Norfolk Southern (NSC) 10-K 6 Feb 17 2016 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2016
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, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		290,553,713
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 24,959,609,647

Consolidated Statements Of Inco

Consolidated Statements Of Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Railway operating revenues	$ 9,888	$ 10,511	$ 11,624
Railway operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits	2,743	2,911	2,897
Purchased services and rents	1,548	1,752	1,687
Fuel	698	934	1,574
Depreciation	1,026	1,054	951
Materials and other	799	976	940
Total railway operating expenses	6,814	7,627	8,049
Income from railway operations	3,074	2,884	3,575
Other income – net	71	103	104
Interest expense on debt	563	545	545
Income before income taxes	2,582	2,442	3,134
Provision for income taxes	914	886	1,134
Net income	$ 1,668	$ 1,556	$ 2,000
Per share amounts:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 5.66	$ 5.13	$ 6.44
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 5.62	$ 5.10	$ 6.39

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 416	$ 460	$ 405	$ 387	$ 361	$ 452	$ 433	$ 310	$ 1,668	$ 1,556	$ 2,000
Other comprehensive loss, before tax:
Pension and other postretirement benefits									(74)	(76)	(15)
Other comprehensive loss, before tax									(69)	(76)	(23)
Income tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)									27	29	6
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax									(42)	(47)	(17)
Total comprehensive income									1,626	1,509	1,983
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Equity Investees [Member]
Other comprehensive loss, before tax:
Other comprehensive loss, before tax									5	$ 0	(8)
Income tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)									0		1
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax									$ 5		$ (7)

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 956	$ 1,101
Accounts receivable – net	945	946
Materials and supplies	257	271
Other current assets	133	194
Total current assets	2,291	2,512
Investments	2,777	2,572
Properties less accumulated depreciation of $11,737 and $11,478 respectively	29,751	28,992
Other assets	73	63
Total assets	34,892	34,139
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Accounts payable	1,215	1,091
Short-term debt	100	200
Income and other taxes	245	203
Other current liabilities	229	237
Current maturities of long-term debt	550	500
Total current liabilities	2,339	2,231
Long-term debt	9,562	9,393
Other liabilities	1,442	1,385
Deferred income taxes	9,140	8,942
Total liabilities	22,483	21,951
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock $1.00 per share par value, 1,350,000,000 shares authorized; outstanding 290,417,610 and 297,795,016 shares, respectively, net of treasury shares	292	299
Additional paid-in capital	2,179	2,143
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(487)	(445)
Retained income	10,425	10,191
Total stockholders’ equity	12,409	12,188
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 34,892	$ 34,139

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Properties, accumulated depreciation	$ 11,737	$ 11,478
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	290,417,610	297,795,016

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 1,668	$ 1,556	$ 2,000
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	1,030	1,059	956
Deferred income taxes	227	320	294
Gains and losses on properties and investments	(46)	(30)	(13)
Changes in assets and liabilities affecting operations:
Accounts receivable	23	109	(31)
Materials and supplies	42	(35)	(13)
Other current assets	82	192	(260)
Current liabilities other than debt	158	(152)	116
Other – net	(150)	(111)	(134)
Net cash provided by operating activities	3,034	2,908	2,915
Cash flows from investing activities:
Property additions	(1,887)	(2,385)	(2,118)
Property sales and other transactions	130	63	114
Investment purchases	(123)	(5)	(104)
Investment sales and other transactions	48	240	106
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,832)	(2,087)	(2,002)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends	(695)	(713)	(687)
Common Stock transactions	57	12	67
Purchase and retirement of Common Stock	(803)	(1,075)	(318)
Proceeds from borrowings – net	694	1,185	200
Debt repayments	(600)	(102)	(645)
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,347)	(693)	(1,383)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(145)	128	(470)
Cash and cash equivalents:
At beginning of year	1,101	973	1,443
At end of year	956	1,101	973
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)	543	518	522
Income taxes (net of refunds)	$ 593	$ 386	$ 1,102

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, 2013	$ 11,289	$ 310	$ 2,021	$ (381)	$ 9,339
Net income	2,000				2,000
Other comprehensive income	(17)			(17)
Total comprehensive income	1,983
Dividends on Common Stock ($2.22, $2.36 and $2.36 for years ended 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively)	(687)				(687)
Share repurchases	(318)	(3)	(20)		(295)
Stock-based compensation, including tax benefit ($37 and $14 for years ended 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	(47)			(47)
Total comprehensive income	1,509
Dividends on Common Stock ($2.22, $2.36 and $2.36 for years ended 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively)	(713)				(713)
Share repurchases	(1,075)	(11)	(75)		(989)
Stock-based compensation, including tax benefit ($37 and $14 for years ended 2014 and 2015, respectively)	62		70		(8)
Other	(3)				(3)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	12,188	299	2,143	(445)	10,191
Net income	1,668				1,668
Other comprehensive income	(42)			(42)
Total comprehensive income	1,626
Dividends on Common Stock ($2.22, $2.36 and $2.36 for years ended 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively)	(695)				(695)
Share repurchases	(803)	(9)	(63)		(731)
Stock-based compensation, including tax benefit ($37 and $14 for years ended 2014 and 2015, respectively)	95	2	99		(6)
Other	(2)				(2)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 12,409	$ 292	$ 2,179	$ (487)	$ 10,425

Consolidated Statements Of Cha8

Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 2.36	$ 2.36	$ 2.22
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation	$ 0	$ 14	$ 37

Summary Of Significant Accounti

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 19,500 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 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 2016 ): intermodal ( 22% ); chemicals ( 17% ); agriculture/consumer products/government ( 16% ); coal ( 15% ); metals/construction ( 13% ); automotive ( 10% ); 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. Approximately 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. 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 $4 million at December 31, 2016 and $3 million at December 31, 2015 . 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 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 75 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. 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 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. 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. 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 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 relate to a capital project. A significant portion of annual capital spending relates to the replacement of self-constructed assets. Removal activities occur in conjunction with replacement and 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 depreciable operating road and equipment 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 most 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 operating land are included in “Materials and other” expenses. Gains and losses on disposal of nonoperating 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 ordinary 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 would be recognized in income from railway operations. 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 March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” We adopted the provisions of this ASU during the first quarter of 2016. This update principally affected the recognition of excess tax benefits and deficiencies and the cash flow classification of share-based compensation-related transactions. The requirement to recognize excess tax benefits and deficiencies as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement was applied prospectively, with a benefit of $17 million recognized in the “Provision for income taxes” line item for the year ended December 31, 2016. The classification requirements on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the adoption of ASU 2016-09 resulted in a $34 million increase in operating activities and a corresponding decrease in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2016. We retrospectively presented the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 to reflect $31 million and $63 million , respectively, increases in operating activities and corresponding decreases in financing activities. “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes.” This update requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet rather than as separate current and noncurrent amounts. We retrospectively adopted the provisions of this ASU during the first quarter of 2016 and presented the December 31, 2015, Consolidated Balance Sheet to reflect the reclassification of $121 million of deferred income tax assets from current assets to “Deferred income taxes” in the long-term liabilities section of the balance sheet. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” This update will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP and require 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. The new standard will be effective for our annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2018. ASU 2014-09 permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are still evaluating the effects of ASU 2014-09, but we do not currently expect that adoption of the standard will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. There will be no change to our pattern of revenue recognition related to transportation revenue, which will continue to be recognized proportionally as a shipment moves from origin to destination. Certain additional financial statement disclosure requirements are mandated by the new standard including disclosure of contract assets and contract liabilities as well as a disaggregated view of revenue, which we expect to be similar to our current disclosure within the “Railway Operating Revenues” section of Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” We do not plan to adopt the standard early and we have not yet determined which transition method we will use. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases.” This update, effective for our annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2019, will replace existing lease guidance in GAAP and will require lessees to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases greater than twelve months and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. When implemented, lessees and lessors will be required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the effects ASU 2016-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We currently disclose approximately $614 million in operating lease obligations in our lease commitments footnote (Note 9) and we will evaluate those contracts as well as other existing arrangements to determine if they qualify for lease accounting under the new standard. We do not plan to adopt the standard early. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Credit Losses - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” which replaces the current incurred loss impairment method with a method that reflects expected credit losses. The new standard is effective as of January 1, 2020, and early adoption is permitted as of January 1, 2019. Because credit losses associated from our trade receivables have historically been insignificant, we do not expect this standard to have a material effect on our financial statements.

Other Income - Net

Other Income - Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Income - Net	Other Income – Net “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. 2016 2015 2014 ($ in millions) Rental income $ 93 $ 80 $ 75 Corporate-owned life insurance – net 20 (1 ) 24 Royalties from coal 10 19 33 Interest income 10 8 9 Gains and losses from sale of properties (including joint venture sales) 9 55 13 Nonoperating depletion and depreciation (4 ) (5 ) (5 ) Other interest expense – net (6 ) (4 ) (12 ) Charitable contributions (9 ) (9 ) (9 ) Taxes on nonoperating property (11 ) (10 ) (9 ) External advisor costs (20 ) (8 ) — Other (21 ) (22 ) (15 ) Total $ 71 $ 103 $ 104

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Provisions for Income Taxes 2016 2015 2014 ($ in millions) Current: Federal $ 612 $ 505 $ 729 State 75 61 111 Total current taxes 687 566 840 Deferred: Federal 206 292 299 State 21 28 (5 ) Total deferred taxes 227 320 294 Provision for income taxes $ 914 $ 886 $ 1,134 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: 2016 2015 2014 Amount % Amount % Amount % ($ in millions) Federal income tax at statutory rate $ 904 35.0 $ 855 35.0 $ 1,097 35.0 State income taxes, net of federal tax effect 70 2.8 72 3.0 88 2.8 Excess tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation, net of federal tax effect (17 ) (0.7 ) — — — — State tax law changes, net of federal tax effect (7 ) (0.3 ) (14 ) (0.6 ) (20 ) (0.6 ) Other, net (36 ) (1.4 ) (27 ) (1.1 ) (31 ) (1.0 ) Provision for income taxes $ 914 35.4 $ 886 36.3 $ 1,134 36.2 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, 2016 2015 ($ in millions) Deferred tax assets: Compensation and benefits, including postretirement benefits $ 464 $ 430 Accruals, including casualty and other claims 102 108 Other 62 65 Total gross deferred tax assets 628 603 Less valuation allowance (39 ) (35 ) Net deferred tax assets 589 568 Deferred tax liabilities: Property (9,301 ) (9,072 ) Other (428 ) (438 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (9,729 ) (9,510 ) Deferred income taxes $ (9,140 ) $ (8,942 ) 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 $4 million in 2016 and $2 million in 2015 . Uncertain Tax Positions A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 ($ in millions) Balance at beginning of year $ 25 $ 61 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 3 4 Reductions for tax positions of prior years — (34 ) Settlements with taxing authorities — (5 ) Lapse of statutes of limitations (1 ) (1 ) Balance at end of year $ 27 $ 25 Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2016 , are potential benefits of $19 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.

