grant-date fair value at December 31, 2015	$ 78.14	$ 67.94
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, 2014	1,414,780
Granted	413,770	399,530	550,800
Unearned	(229,149)
Forfeited	(1,750)
Vested	(236,601)
Balance at December 31, 2015	1,361,050	1,414,780
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, 2014	$ 72.26
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares granted	$ 71.66
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares earned	75.14
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares unearned	$ 75.14
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares forfeited	70.98
Weighted-average grant-date fair value at December 31, 2015	$ 71.09	$ 72.26

Stock-Based Compensation (Sch75

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Stock Available For Future Grants) (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Ltip
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Available for future grants	11,769,796	4,899,428	5,945,033
Shares of Common Stock issued	708,059	2,168,641	2,765,986
TSOP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Available for future grants	832,676	998,896	1,172,256
Shares of Common Stock issued	121,745	252,042	331,282

Stockholders' Equity Stockholde

Stockholders' Equity Stockholder's Equity Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Treasury Stock, Number of Shares Held	20,320,777	20,320,777
Treasury Stock, Value	$ 19	$ 19

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax		$ (72)	$ (38)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	[1]	(25)	(21)
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning of period		(398)	(381)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss period end, end of period		(445)	(398)	$ (381)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Equity Investees [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax		0	(7)	39
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	[1]	0	0
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning of period		(78)	(71)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss period end, end of period		(78)	(78)	(71)
Pension Benefits
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax		(72)	(31)	600
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	[1]	(25)	(21)	(89)
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Pensions and other postretirement liabilities, beginning of the year		(320)	(310)
Pensions and other postretirement liabilities, reclassification adjustments	[1]	25	21
Pensions and other postretirement liabilities, end of year		$ (367)	$ (320)	$ (310)
[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 ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		$ (445)	$ (398)	$ (381)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax		(72)	(38)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	[1]	(25)	(21)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax		(76)	(15)	1,122
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax		(76)	(23)	1,164
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax		29	6	(436)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax		(47)	(17)	728
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Equity Investees [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		(78)	(78)	(71)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax		0	(7)	39
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	[1]	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax			(8)	42
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax			1	(3)
Pension Benefits
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax		(72)	(31)	600
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax		41	35	147
Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax		(16)	(14)	(58)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	[1]	(25)	(21)	(89)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax		(84)	(15)	1,122
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax			5	(433)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax			(10)	689
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax		(117)	(50)	975
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax		45	19	(375)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), Net of Tax	[1]	(25)	(21)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax		$ 367	$ 320	$ 310
[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.

Stock Repurchase Program (Detai

Stock Repurchase Program (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Aug. 01, 2012
Stock Repurchase Program [Abstract]
Stock repurchased and retired during period, shares	11.3	3.1	8.3
Stock repurchased and retired during period, cost	$ 1,075	$ 318	$ 627
New stock repurchase program				50
Stock repurchased and retired since beginning of stock repurchase program in 2006, shares	151.1
Stock repurchased and retired since beginning of stock repurchase program in 2006, cost	$ 9,500

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income	$ 361	$ 452	$ 433	$ 310	$ 511	$ 559	$ 562	$ 368	$ 1,556	$ 2,000	$ 1,910
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 1.21	$ 1.50	$ 1.43	$ 1.01	$ 1.65	$ 1.80	$ 1.81	$ 1.18	$ 5.13	$ 6.44	$ 6.10
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 1.20	$ 1.49	$ 1.41	$ 1	$ 1.64	$ 1.79	$ 1.79	$ 1.17	$ 5.10	$ 6.39	$ 6.04
Earnings Per Share, Basic
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income									$ 1,556	$ 2,000	$ 1,910
Participating Securities, Distributed and Undistributed Earnings (Loss), Basic									(6)	(6)	(7)
Income available to common stockholder's, Basic									$ 1,550	$ 1,994	$ 1,903
Weighted-average shares outstanding, Basic									301.9	309.4	311.9
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income									$ 1,556	$ 2,000	$ 1,910
Participating Securities, Distributed and Undistributed Earnings (Loss), Basic									(5)	(4)	(4)
Income available to common stockholder's, Diluted									$ 1,551	$ 1,996	$ 1,906
Weighted-average shares outstanding, Basic									301.9	309.4	311.9
Dilutive effect of outstanding options and share-settled awards									2.5	3.1	3.6
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding, Diluted									304.4	312.5	315.5

Earnings Per Share ScheduleOfAn

Earnings Per Share ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShare (Details) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	1.5	1.5	0.7	0	0	0	0	0.7	0	0.8	0	0.8

Commitments And Contingencies (

Commitments And Contingencies (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)location	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)location
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Environmental liability	$ 69,000,000	$ 66,000,000
Current environmental liability	$ 15,000,000	$ 15,000,000
Known cleanup and remediation locations and projects | location	145	146
Number of sites - representative sample | location	14
Liability associated with those sites	$ 42,000,000
Environmental locations representative sample liability payout period, in years	5 years
Responsible locations with another party | location	12
Self-insured injury/damage to third party - up to	$ 50,000,000
Self-insured injury/damage to third parties - and above, per occurrence	1,100,000,000
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	909,000,000
Liable Guarantors Of Indebtedness	$ 7,000,000

Quarterly Financial Data (Detai

Quarterly Financial Data (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Railway operating revenues	$ 2,518	$ 2,713	$ 2,713	$ 2,567	$ 2,870	$ 3,023	$ 3,042	$ 2,689	$ 10,511	$ 11,624	$ 11,245
Income from railway operations	642	822	814	606	891	998	1,019	667	2,884	3,575	3,257
Net income	$ 361	$ 452	$ 433	$ 310	$ 511	$ 559	$ 562	$ 368	$ 1,556	$ 2,000	$ 1,910
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 1.21	$ 1.50	$ 1.43	$ 1.01	$ 1.65	$ 1.80	$ 1.81	$ 1.18	$ 5.13	$ 6.44	$ 6.10
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 1.20	$ 1.49	$ 1.41	$ 1	$ 1.64	$ 1.79	$ 1.79	$ 1.17	$ 5.10	$ 6.39	$ 6.04

Schedule II - Valuation And Q84

Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation Allowance (Included Net In Deferred Tax Liability) For Deferred Tax Assets
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		$ 33	$ 32	$ 19
Expenses		2	1	13
Other Accounts		0	0	0
Deductions		0	0	0
Ending Balance		35	33	32
Casualty And Other Claims Included In Other Liabilities
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		199	214	258
Expenses	[1]	66	71	33
Other Accounts		0	0	0
Deductions	[2]	74	86	77
Ending Balance		191	199	214
Current Portion Of Casualty And Other Claims Included In Accounts Payable
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		187	166	183
Expenses		19	19	15
Other Accounts	[3]	119	132	101
Deductions	[4]	151	130	133
Ending Balance		$ 174	$ 187	$ 166
[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.