Fair Value

Fair Value	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value	Fair Value Fair Value Measurements FASB Accounting Standards Codification (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, 2016 or 2015 . 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: 2016 2015 Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value ($ in millions) Long-term investments $ 186 $ 211 $ 162 $ 190 Long-term debt, including current maturities (10,112 ) (11,626 ) (9,893 ) (11,124 ) Underlying net assets and future discounted cash flows were used to estimate the fair value of investments. 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, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Total ($ in millions) Long-term investments $ 74 $ 137 $ 211 Long-term debt, including current maturities (11,427 ) (199 ) (11,626 ) 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 )

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	Investments December 31, 2016 2015 ($ in millions) Long-term investments: Equity method investments: Conrail Inc. $ 1,199 $ 1,147 TTX Company 471 445 Meridian Speedway LLC 274 274 Pan Am Southern LLC 155 153 Other 77 83 Total equity method investments 2,176 2,102 Company-owned life insurance at net cash surrender value 415 308 Other investments 186 162 Total long-term investments $ 2,777 $ 2,572 Investment in Conrail Through a limited liability company, we and CSX jointly own 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, 2016 , based on the funded status of Conrail’s pension plans, we increased our proportional investment in Conrail by $5 million . This resulted in income of $5 million recorded to “Other comprehensive loss” and a combined federal and state deferred tax liability of less than $1 million . 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, 2016 , the difference between our investment in Conrail and our share of Conrail’s underlying net equity was $524 million . Our equity in the earnings of Conrail, net of amortization, included in “Purchased services and rents” was $47 million for 2016 , $42 million for 2015, and $39 million for 2014. 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 payable to CRC for operation of the Shared Assets Areas totaling $151 million in 2016 , $154 million in 2015 , and $144 million in 2014 . Future minimum lease payments due to CRC under the Shared Assets Areas agreements are as follows: $37 million in each of 2017 through 2021 and $91 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 $129 million at December 31, 2016 , and $71 million at December 31, 2015 , due to Conrail for the operation of the Shared Assets Areas. “Other liabilities” includes $280 million at both December 31, 2016 and 2015 for long-term advances from Conrail, maturing 2044 , that bear interest at an average rate of 2.9% . Investment in TTX NS and eight other North American railroads jointly own TTX Company (TTX). NS has a 19.65% ownership interest in TTX, a railcar pooling company that provides its owner-railroads with standardized fleets of intermodal, automotive, and general use railcars at stated rates. Amounts paid to TTX for use of equipment are included in “Purchased services and rents.” This amounted to $229 million , $219 million , and $200 million of expense, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2016 , 2015 and 2014 . Our equity in the earnings of TTX, also included in “Purchased services and rents,” totaled $26 million for 2016 , $21 million for 2015 , and $19 million for 2014 .

Properties

Properties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Properties	Properties Accumulated Net Book Depreciation December 31, 2016 Cost Depreciation Value Rate (1) ($ in millions) Land $ 2,330 $ — $ 2,330 — Roadway: Rail and other track material 6,632 (1,997 ) 4,635 2.46 % Ties 5,011 (1,314 ) 3,697 3.25 % Ballast 2,559 (584 ) 1,975 2.64 % Construction in process 664 — 664 — Other roadway 13,096 (3,361 ) 9,735 2.51 % Total roadway 27,962 (7,256 ) 20,706 Equipment: Locomotives 5,525 (2,199 ) 3,326 3.65 % Freight cars 3,377 (1,345 ) 2,032 2.51 % Computers and software 552 (329 ) 223 10.40 % Construction in process 295 — 295 — Other equipment 972 (329 ) 643 4.71 % Total equipment 10,721 (4,202 ) 6,519 Other property 475 (279 ) 196 0.83 % Total properties $ 41,488 $ (11,737 ) $ 29,751 Accumulated Net Book Depreciation 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 (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. Other property includes the costs of obtaining rights to natural resources of $336 million at both December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 , with accumulated depletion of $199 million and $198 million , respectively. Capitalized Interest Total interest cost incurred on debt was $583 million in 2016 , $566 million in 2015 , and $564 million in 2014 , of which $20 million , $21 million , and $19 million , respectively, was capitalized.

Current Liabilities

Current Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Current Liabilities	Current Liabilities December 31, 2016 2015 ($ in millions) Accounts payable: Accounts and wages payable $ 650 $ 602 Casualty and other claims (Note 16) 192 174 Vacation liability 134 135 Due to Conrail (Note 5) 129 71 Other 110 109 Total $ 1,215 $ 1,091 Other current liabilities: Interest payable $ 119 $ 123 Pension benefit obligations (Note 11) 16 16 Other 94 98 Total $ 229 $ 237

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt Debt with weighted average interest rates and maturities is presented below: December 31, 2016 2015 ($ in millions) Notes and debentures: 6.34% maturing to 2021 $ 2,632 $ 3,132 4.36% maturing 2022 to 2031 3,346 2,746 4.88% maturing 2037 to 2046 3,190 3,190 6.39% maturing 2097 to 2111 1,328 1,328 Securitization borrowings and capital leases 202 202 Discounts, premiums, and debt issuance costs (486 ) (505 ) Total debt 10,212 10,093 Less current maturities and short-term debt (650 ) (700 ) Long-term debt excluding current maturities and short-term debt $ 9,562 $ 9,393 Long-term debt maturities subsequent to 2017 are as follows: 2018 $ 600 2019 585 2020 314 2021 584 2022 and subsequent years 7,479 Total $ 9,562 During the second quarter of 2016 , we issued $600 million of 2.9% senior notes due 2026 . 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 both 2016 and 2015. The facility was renewed and amended in June 2016, extending it until June 2018. At December 31, 2016 , the amount outstanding under the receivables securitization facility was $200 million (at an average variable interest rate of 2.47% ). Our intent is to refinance $100 million of these borrowings on a long-term basis, which is supported by our $750 million credit agreement (see below). Accordingly, $100 million of the outstanding amount is included within “Long-term debt” and the remaining $100 million outstanding is included in “Short-term debt.” At December 31, 2015 , the amount outstanding 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, 2016 and 2015 , the receivables included in “Accounts receivable – net” serving as collateral for these borrowings totaled $704 million and $653 million , respectively. Credit Agreement and Debt Covenants We have in place and available a $750 million , five -year credit agreement which provides for borrowings at prevailing rates and includes covenants. In May 2016, we renewed our agreement, extending the facility until May 2021. We had no amounts outstanding under this facility at December 31, 2016 and 2015 , and we are in compliance with all of its covenants.

Lease Commitments

Lease Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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) 2017 $ 78 2018 71 2019 56 2020 54 2021 50 2022 and subsequent years 305 Total $ 614 Operating Lease Expense 2016 2015 2014 ($ in millions) Minimum rents $ 98 $ 111 $ 109 Contingent rents 73 84 92 Total $ 171 $ 195 $ 201 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, 2016
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities	Other Liabilities December 31, 2016 2015 ($ in millions) Net other postretirement benefit obligations (Note 11) $ 346 $ 347 Net pension benefit obligations (Note 11) 333 318 Long-term advances from Conrail (Note 5) 280 280 Casualty and other claims (Note 16) 178 191 Deferred compensation 112 117 Other 193 132 Total $ 1,442 $ 1,385

Pensions And Other Postretireme

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 2016 2015 2016 2015 ($ in millions) Change in benefit obligations: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 2,372 $ 2,429 $ 536 $ 571 Service cost 36 41 7 7 Interest cost 82 93 16 21 Actuarial losses (gains) 66 (64 ) 14 (7 ) Plan amendments — — — (8 ) Benefits paid (136 ) (127 ) (45 ) (48 ) Benefit obligation at end of year 2,420 2,372 528 536 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 2,040 2,167 189 262 Actual return on plan assets 152 (14 ) 17 2 Employer contribution (reimbursement) 1 17 14 21 (27 ) Benefits paid (136 ) (127 ) (45 ) (48 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 2,073 2,040 182 189 Funded status at end of year $ (347 ) $ (332 ) $ (346 ) $ (347 ) Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets: Noncurrent assets $ 2 $ 2 $ — $ — Current liabilities (16 ) (16 ) — — Noncurrent liabilities (333 ) (318 ) (346 ) (347 ) Net amount recognized $ (347 ) $ (332 ) $ (346 ) $ (347 ) Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss (before tax): Net loss $ 940 $ 904 $ 30 $ 16 Prior service cost (benefit) 3 3 (307 ) (331 ) 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 $13 million as of December 31, 2016 and $30 million at December 31, 2015. Our accumulated benefit obligation for our defined benefit pension plans is $2.2 billion at both December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 . 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 $286 million at December 31, 2016 and $274 million at December 31, 2015 , and had accumulated benefit obligations of $252 million at both December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 . Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Cost Components 2016 2015 2014 ($ in millions) Pension benefits: Service cost $ 36 $ 41 $ 34 Interest cost 82 93 93 Expected return on plan assets (173 ) (165 ) (151 ) Amortization of net losses 51 65 54 Amortization of prior service cost — — 1 Net cost (benefit) $ (4 ) $ 34 $ 31 Other postretirement benefits: Service cost $ 7 $ 7 $ 7 Interest cost 16 21 24 Expected return on plan assets (17 ) (19 ) (18 ) Amortization of prior service benefit (24 ) (24 ) (20 ) Net benefit $ (18 ) $ (15 ) $ (7 ) Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss 2016 Pension Other ($ in millions) Net loss arising during the year $ 87 $ 14 Amortization of net losses (51 ) — Amortization of prior service benefit — 24 Total recognized in other comprehensive loss $ 36 $ 38 Total recognized in net periodic cost and other comprehensive loss $ 32 $ 20 Net actuarial losses arising during the year for pension and other postretirement benefits were due primarily to a decrease in our discount rate. The estimated net losses for the pension benefit plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic cost over the next year are $52 million . The estimated prior service cost for the pension benefit plans and the 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 are $1 million and $24 million , respectively. 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: 2016 2015 2014 Pension funded status: Discount rate 4.05 % 4.30 % 3.95 % Future salary increases 4.21 % 4.50 % 4.50 % Other postretirement benefits funded status: Discount rate 3.83 % 4.02 % 3.70 % Pension cost: Discount rate - service cost 4.64 % 3.95 % 4.60 % Discount rate - interest cost 3.51 % 3.95 % 4.60 % 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 - service cost 4.36 % 3.70 % 3.90 % Discount rate 1 - interest cost 3.15 % 3.70 % 3.90 % Return on assets in plans 8.00 % 8.00 % 8.00 % Health care trend rate 6.30 % 6.56 % 6.94 % 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 used to measure our benefit obligations, 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. Effective January 1, 2016, we began using a spot rate approach to estimate the service cost and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost for our pension and other postretirement benefits plans rather than a single weighted-average discount rate. This change in estimate did not affect the measurement of our total benefit obligations, but it did result in a total reduction in service and interest cost of $25 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 . Health Care Cost Trend Assumptions For measurement purposes at December 31, 2016 , increases in the per capita cost of pre-Medicare covered health care benefits were assumed to be 6.56% for 2017 . It is assumed the rate will decrease gradually to an ultimate rate of 5.0% for 2023 and remain at that level thereafter. Assumed health care cost trend rates affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements. To illustrate, a one-percentage point change in the assumed health care cost trend would have the following effects: One-percentage point Increase Decrease ($ 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 BlackRock Government/Credit Bond Index Fund. 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, 2016 2015 Domestic equity securities 51 % 50 % International equity securities 24 % 23 % Debt securities 23 % 25 % 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 both December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 of 67% in equity securities and 33% in debt securities. 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 historical returns for the plans’ asset classes determined from both actual plan returns and, over longer time periods, expected market returns for those asset classes. For 2017 , 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. The readily determinable fair value is based on the quoted market prices of the underlying assets of the trusts. 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. The readily determinable fair value is based on the quoted market prices of the underlying assets of the funds. 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. U.S. 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. 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, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Total ($ in millions) Common stock $ 1,142 $ — $ 1,142 Common collective trusts: Debt securities — 481 481 International equity securities — 324 324 Commingled funds — 79 79 Interest bearing cash 43 — 43 U.S. government and agencies securities — 4 4 Total investments $ 1,185 $ 888 $ 2,073 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 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 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. The other postretirement benefit plan assets consisted of trust-owned life insurance with fair values of $182 million and $189 million at December 31, 2016 and 2015 respectively, and are valued under level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. There were no level 1 or level 3 valued 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 2017 , we expect to contribute approximately $16 million to our unfunded pension plans for payments to pensioners and approximately $44 million to our other postretirement benefit plans for retiree health and death benefits. We do not expect to contribute to our funded pension plan in 2017 . Benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits ($ in millions) 2017 $ 139 $ 44 2018 141 43 2019 142 42 2020 142 41 2021 143 40 Years 2022 – 2026 723 180 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 $37 million in 2016 , $32 million in 2015 , and $36 million in 2014 . 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 both 2016 and 2015, and $20 million in 2014 .

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 (when delegated authority by such 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. The number of shares remaining for issuance under the 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. We use newly issued shares to satisfy any exercises and awards under the LTIP and the TSOP. The 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 2016 , the Committee granted stock options, RSUs and PSUs pursuant to the LTIP and granted stock options pursuant to the TSOP. Receipt of an award under the LTIP was made contingent upon the awardee’s execution of a non-compete agreement, and all awards under the 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 both 2016 and 2015 , and $44 million in 2014 . The total tax effects recognized in income in relation to stock-based compensation expense were net benefits of $31 million (including $17 million of excess tax benefits) in 2016 , $13 million in 2015 , and $14 million in 2014 . Stock Options Option exercise prices 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 the 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 the TSOP options. The options granted under the LTIP and TSOP for the last three years are shown in the following table: 2016 2015 2014 Options Granted Weighted Avg. Exercise Price Options Granted Weighted Avg. Exercise Price Options Granted Weighted Avg. Exercise Price LTIP 694,290 $ 70.40 643,890 $ 101.86 515,240 $ 94.17 TSOP 302,320 70.32 181,320 104.23 181,070 94.17 Total 996,610 70.38 825,210 102.38 696,310 94.17 For all years, options granted under the LTIP and the 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 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 was measured on the date of grant using a binomial lattice-based option valuation model. Expected volatility is based on implied volatility 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 the LTIP options during the vesting period. For 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , a dividend yield of 3.37% , 2.27% , and 2.29% , 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: 2016 2015 2014 Average expected volatility 27 % 25 % 25 % Average risk-free interest rate 2.00 % 1.83 % 2.79 % Average expected option term LTIP 8.9 years 9.3 years 8.9 years Per-share grant-date fair value LTIP $ 19.92 $ 30.35 $ 29.87 Average expected option term TSOP 8.6 years 9.1 years 8.8 years Per-share grant-date fair value TSOP $ 14.75 $ 24.71 $ 24.38 A summary of the status of changes in stock options is presented below: Stock Options Weighted Avg. Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2015 6,048,736 $ 67.90 Granted 996,610 70.38 Exercised (1,466,721 ) 51.65 Forfeited (24,571 ) 82.74 Outstanding at December 31, 2016 5,554,054 72.57 The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding at December 31, 2016 , was $197 million with a weighted average remaining contractual term of 6.0 years. Of these options outstanding, 3,195,174 were exercisable and had an aggregate intrinsic value of $136 million with a weighted average exercise price of $65.50 and a weighted average remaining contractual term of 4.4 years. The following table provides information related to options exercised for the last three years: 2016 2015 2014 ($ in millions) Options exercised 1,466,721 589,081 2,009,461 Total intrinsic value $ 60 $ 27 $ 106 Cash received upon exercise 74 29 93 Related tax benefits realized 13 7 26 At December 31, 2016 , total unrecognized compensation related to options granted under the LTIP and the TSOP was $10 million , and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.2 years. Tax benefits realized in 2016 are recognized in the “Provision for income taxes.” Tax benefits realized in 2015 and 2014 were recognized as “Additional paid-in capital.” Restricted Stock Units RSU grants and grant-date fair values were 136,250 and $70.44 in 2016; 101,470 and $104.23 in 2015 ; and 113,505 and $94.17 in 2014 . 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 2016 , 175,500 of the RSUs granted in 2011 vested, with 103,936 shares of Common Stock issued net of minimum 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, 2015 688,725 $ 78.14 Granted 136,250 70.44 Vested (175,500 ) 62.75 Forfeited (3,830 ) 82.20 Nonvested at December 31, 2016 645,645 80.68 At December 31, 2016 , total unrecognized compensation related to RSUs was $7 million , and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 3.1 years. The total related tax benefits realized in 2016 were $1 million and were recognized in the “Provision for income taxes.” The total related tax benefits realized in 2015 and 2014 were $4 million and $6 million , respectively, and were recognized as “Additional paid-in capital.” Performance Share Units PSUs provide for awards based on the 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 1,042,628 in 2016 with a weighted average grant-date fair value of $52.75 . PSU grants were 413,770 and 399,530 in 2015 and 2014 , respectively; with weighted-average grant-date fair values of $71.66 and $72.24 , respectively. All PSUs will earn out based on the achievement of performance conditions and some will also earn out based on a market condition. The market condition fair value was measured on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model. During 2016 , 406,038 of the PSUs granted in 2013 were earned, with 241,757 shares of Common Stock issued net of minimum 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, 2015 1,361,050 $ 71.09 Granted 1,042,628 52.75 Earned (406,038 ) 69.83 Unearned (142,662 ) 69.83 Forfeited (5,970 ) 56.62 Balance at December 31, 2016 1,849,008 61.17 At December 31, 2016 , total unrecognized compensation related to PSUs granted under the LTIP was $4 million , and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.8 years. The total related tax benefits realized were $3 million in 2016 which were recognized in the “Provision for income taxes.” The total related tax benefits were $3 million in 2015 and $5 million in 2014 which were recognized as “Additional paid-in capital.” Shares Available and Issued Shares of Common Stock available for future grants and issued in connection with all features of the LTIP and the TSOP at December 31, were as follows: 2016 2015 2014 Available for future grants: LTIP 9,385,674 11,769,796 4,899,428 TSOP 544,217 832,676 998,896 Issued: LTIP 1,511,645 708,059 2,168,641 TSOP 300,769 121,745 252,042

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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, 2016 and 2015 amounted to 20,320,777 , with a cost of $19 million at both dates. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The components of “Other comprehensive loss” reported in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and changes in the cumulative balances of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following: Balance at Beginning of Year Net Income (Loss) Reclassification Adjustments Balance at End of Year ($ in millions) Year ended December 31, 2016 Pensions and other postretirement liabilities $ (367 ) $ (64 ) $ 17 (1) $ (414 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) of equity investees (78 ) 5 — (73 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (445 ) $ (59 ) $ 17 $ (487 ) 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 ) (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 Loss “Other comprehensive 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, 2016 Net gain (loss) arising during the year: Pensions and other postretirement benefits $ (101 ) $ 37 $ (64 ) Reclassification adjustments for costs included in net income 27 (10 ) 17 Subtotal (74 ) 27 (47 ) Other comprehensive income of equity investees 5 — 5 Other comprehensive loss $ (69 ) $ 27 $ (42 ) 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 )

Stock Repurchase Program

Stock Repurchase Program	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Stock Repurchase Program [Abstract]
Stock Repurchase Program	Stock Repurchase Program We repurchased and retired 9.2 million , 11.3 million , and 3.1 million shares of Common Stock under our stock repurchase program in 2016 , 2015 , and 2014 , respectively, at a cost of $803 million , $1.1 billion , and $318 million , respectively. 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, and 14.7 million shares remain under this authority as of December 31, 2016. 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 160.3 million shares at a total cost of $10.3 billion .

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 ($ in millions except per share amounts, shares in millions) Net income $ 1,668 $ 1,556 $ 2,000 $ 1,668 $ 1,556 $ 2,000 Dividend equivalent payments (5 ) (6 ) (6 ) (4 ) (5 ) (4 ) Income available to common stockholders $ 1,663 $ 1,550 $ 1,994 $ 1,664 $ 1,551 $ 1,996 Weighted-average shares outstanding 293.9 301.9 309.4 293.9 301.9 309.4 Dilutive effect of outstanding options and share-settled awards 2.1 2.5 3.1 Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding 296.0 304.4 312.5 Earnings per share $ 5.66 $ 5.13 $ 6.44 $ 5.62 $ 5.10 $ 6.39 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 2016 2015 2014 (in millions) 1st Quarter 1.5 — 0.7 2nd Quarter 1.5 0.7 — 3rd Quarter 1.5 1.5 — 4th Quarter 0.7 1.5 —

Commitments And Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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. One of our chemical customers, Sunbelt, filed a rate reasonableness complaint before the STB alleging that our tariff rates for transportation of regulated movements are unreasonable. Since April 1, 2011, we have been billing and collecting amounts based on the challenged tariff rates. In 2014, the STB resolved this rate reasonableness complaint in our favor. In June 2016, the STB resolved petitions for reconsideration. The matter remains decided in our favor; however, the findings are still subject to 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 reasonably 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. 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 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 reasonably 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. We adjust the liability quarterly based upon our assessment and the results of the study. Our estimate of the liability is subject to inherent limitation given the difficulty of predicting future events such as jury decisions, court interpretations, or legislative changes. As a result, actual claim settlements 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. 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. 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 reasonably estimated. 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 $67 million at December 31, 2016 , and $69 million at December 31, 2015 (of which $15 million is classified as a current liability at the end of both 2016 and 2015). At December 31, 2016 , the liability represents our estimates of the probable cleanup, investigation, and remediation costs based on available information at 134 known locations and projects compared with 145 locations and projects at December 31, 2015 . At December 31, 2016 , 18 sites accounted for $46 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. Operating expenses for environmental matters totaled $31 million in 2016, $40 million in 2015, and $45 million in 2014 and are included in “Materials and other” and “Purchased services and rents.” At 10 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 ( $1.5 billion for specific perils) 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, 2016 , we had outstanding purchase commitments totaling approximately $1.3 billion for locomotives, track material, long-term service contracts, track and yard expansion projects in connection with our capital programs as well as freight cars and containers through 2022. 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.

Quarterly Financial Data

Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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) 2016 Railway operating revenues $ 2,420 $ 2,454 $ 2,524 $ 2,490 Income from railway operations 723 770 820 761 Net income 387 405 460 416 Earnings per share: Basic 1.30 1.37 1.56 1.43 Diluted 1.29 1.36 1.55 1.42 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

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, 2014 , 2015 , and 2016 ($ in millions) Additions charged to: Beginning Balance Expenses Other Accounts Deductions Ending Balance 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 Year ended December 31, 2016 Valuation allowance (included net in deferred tax liability) for deferred tax assets $ 35 $ 4 $ — $ — $ 39 Casualty and other claims included in other liabilities 191 68 (1) — 81 (3) 178 Current portion of casualty and other claims included in accounts payable 174 25 101 (2) 108 (4) 192 (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, 2016
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 19,500 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 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 2016 ): intermodal ( 22% ); chemicals ( 17% ); agriculture/consumer products/government ( 16% ); coal ( 15% ); metals/construction ( 13% ); automotive ( 10% ); 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. Approximately 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. 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 $4 million at December 31, 2016 and $3 million at December 31, 2015 . 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 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 75 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. 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 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. 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. 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 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 relate to a capital project. A significant portion of annual capital spending relates to the replacement of self-constructed assets. Removal activities occur in conjunction with replacement and 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 depreciable operating road and equipment 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 most 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 operating land are included in “Materials and other” expenses. Gains and losses on disposal of nonoperating 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 ordinary 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 would be recognized in income from railway operations. 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 March 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2016-09, “Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting.” We adopted the provisions of this ASU during the first quarter of 2016. This update principally affected the recognition of excess tax benefits and deficiencies and the cash flow classification of share-based compensation-related transactions. The requirement to recognize excess tax benefits and deficiencies as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement was applied prospectively, with a benefit of $17 million recognized in the “Provision for income taxes” line item for the year ended December 31, 2016. The classification requirements on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the adoption of ASU 2016-09 resulted in a $34 million increase in operating activities and a corresponding decrease in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2016. We retrospectively presented the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 to reflect $31 million and $63 million , respectively, increases in operating activities and corresponding decreases in financing activities. “Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes.” This update requires that deferred tax liabilities and assets be classified as noncurrent on the balance sheet rather than as separate current and noncurrent amounts. We retrospectively adopted the provisions of this ASU during the first quarter of 2016 and presented the December 31, 2015, Consolidated Balance Sheet to reflect the reclassification of $121 million of deferred income tax assets from current assets to “Deferred income taxes” in the long-term liabilities section of the balance sheet. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” This update will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP and require 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. The new standard will be effective for our annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2018. ASU 2014-09 permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. We are still evaluating the effects of ASU 2014-09, but we do not currently expect that adoption of the standard will have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements. There will be no change to our pattern of revenue recognition related to transportation revenue, which will continue to be recognized proportionally as a shipment moves from origin to destination. Certain additional financial statement disclosure requirements are mandated by the new standard including disclosure of contract assets and contract liabilities as well as a disaggregated view of revenue, which we expect to be similar to our current disclosure within the “Railway Operating Revenues” section of Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” We do not plan to adopt the standard early and we have not yet determined which transition method we will use. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases.” This update, effective for our annual and interim reporting periods beginning January 1, 2019, will replace existing lease guidance in GAAP and will require lessees to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases greater than twelve months and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. When implemented, lessees and lessors will be required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. We are currently evaluating the effects ASU 2016-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. We currently disclose approximately $614 million in operating lease obligations in our lease commitments footnote (Note 9) and we will evaluate those contracts as well as other existing arrangements to determine if they qualify for lease accounting under the new standard. We do not plan to adopt the standard early. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Credit Losses - Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments,” which replaces the current incurred loss impairment method with a method that reflects expected credit losses. The new standard is effective as of January 1, 2020, and early adoption is permitted as of January 1, 2019. Because credit losses associated from our trade receivables have historically been insignificant, we do not expect this standard to have a material effect on our financial statements.

Other Income - Net (Tables)

Other Income - Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Income - Net	2016 2015 2014 ($ in millions) Rental income $ 93 $ 80 $ 75 Corporate-owned life insurance – net 20 (1 ) 24 Royalties from coal 10 19 33 Interest income 10 8 9 Gains and losses from sale of properties (including joint venture sales) 9 55 13 Nonoperating depletion and depreciation (4 ) (5 ) (5 ) Other interest expense – net (6 ) (4 ) (12 ) Charitable contributions (9 ) (9 ) (9 ) Taxes on nonoperating property (11 ) (10 ) (9 ) External advisor costs (20 ) (8 ) — Other (21 ) (22 ) (15 ) Total $ 71 $ 103 $ 104

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provisions For Income Taxes	Provisions for Income Taxes 2016 2015 2014 ($ in millions) Current: Federal $ 612 $ 505 $ 729 State 75 61 111 Total current taxes 687 566 840 Deferred: Federal 206 292 299 State 21 28 (5 ) Total deferred taxes 227 320 294 Provision for income taxes $ 914 $ 886 $ 1,134
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: 2016 2015 2014 Amount % Amount % Amount % ($ in millions) Federal income tax at statutory rate $ 904 35.0 $ 855 35.0 $ 1,097 35.0 State income taxes, net of federal tax effect 70 2.8 72 3.0 88 2.8 Excess tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation, net of federal tax effect (17 ) (0.7 ) — — — — State tax law changes, net of federal tax effect (7 ) (0.3 ) (14 ) (0.6 ) (20 ) (0.6 ) Other, net (36 ) (1.4 ) (27 ) (1.1 ) (31 ) (1.0 ) Provision for income taxes $ 914 35.4 $ 886 36.3 $ 1,134 36.2
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, 2016 2015 ($ in millions) Deferred tax assets: Compensation and benefits, including postretirement benefits $ 464 $ 430 Accruals, including casualty and other claims 102 108 Other 62 65 Total gross deferred tax assets 628 603 Less valuation allowance (39 ) (35 ) Net deferred tax assets 589 568 Deferred tax liabilities: Property (9,301 ) (9,072 ) Other (428 ) (438 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (9,729 ) (9,510 ) Deferred income taxes $ (9,140 ) $ (8,942 )
Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: December 31, 2016 2015 ($ in millions) Balance at beginning of year $ 25 $ 61 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 3 4 Reductions for tax positions of prior years — (34 ) Settlements with taxing authorities — (5 ) Lapse of statutes of limitations (1 ) (1 ) Balance at end of year $ 27 $ 25

Fair Value (Tables)

Fair Value (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques	FASB Accounting Standards Codification (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: 2016 2015 Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value ($ in millions) Long-term investments $ 186 $ 211 $ 162 $ 190 Long-term debt, including current maturities (10,112 ) (11,626 ) (9,893 ) (11,124 )
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, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Total ($ in millions) Long-term investments $ 74 $ 137 $ 211 Long-term debt, including current maturities (11,427 ) (199 ) (11,626 ) 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 )

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	December 31, 2016 2015 ($ in millions) Long-term investments: Equity method investments: Conrail Inc. $ 1,199 $ 1,147 TTX Company 471 445 Meridian Speedway LLC 274 274 Pan Am Southern LLC 155 153 Other 77 83 Total equity method investments 2,176 2,102 Company-owned life insurance at net cash surrender value 415 308 Other investments 186 162 Total long-term investments $ 2,777 $ 2,572

Properties (Tables)

Properties (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Properties	Accumulated Net Book Depreciation December 31, 2016 Cost Depreciation Value Rate (1) ($ in millions) Land $ 2,330 $ — $ 2,330 — Roadway: Rail and other track material 6,632 (1,997 ) 4,635 2.46 % Ties 5,011 (1,314 ) 3,697 3.25 % Ballast 2,559 (584 ) 1,975 2.64 % Construction in process 664 — 664 — Other roadway 13,096 (3,361 ) 9,735 2.51 % Total roadway 27,962 (7,256 ) 20,706 Equipment: Locomotives 5,525 (2,199 ) 3,326 3.65 % Freight cars 3,377 (1,345 ) 2,032 2.51 % Computers and software 552 (329 ) 223 10.40 % Construction in process 295 — 295 — Other equipment 972 (329 ) 643 4.71 % Total equipment 10,721 (4,202 ) 6,519 Other property 475 (279 ) 196 0.83 % Total properties $ 41,488 $ (11,737 ) $ 29,751 Accumulated Net Book Depreciation 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 (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, 2016
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Current Liabilities	December 31, 2016 2015 ($ in millions) Accounts payable: Accounts and wages payable $ 650 $ 602 Casualty and other claims (Note 16) 192 174 Vacation liability 134 135 Due to Conrail (Note 5) 129 71 Other 110 109 Total $ 1,215 $ 1,091 Other current liabilities: Interest payable $ 119 $ 123 Pension benefit obligations (Note 11) 16 16 Other 94 98 Total $ 229 $ 237

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt With Interest Rates And Maturities	Debt with weighted average interest rates and maturities is presented below: December 31, 2016 2015 ($ in millions) Notes and debentures: 6.34% maturing to 2021 $ 2,632 $ 3,132 4.36% maturing 2022 to 2031 3,346 2,746 4.88% maturing 2037 to 2046 3,190 3,190 6.39% maturing 2097 to 2111 1,328 1,328 Securitization borrowings and capital leases 202 202 Discounts, premiums, and debt issuance costs (486 ) (505 ) Total debt 10,212 10,093 Less current maturities and short-term debt (650 ) (700 ) Long-term debt excluding current maturities and short-term debt $ 9,562 $ 9,393 Long-term debt maturities subsequent to 2017 are as follows: 2018 $ 600 2019 585 2020 314 2021 584 2022 and subsequent years 7,479 Total $ 9,562

Lease Commitments (Tables)

Lease Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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) 2017 $ 78 2018 71 2019 56 2020 54 2021 50 2022 and subsequent years 305 Total $ 614
Operating Lease Expense	Operating Lease Expense 2016 2015 2014 ($ in millions) Minimum rents $ 98 $ 111 $ 109 Contingent rents 73 84 92 Total $ 171 $ 195 $ 201

Other Liabilities (Tables)

Other Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities	December 31, 2016 2015 ($ in millions) Net other postretirement benefit obligations (Note 11) $ 346 $ 347 Net pension benefit obligations (Note 11) 333 318 Long-term advances from Conrail (Note 5) 280 280 Casualty and other claims (Note 16) 178 191 Deferred compensation 112 117 Other 193 132 Total $ 1,442 $ 1,385

Pensions And Other Postretire37

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations And Plan Assets	Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations and Plan Assets Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits 2016 2015 2016 2015 ($ in millions) Change in benefit obligations: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 2,372 $ 2,429 $ 536 $ 571 Service cost 36 41 7 7 Interest cost 82 93 16 21 Actuarial losses (gains) 66 (64 ) 14 (7 ) Plan amendments — — — (8 ) Benefits paid (136 ) (127 ) (45 ) (48 ) Benefit obligation at end of year 2,420 2,372 528 536 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 2,040 2,167 189 262 Actual return on plan assets 152 (14 ) 17 2 Employer contribution (reimbursement) 1 17 14 21 (27 ) Benefits paid (136 ) (127 ) (45 ) (48 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 2,073 2,040 182 189 Funded status at end of year $ (347 ) $ (332 ) $ (346 ) $ (347 ) Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets: Noncurrent assets $ 2 $ 2 $ — $ — Current liabilities (16 ) (16 ) — — Noncurrent liabilities (333 ) (318 ) (346 ) (347 ) Net amount recognized $ (347 ) $ (332 ) $ (346 ) $ (347 ) Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss (before tax): Net loss $ 940 $ 904 $ 30 $ 16 Prior service cost (benefit) 3 3 (307 ) (331 ) 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 $13 million as of December 31, 2016 and $30 million at December 31, 2015.
Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Cost Components	Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Cost Components 2016 2015 2014 ($ in millions) Pension benefits: Service cost $ 36 $ 41 $ 34 Interest cost 82 93 93 Expected return on plan assets (173 ) (165 ) (151 ) Amortization of net losses 51 65 54 Amortization of prior service cost — — 1 Net cost (benefit) $ (4 ) $ 34 $ 31 Other postretirement benefits: Service cost $ 7 $ 7 $ 7 Interest cost 16 21 24 Expected return on plan assets (17 ) (19 ) (18 ) Amortization of prior service benefit (24 ) (24 ) (20 ) Net benefit $ (18 ) $ (15 ) $ (7 )
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 2016 Pension Other ($ in millions) Net loss arising during the year $ 87 $ 14 Amortization of net losses (51 ) — Amortization of prior service benefit — 24 Total recognized in other comprehensive loss $ 36 $ 38 Total recognized in net periodic cost and other comprehensive loss $ 32 $ 20
Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Assumptions	A summary of the major assumptions follows: 2016 2015 2014 Pension funded status: Discount rate 4.05 % 4.30 % 3.95 % Future salary increases 4.21 % 4.50 % 4.50 % Other postretirement benefits funded status: Discount rate 3.83 % 4.02 % 3.70 % Pension cost: Discount rate - service cost 4.64 % 3.95 % 4.60 % Discount rate - interest cost 3.51 % 3.95 % 4.60 % 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 - service cost 4.36 % 3.70 % 3.90 % Discount rate 1 - interest cost 3.15 % 3.70 % 3.90 % Return on assets in plans 8.00 % 8.00 % 8.00 % Health care trend rate 6.30 % 6.56 % 6.94 % 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, 2016 2015 Domestic equity securities 51 % 50 % International equity securities 24 % 23 % Debt securities 23 % 25 % 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, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Total ($ in millions) Common stock $ 1,142 $ — $ 1,142 Common collective trusts: Debt securities — 481 481 International equity securities — 324 324 Commingled funds — 79 79 Interest bearing cash 43 — 43 U.S. government and agencies securities — 4 4 Total investments $ 1,185 $ 888 $ 2,073 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
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) 2017 $ 139 $ 44 2018 141 43 2019 142 42 2020 142 41 2021 143 40 Years 2022 – 2026 723 180

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Options Granted Under LTIP and TSOP	The options granted under the LTIP and TSOP for the last three years are shown in the following table: 2016 2015 2014 Options Granted Weighted Avg. Exercise Price Options Granted Weighted Avg. Exercise Price Options Granted Weighted Avg. Exercise Price LTIP 694,290 $ 70.40 643,890 $ 101.86 515,240 $ 94.17 TSOP 302,320 70.32 181,320 104.23 181,070 94.17 Total 996,610 70.38 825,210 102.38 696,310 94.17
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: 2016 2015 2014 Average expected volatility 27 % 25 % 25 % Average risk-free interest rate 2.00 % 1.83 % 2.79 % Average expected option term LTIP 8.9 years 9.3 years 8.9 years Per-share grant-date fair value LTIP $ 19.92 $ 30.35 $ 29.87 Average expected option term TSOP 8.6 years 9.1 years 8.8 years Per-share grant-date fair value TSOP $ 14.75 $ 24.71 $ 24.38
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, 2015 6,048,736 $ 67.90 Granted 996,610 70.38 Exercised (1,466,721 ) 51.65 Forfeited (24,571 ) 82.74 Outstanding at December 31, 2016 5,554,054 72.57
Summary Of Stock Options Exercised	The following table provides information related to options exercised for the last three years: 2016 2015 2014 ($ in millions) Options exercised 1,466,721 589,081 2,009,461 Total intrinsic value $ 60 $ 27 $ 106 Cash received upon exercise 74 29 93 Related tax benefits realized 13 7 26
Schedule Of Stock Available For Future Grants	Shares of Common Stock available for future grants and issued in connection with all features of the LTIP and the TSOP at December 31, were as follows: 2016 2015 2014 Available for future grants: LTIP 9,385,674 11,769,796 4,899,428 TSOP 544,217 832,676 998,896 Issued: LTIP 1,511,645 708,059 2,168,641 TSOP 300,769 121,745 252,042
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, 2015 688,725 $ 78.14 Granted 136,250 70.44 Vested (175,500 ) 62.75 Forfeited (3,830 ) 82.20 Nonvested at December 31, 2016 645,645 80.68
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, 2015 1,361,050 $ 71.09 Granted 1,042,628 52.75 Earned (406,038 ) 69.83 Unearned (142,662 ) 69.83 Forfeited (5,970 ) 56.62 Balance at December 31, 2016 1,849,008 61.17

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The components of “Other comprehensive 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 Income (Loss) Reclassification Adjustments Balance at End of Year ($ in millions) Year ended December 31, 2016 Pensions and other postretirement liabilities $ (367 ) $ (64 ) $ 17 (1) $ (414 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) of equity investees (78 ) 5 — (73 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (445 ) $ (59 ) $ 17 $ (487 ) 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 ) (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 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, 2016 Net gain (loss) arising during the year: Pensions and other postretirement benefits $ (101 ) $ 37 $ (64 ) Reclassification adjustments for costs included in net income 27 (10 ) 17 Subtotal (74 ) 27 (47 ) Other comprehensive income of equity investees 5 — 5 Other comprehensive loss $ (69 ) $ 27 $ (42 ) 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 )

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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 2016 2015 2014 2016 2015 2014 ($ in millions except per share amounts, shares in millions) Net income $ 1,668 $ 1,556 $ 2,000 $ 1,668 $ 1,556 $ 2,000 Dividend equivalent payments (5 ) (6 ) (6 ) (4 ) (5 ) (4 ) Income available to common stockholders $ 1,663 $ 1,550 $ 1,994 $ 1,664 $ 1,551 $ 1,996 Weighted-average shares outstanding 293.9 301.9 309.4 293.9 301.9 309.4 Dilutive effect of outstanding options and share-settled awards 2.1 2.5 3.1 Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding 296.0 304.4 312.5 Earnings per share $ 5.66 $ 5.13 $ 6.44 $ 5.62 $ 5.10 $ 6.39
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block]	The dilution calculations exclude options having exercise prices exceeding the average market price of Common Stock as follows: Period 2016 2015 2014 (in millions) 1st Quarter 1.5 — 0.7 2nd Quarter 1.5 0.7 — 3rd Quarter 1.5 1.5 — 4th Quarter 0.7 1.5 —

Quarterly Financial Data (Table

Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016
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) 2016 Railway operating revenues $ 2,420 $ 2,454 $ 2,524 $ 2,490 Income from railway operations 723 770 820 761 Net income 387 405 460 416 Earnings per share: Basic 1.30 1.37 1.56 1.43 Diluted 1.29 1.36 1.55 1.42 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

Summary Of Significant Accoun42

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)midepreciable_asset_class	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Operating route miles | mi	19,500
Employees covered by collective bargaining agreements	80.00%
Allowance for doubtful accounts | $	$ 4	$ 3
Approximate number of depreciable asset classes used | depreciable_asset_class	75
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.
Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation studies interval	3 years
Roadway
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation studies interval	6 years
Intermodal
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Market groups percent of total railway operating revenues	22.00%
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	16.00%
Coal
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	13.00%
Automotive
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Market groups percent of total railway operating revenues	10.00%
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 New Accounting Pronouncements (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due	$ 614
Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New accounting pronouncement - effect of change on net income	17
New accounting pronouncement - effect of adoption, quantification	$ 34	$ 31	$ 63
Accounting Standards Update 2015-17 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New accounting pronouncement - effect of adoption, quantification		$ 121

Other Income - Net (Details)

Other Income - Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Rental income	$ 93	$ 80	$ 75
Corporate-owned life insurance – net	20	(1)	24
Royalties from coal	10	19	33
Interest income	10	8	9
Gains and losses from sale of properties (including joint venture sales)	9	55	13
Nonoperating depletion and depreciation	(4)	(5)	(5)
Other interest expense – net	(6)	(4)	(12)
Charitable contributions	(9)	(9)	(9)
Taxes on nonoperating property	(11)	(10)	(9)
External advisor costs	(20)	(8)	0
Other	(21)	(22)	(15)
Total	$ 71	$ 103	$ 104

Income Taxes (Provisions For In

Income Taxes (Provisions For Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Current:
Federal	$ 612	$ 505	$ 729
State	75	61	111
Total current taxes	687	566	840
Deferred:
Federal	206	292	299
State	21	28	(5)
Total deferred taxes	227	320	294
Provision for income taxes	$ 914	$ 886	$ 1,134

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Statutory Rate To Effective Rate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal income tax at statutory rate	$ 904	$ 855	$ 1,097
State income taxes, net of federal tax effect	70	72	88
Excess tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation, net of federal tax effect	(17)	0	0
State tax law changes, net of federal tax effect	(7)	(14)	(20)
Other, net	(36)	(27)	(31)
Provision for income taxes	$ 914	$ 886	$ 1,134
Federal income tax at statutory rate, percentage of net income	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal tax effect, percentage of net income	2.80%	3.00%	2.80%
Excess tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation, net of federal tax effect, percentage of net income	(0.70%)	0.00%	0.00%
State tax law changes, net of federal tax effect, percentage of net income	(0.30%)	(0.60%)	(0.60%)
Other, net, percentage of net income	(1.40%)	(1.10%)	(1.00%)
Provision for income taxes, percentage of net income	35.40%	36.30%	36.20%

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Defer

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred tax assets:
Compensation and benefits, including postretirement benefits	$ 464	$ 430
Accruals, including casualty and other claims	102	108
Other	62	65
Total gross deferred tax assets	628	603
Less valuation allowance	(39)	(35)
Net deferred tax asset	589	568
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property	(9,301)	(9,072)
Other	(428)	(438)
Total gross deferred tax liabilities	(9,729)	(9,510)
Net deferred tax liability	$ (9,140)	$ (8,942)

Income Taxes (Reconciliation 48

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 25	$ 61
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	3	4
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	0	(34)
Settlements with taxing authorities	0	(5)
Lapse of statutes of limitations	(1)	(1)
Balance at end of year	$ 27	$ 25

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Change in valuation allowance	$ 4	$ 2
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate	$ 19

Fair Value (Details)

Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Long-term investments, carrying value	$ 186	$ 162
Long-term investments, fair value	211	190
Long-term debt, including current maturities, carrying value	(10,112)	(9,893)
Long-term debt, including current maturities, fair value	$ (11,626)	$ (11,124)

Fair Value (Schedule of Fair Va

Fair Value (Schedule of Fair Value of Long-term Assets and Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term investments, fair value	$ 211	$ 190
Long-term debt, including current maturities, fair value	(11,626)	(11,124)
Fair Value Inputs Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term investments, fair value	74	49
Long-term debt, including current maturities, fair value	(11,427)	(11,022)
Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term investments, fair value	137	141
Long-term debt, including current maturities, fair value	$ (199)	$ (102)

Investments (Details)

Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	$ 2,176	$ 2,102
Company-owned life insurance at net cash surrender value	415	308
Other investments	186	162
Total long-term investments	2,777	2,572
Conrail Inc.
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	1,199	1,147
TTX Company
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	471	445
Meridian Speedway LLC
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	274	274
Pan Am Southern LLC
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	155	153
Other
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	$ 77	$ 83

Investments (Narrative) (Detail

Investments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Future minimum lease payments, 2022 and subsequent years	$ 305
Shared Assets Areas CRC Lease
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Future annual minimum payments, due next five years	37
Future minimum lease payments, 2022 and subsequent years	$ 91
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	$ 5	$ 3
Portion of pension plan change attributable to other comprehensive income (loss), affiliate	(5)	(3)
Portion of pension plan change attributable to deferred taxes, affiliate	1	1
Difference between investment in Conrail and share of Conrail's underlying net equity	(524)
General and administrative support to Conrail	8
Due to Conrail, current	129	71
Due to Conrail, noncurrent	$ 280	$ 280
Due to Conrail, noncurrent, maturity date	2,044	2,044
Due to Conrail, average interest rate	2.90%	2.90%
Expenses from transactions with related party	$ 151	$ 154	$ 144
TTX Company
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage	19.65%
Expenses from transactions with related party	$ 229	219	200
Purchased Services and Rent | Conrail Inc.
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings of investee	47	42	39
Purchased Services and Rent | TTX Company
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings of investee	$ 26	$ 21	$ 19

Properties (Details)

Properties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016		Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 41,488		$ 40,470
Accumulated Depreciation		(11,737)		(11,478)
Net Book Value		29,751		28,992
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		2,330		2,327
Accumulated Depreciation		0		0
Net Book Value		$ 2,330		$ 2,327
Depreciation Rate		0.00%	[1]	0.00%
Rail and other track material
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 6,632		$ 6,467
Accumulated Depreciation		(1,997)		(1,944)
Net Book Value		$ 4,635		$ 4,523
Depreciation Rate	[1]	2.46%		2.46%
Ties
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 5,011		$ 4,846
Accumulated Depreciation		(1,314)		(1,229)
Net Book Value		$ 3,697		$ 3,617
Depreciation Rate	[1]	3.25%		3.26%
Ballast
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 2,559		$ 2,468
Accumulated Depreciation		(584)		(539)
Net Book Value		$ 1,975		$ 1,929
Depreciation Rate	[1]	2.64%		2.64%
Construction in process
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 664		$ 686
Accumulated Depreciation		0		0
Net Book Value		$ 664		$ 686
Depreciation Rate		0.00%	[1]	0.00%
Other roadway
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 13,096		$ 12,662
Accumulated Depreciation		(3,361)		(3,225)
Net Book Value		$ 9,735		$ 9,437
Depreciation Rate	[1]	2.51%		2.54%
Total roadway
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 27,962		$ 27,129
Accumulated Depreciation		(7,256)		(6,937)
Net Book Value		20,706		20,192
Locomotives
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		5,525		5,291
Accumulated Depreciation		(2,199)		(2,126)
Net Book Value		$ 3,326		$ 3,165
Depreciation Rate	[1]	3.65%		3.31%
Freight cars
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 3,377		$ 3,437
Accumulated Depreciation		(1,345)		(1,422)
Net Book Value		$ 2,032		$ 2,015
Depreciation Rate	[1]	2.51%		2.87%
Computers and software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 552		$ 500
Accumulated Depreciation		(329)		(296)
Net Book Value		$ 223		$ 204
Depreciation Rate	[1]	10.40%		11.25%
Construction in process
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 295		$ 237
Accumulated Depreciation		0		0
Net Book Value		$ 295		$ 237
Depreciation Rate		0.00%	[1]	0.00%
Other equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 972		$ 1,074
Accumulated Depreciation		(329)		(421)
Net Book Value		$ 643		$ 653
Depreciation Rate	[1]	4.71%		6.09%
Total equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 10,721		$ 10,539
Accumulated Depreciation		(4,202)		(4,265)
Net Book Value		6,519		6,274
Other property
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		475		475
Accumulated Depreciation		(279)		(276)
Net Book Value		$ 196		$ 199
Depreciation Rate	[1]	0.83%		0.95%
[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, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Costs Of obtaining rights to natural resources	$ 336	$ 336
Accumulated depreciation associated with costs of obtaining rights to natural resources	199	198
Interest costs incurred on debt	583	566	$ 564
Interest costs capitalized	$ 20	$ 21	$ 19

Current Liabilities (Details)

Current Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts and wages payable	$ 650	$ 602
Casualty and other claims (Note 16)	192	174
Vacation liability	134	135
Other	110	109
Total	1,215	1,091
Interest payable	119	123
Other	94	98
Total	229	237
Conrail Inc [Member]
Due to Conrail (Note 5)	129	71
Pension Plan [Member]
Pension benefit obligations (Note 11)	$ 16	$ 16

Debt (Debt With Interest Rates

Debt (Debt With Interest Rates And Maturities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 10,212	$ 10,093
Discounts, premiums, and debt issuance costs	(486)	(505)
Less current maturities and short-term debt	(650)	(700)
Long-term debt	9,562	9,393
2,018	600
2,019	585
2,020	314
2,021	584
2022 and subsequent years	7,479
Short-term debt	100	200
6.34% maturing to 2021
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 2,632	$ 3,132
Long-term debt, weighted average interest rate	6.34%	6.34%
4.36% maturing 2022 to 2031
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 3,346	$ 2,746
Long-term debt, weighted average interest rate	4.36%	4.36%
4.88% maturing 2037 to 2046
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 3,190	$ 3,190
Long-term debt, weighted average interest rate	4.88%	4.88%
6.39% maturing 2097 to 2111
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 1,328	$ 1,328
Long-term debt, weighted average interest rate	6.39%	6.39%
Securitization Borrowings and Capital Leases [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt	$ 202	$ 202
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	May 26, 2021
Securitization Borrowings [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from short-term debt	$ 100	100
Repayments of short-term debt	100	100
Short-term debt	$ 100	$ 200
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date	Jun. 1, 2018

Debt (Narrative) (Details)

Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt		$ 10,112	$ 9,893
Short-term debt		100	200
Securitization Borrowings [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement		350
Proceeds from short-term debt		100	100
Repayments of short-term debt		100	100
Accounts receivable securitization balance		$ 200	$ 200
Average variable interest rate		2.47%	1.48%
Intent to refinance		$ 100
Long-term debt		100
Short-term debt		100	$ 200
Collateral for securitization borrowings		704	$ 653
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement		$ 750
Credit agreement term, years		5 years
June 2016 Senior Note 2.90 Due 2026 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	$ 600
Debt instrument, interest rate	2.90%
Debt instrument, maturity date	2,026

Lease Commitments (Details)

Lease Commitments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
2017 - Operating Leases	$ 78
2018 - Operating Leases	71
2019 - Operating Leases	56
2020 - Operating Leases	54
2021 - Operating Leases	50
2022 and subsequent years	305
Total - Operating Leases	614
Operating lease expense - minimum rents	98	$ 111	$ 109
Operating lease expense - contingent rents	73	84	92
Total operating lease expense	$ 171	$ 195	$ 201

Other Liabilities (Details)

Other Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Casualty and other claims (Note 16)	$ 178	$ 191
Deferred compensation	112	117
Other	193	132
Total	1,442	1,385
Conrail Inc [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Long-term advances from Conrail (Note 5)	280	280
Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit pension plan, liabilities, noncurrent	346	347
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit pension plan, liabilities, noncurrent	$ 333	$ 318

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, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Postretirement benefits reimbursement receivable	$ 13	$ 30
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	2,040
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,073	2,040
Pension Plan [Member]
Change in benefit obligations:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	2,372	2,429
Service cost	36	41	$ 34
Interest cost	82	93	93
Actuarial losses (gains)	66	(64)
Plan amendments	0	0
Benefits paid	(136)	(127)
Benefit obligation at end of year	2,420	2,372	2,429
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	2,040	2,167
Actual return on plan assets	152	(14)
Employer contribution (reimbursement)1	17	14
Benefits paid	(136)	(127)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,073	2,040	2,167
Funded status at end of year	(347)	(332)
Noncurrent assets	2	2
Current liabilities	(16)	(16)
Noncurrent liabilities	(333)	(318)
Net amount recognized	(347)	(332)
Net loss	940	904
Prior service cost (benefit)	3	3
OPEB
Change in benefit obligations:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	536	571
Service cost	7	7	7
Interest cost	16	21	24
Actuarial losses (gains)	14	(7)
Plan amendments	0	(8)
Benefits paid	(45)	(48)
Benefit obligation at end of year	528	536	571
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	189	262
Actual return on plan assets	17	2
Employer contribution (reimbursement)1	21	(27)
Benefits paid	(45)	(48)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	182	189	$ 262
Funded status at end of year	(346)	(347)
Noncurrent assets	0	0
Current liabilities	0	0
Noncurrent liabilities	(346)	(347)
Net amount recognized	(346)	(347)
Net loss	30	16
Prior service cost (benefit)	$ (307)	$ (331)

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, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 36	$ 41	$ 34
Interest cost	82	93	93
Expected return on plan assets	(173)	(165)	(151)
Amortization of net losses	51	65	54
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0	1
Net cost	(4)	34	31
OPEB
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	7	7	7
Interest cost	16	21	24
Expected return on plan assets	(17)	(19)	(18)
Amortization of prior service cost	(24)	(24)	(20)
Net cost	(18)	$ (15)	$ (7)
Other Pension Plan, Postretirement or Supplemental Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Change in accounting estimate, effect of change on operating results	$ 25

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, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total recognized in net periodic cost and other comprehensive income	$ 74	$ 76	$ 15
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net loss arising during the year	87
Amortization of net losses	(51)
Amortization of prior service benefit	0
Total recognized in other comprehensive loss	36
Total recognized in net periodic cost and other comprehensive income	32
OPEB
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net loss arising during the year	14
Amortization of net losses	0
Amortization of prior service benefit	24
Total recognized in other comprehensive loss	38
Total recognized in net periodic cost and other comprehensive income	$ 20

Pensions And Other Postretire64

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Assumptions) (Details)		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
Funded Status
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate - assumption		4.05%	4.30%	3.95%
Future salary increases - assumption		4.21%	4.50%	4.50%
Other Postretirement Benefits Funded Status
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate - assumption		3.83%	4.02%	3.70%
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
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]			3.90%	4.65%
Return on assets in plans - assumption		8.00%	8.00%	8.00%
Health care trend rate		6.30%	6.56%	6.94%
Service cost [Member] | Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate - assumption		4.64%	3.95%	4.60%
Service cost [Member] | OPEB
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate - assumption	[1]	4.36%	3.70%	3.90%
interest cost [Member] | Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate - assumption		3.51%	3.95%	4.60%
interest cost [Member] | OPEB
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate - assumption	[1]	3.15%	3.70%	3.90%
[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, 2016USD ($)
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)	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	100.00%	100.00%
Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	67.00%	67.00%
Equity Securities | Domestic Equity Securities [Member] | Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	51.00%	50.00%
Equity Securities | International equity securities [Member] | Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	24.00%	23.00%
Debt Securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	33.00%	33.00%
Debt Securities | Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	23.00%	25.00%
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations	2.00%	2.00%

Pensions And Other Postretire67

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Fair Value Of Plan Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	$ 2,073	$ 2,040
Fair Value Inputs Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,185	1,153
Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	888	887
Debt Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	481	505
Debt Securities | Fair Value Inputs Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Debt Securities | Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	481	505
International equity securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	324	301
International equity securities [Member] | Fair Value Inputs Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
International equity securities [Member] | Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	324	301
Commingled Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	79	77
Commingled Funds [Member] | Fair Value Inputs Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Commingled Funds [Member] | Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	79	77
Common Stock
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,142	1,119
Common Stock | Fair Value Inputs Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	1,142	1,119
Common Stock | Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
Interest-bearing Deposits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	43	34
Interest-bearing Deposits [Member] | Fair Value Inputs Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	43	34
Interest-bearing Deposits [Member] | Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
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 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets	0	0
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

Pensions And Other Postretire68

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Estimated Future Benefit Payments) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,017	$ 139
2,018	141
2,019	142
2,020	142
2,021	143
Years 2022 - 2026	723
OPEB
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,017	44
2,018	43
2,019	42
2,020	41
2,021	40
Years 2022 - 2026	$ 180

Pensions And Other Postretire69

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan's accumulated benefit obligation		$ 2,200	$ 2,200
Unfunded pension plans projected benefit obligation		286	274
Unfunded pension plans accumulated benefit obligations		$ 252	252
Postretirement benefit plan target asset allocation for equity, minimum		50.00%
Postretirement benefit plan target asset allocation for equity, maximum		75.00%
Multi-employer benefit plan premiums		$ 37	32	$ 36
Defined contribution plan, cost recognized		21	$ 21	$ 20
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated net loss for defined pension plans amortized from AOCI into net periodic cost		52
Defined benefit plan, future amortization of prior service cost (Credit)		$ 1
Assumed increases in per capita cost of covered health care benefits		6.56%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate		5.00%
Pension plan assets target allocation for equity		75.00%
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%
Expected contribution for the next fiscal year		$ 16
OPEB
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate - assumption	[1]			3.90%	4.65%
Defined benefit plan, future amortization of prior service cost (Credit)		$ (24)
Assumed rate of return on pension plan assets		8.00%	8.00%	8.00%
Expected contribution for the next fiscal year		$ 44
Other Pension Plan, Postretirement or Supplemental Plans [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Change in accounting estimate, effect of change on operating results		25
Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Trust-owned life insurance fair value		$ 182	$ 189
Equity Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations		67.00%	67.00%
Debt Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations		33.00%	33.00%
Debt Securities | Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations		23.00%	25.00%
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations		2.00%	2.00%
[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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
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	$ 42	$ 44
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Share-based Compensation Cost, Amount	17	0	0
Tax benefits associated with compensation costs	$ 31	$ 13	$ 14
Stock options granted	996,610
Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted	$ 70.38
Dividend yield for period dividend equivalents paid		0.00%	0.00%
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding	$ 197
Weighted average remaining contractual term of options outstanding	6 years
Number of shares exercisable	3,195,174
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable	$ 136
Exercisable weighted average exercise price	$ 65.50
Weighted average remaining contractual term of options exercisable	4 years 4 months 24 days
Related tax benefits realized	$ 13	$ 7	$ 26
LTIP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares available for grant	104,125,000
LTIP dividend equivalent payment, in years	4 years
Stock options granted	694,290	643,890	515,240
Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted	$ 70.40	$ 101.86	$ 94.17
Grant price of options granted	$ 19.92	$ 30.35	$ 29.87
Dividend yield for period dividend equivalents paid	0.00%
Vesting period	4 years	4 years	4 years
Performance Share Units (PSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation related to stock options granted	$ 4
Unrecognized compensation, weighted average period of recognition	1 year 9 months 18 days
Units other than stock options granted	1,042,628	413,770	399,530
Grant-date fair value of units granted	$ 52.75	$ 71.66	$ 72.24
Shares vested	406,038
Shares issued net of withholding taxes	241,757
Related tax benefits realized	$ 3	$ 3	$ 5
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation related to stock options granted	$ 7
Unrecognized compensation, weighted average period of recognition	3 years 1 month 6 days
Units other than stock options granted	136,250	101,470	113,505
Grant-date fair value of units granted	$ 70.44	$ 104.23	$ 94.17
Shares vested	175,500
Vesting period	5 years	5 years	5 years
Shares issued net of withholding taxes	103,936
Related tax benefits realized	$ 1	$ 4	$ 6
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	302,320	181,320	181,070
Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted	$ 70.32	$ 104.23	$ 94.17
Grant price of options granted	$ 14.75	$ 24.71	$ 24.38
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	996,610	825,210	696,310
Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted	$ 70.38	$ 102.38	$ 94.17
Dividend yield for period dividend equivalents paid	3.37%	2.27%	2.29%
Unrecognized compensation related to stock options granted	$ 10
Unrecognized compensation, weighted average period of recognition	2 years 2 months 12 days

Stock-Based Compensation (Sched

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Assumptions Used For LTIP And TSOP Grants) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Average expected volatility rate	27.00%	25.00%	25.00%
Average risk-free interest rate	2.00%	1.83%	2.79%
Stock options granted	996,610
LTIP And TSOP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted	996,610	825,210	696,310
TSOP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant price of options granted	$ 14.75	$ 24.71	$ 24.38
Average expected option term, in years	8 years 7 months 6 days	9 years 1 month 6 days	8 years 9 months 18 days
Stock options granted	302,320	181,320	181,070
LTIP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Grant price of options granted	$ 19.92	$ 30.35	$ 29.87
Average expected option term, in years	8 years 10 months 24 days	9 years 3 months 18 days	8 years 10 months 24 days
Stock options granted	694,290	643,890	515,240

Stock-Based Compensation (Sch72

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Stock Option Activity) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at December 31, 2015	6,048,736
Granted	996,610
Exercised	(1,466,721)	(589,081)	(2,009,461)
Forfeited	(24,571)
Outstanding at December 31, 2016	5,554,054	6,048,736
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, 2015	$ 67.90
Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted	70.38
Weighted average exercise price of stock options exercised	51.65
Weighted average exercise price of stock options forfeited	82.74
Weighted average exercise price of stock options outstanding at December 31, 2016	$ 72.57	$ 67.90
Performance Share Units (PSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period	5,970
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Earned And Paid In Common Stock, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 69.83

Stock-Based Compensation (Summa

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Stock Options Exercised) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Options exercised	1,466,721	589,081	2,009,461
Total intrinsic value	$ 60	$ 27	$ 106
Cash received upon exercise	74	29	93
Related tax benefits realized	$ 13	$ 7	$ 26

Stock-Based Compensation (Sum74

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Stock Awards Outstanding) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
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, 2015	688,725
Granted	136,250	101,470	113,505
Vested	(175,500)
Forfeited	(3,830)
Balance at December 31, 2016	645,645	688,725
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, 2015	$ 78.14
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares granted	70.44	$ 104.23	$ 94.17
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares vested	62.75
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares forfeited	82.20
Weighted-average grant-date fair value at December 31, 2016	$ 80.68	$ 78.14
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, 2015	1,361,050
Granted	1,042,628	413,770	399,530
Vested	(406,038)
Unearned	(142,662)
Forfeited	(5,970)
Balance at December 31, 2016	1,849,008	1,361,050
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, 2015	$ 71.09
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares granted	52.75	$ 71.66	$ 72.24
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares earned - paid in Common Stock	69.83
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares unearned	69.83
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares forfeited	56.62
Weighted-average grant-date fair value at December 31, 2016	$ 61.17	$ 71.09

Stock-Based Compensation (Sch75

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Stock Available For Future Grants) (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
TSOP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Available for future grants	544,217	832,676	998,896
Shares of Common Stock issued	300,769	121,745	252,042
LTIP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Available for future grants	9,385,674	11,769,796	4,899,428
Shares of Common Stock issued	1,511,645	708,059	2,168,641

Stock-Based Compensation Stock-

Stock-Based Compensation Stock-Based Compensation (LTIP and TSOP Grants) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted	$ 70.38
Stock options granted	996,610
LTIP And TSOP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted	$ 70.38	$ 102.38	$ 94.17
Stock options granted	996,610	825,210	696,310
LTIP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted	$ 70.40	$ 101.86	$ 94.17
Stock options granted	694,290	643,890	515,240
TSOP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted	$ 70.32	$ 104.23	$ 94.17
Stock options granted	302,320	181,320	181,070

Stockholders' Equity Stockholde

Stockholders' Equity Stockholder's Equity Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
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, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications, net of tax		$ (59)	$ (72)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning of period		(487)	(445)	$ (398)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax		17	25
Pensions And Other Postretirement Liabilities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Pensions and other postretirement liabilities, end of year		(414)	(367)	(320)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications, net of tax		(64)	(72)
Pensions and other postretirement liabilities, reclassification adjustments	[1]	17	25
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Equity Investees [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications, net of tax		5	0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning of period		(73)	(78)	$ (78)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax		$ 0	$ 0
[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, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications, net of tax	$ (59)	$ (72)
Other comprehensive (income) loss, pension and other postretirement benefit plans, adjustment, before tax	(74)	(76)	$ (15)
Other comprehensive loss, before tax	(69)	(76)	(23)
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax	27	29	6
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(42)	(47)	(17)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Equity Investees [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications, net of tax	5	0
Other comprehensive loss, before tax	5	0	(8)
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax	0		1
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	5		(7)
Pensions And Other Postretirement Liabilities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications, before tax	(101)	(117)	(50)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, tax	37	45	19
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications, net of tax	(64)	(72)	(31)
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income, before tax	27	41	35
Reclassification from AOCI, tax	(10)	(16)	(14)
Pensions and other postretirement liabilities, reclassification adjustments	17	$ 25	21
Other comprehensive (income) loss, pension and other postretirement benefit plans, adjustment, before tax	(74)		(15)
Other comprehensive (income) loss, pension and other postretirement benefit plans, tax	27		5
Other comprehensive (income) loss, pension and other postretirement benefit plans, adjustment, net of tax	$ (47)		$ (10)

Stock Repurchase Program (Detai

Stock Repurchase Program (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Aug. 01, 2012
Stock Repurchase Program [Abstract]
Stock repurchased and retired during period, shares	9.2	11.3	3.1
Stock repurchased and retired during period, cost	$ 803	$ 1,075	$ 318
New stock repurchase program				50
Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	14.7
Stock repurchased and retired since beginning of stock repurchase program in 2006, shares	160.3
Stock repurchased and retired since beginning of stock repurchase program in 2006, cost	$ 10,300

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, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Net income	$ 416	$ 460	$ 405	$ 387	$ 361	$ 452	$ 433	$ 310	$ 1,668	$ 1,556	$ 2,000
Dividend equivalent payments, Basic									(5)	(6)	(6)
Dividend equivalent payments, Diluted									(4)	(5)	(4)
Income available to common stockholder's, Basic									1,663	1,550	1,994
Income available to common stockholder's, Diluted									$ 1,664	$ 1,551	$ 1,996
Weighted-average shares outstanding, Basic									293.9	301.9	309.4
Dilutive effect of outstanding options and share-settled awards									2.1	2.5	3.1
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding, Diluted									296	304.4	312.5
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 1.43	$ 1.56	$ 1.37	$ 1.30	$ 1.21	$ 1.50	$ 1.43	$ 1.01	$ 5.66	$ 5.13	$ 6.44
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 1.42	$ 1.55	$ 1.36	$ 1.29	$ 1.20	$ 1.49	$ 1.41	$ 1	$ 5.62	$ 5.10	$ 6.39

Earnings Per Share Antidilutive

Earnings Per Share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of EPS (Details) - shares shares in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount	0.7	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.5	1.5	0.7	0	0	0	0	0.7

Commitments And Contingencies (

Commitments And Contingencies (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)location	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)location	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Environmental liability	$ 67,000,000	$ 69,000,000
Current environmental liability	$ 15,000,000	$ 15,000,000
Known cleanup and remediation locations and projects | location	134	145
Number of sites - representative sample | location	18
Liability associated with those sites	$ 46,000,000
Environmental locations representative sample liability payout period, in years	5 years
Environmental expense	$ 31,000,000	$ 40,000,000	$ 45,000,000
Responsible locations with another party | location	10
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 for bodily injury and property damage to third parties above, for specific perils	1,500,000,000
Self-insured NS owned property - up to	25,000,000
Self-insured NS owned property - and above, per occurrence	200,000,000
Purchase commitments	$ 1,300,000,000

Quarterly Financial Data (Detai

Quarterly Financial Data (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Railway operating revenues	$ 2,490	$ 2,524	$ 2,454	$ 2,420	$ 2,518	$ 2,713	$ 2,713	$ 2,567	$ 9,888	$ 10,511	$ 11,624
Income from railway operations	761	820	770	723	642	822	814	606	3,074	2,884	3,575
Net income	$ 416	$ 460	$ 405	$ 387	$ 361	$ 452	$ 433	$ 310	$ 1,668	$ 1,556	$ 2,000
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$ 1.43	$ 1.56	$ 1.37	$ 1.30	$ 1.21	$ 1.50	$ 1.43	$ 1.01	$ 5.66	$ 5.13	$ 6.44
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$ 1.42	$ 1.55	$ 1.36	$ 1.29	$ 1.20	$ 1.49	$ 1.41	$ 1	$ 5.62	$ 5.10	$ 6.39

Schedule II - Valuation And Q85

Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation Allowance (Included Net In Deferred Tax Liability) For Deferred Tax Assets
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		$ 35	$ 33	$ 32
Expenses		4	2	1
Other Accounts		0	0	0
Deductions		0	0	0
Ending Balance		39	35	33
Casualty And Other Claims Included In Other Liabilities
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		191	199	214
Expenses	[1]	68	66	71
Other Accounts		0	0	0
Deductions	[2]	81	74	86
Ending Balance		178	191	199
Current Portion Of Casualty And Other Claims Included In Accounts Payable
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		174	187	166
Expenses		25	19	19
Other Accounts	[3]	101	119	132
Deductions	[4]	108	151	130
Ending Balance		$ 192	$ 174	$ 187
[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.