Norfolk Southern (NSC) 10-K 8 Feb 19 2018 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Jan. 31, 2019	Jun. 30, 2018
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, 2018
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		267,455,326
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 42,224,842,213

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Statement [Abstract]
Railway operating revenues	$ 11,458	$ 10,551	$ 9,888
Railway operating expenses:
Compensation and benefits	2,925	2,979	2,808
Purchased services and rents	1,730	1,414	1,548
Fuel	1,087	840	698
Depreciation	1,102	1,055	1,026
Materials and other	655	741	799
Total railway operating expenses	7,499	7,029	6,879
Income from railway operations	3,959	3,522	3,009
Other income – net	67	156	136
Interest expense on debt	557	550	563
Income before income taxes	3,469	3,128	2,582
Income taxes	803	(2,276)	914
Net income	$ 2,666	$ 5,404	$ 1,668
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 9.58	$ 18.76	$ 5.66
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 9.51	$ 18.61	$ 5.62

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Net income	$ 702	$ 702	$ 710	$ 552	$ 3,968	$ 506	$ 497	$ 433	$ 2,666	$ 5,404	$ 1,668
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Pension and other postretirement benefits									(148)	155	(74)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax									(157)	174	(69)
Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)									38	(43)	27
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									(119)	131	(42)
Total comprehensive income									2,547	5,535	1,626
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Equity Investees
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax									(9)	19	5
Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive income (loss)									1	(2)	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax									$ (8)	$ 17	$ 5

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 358	$ 690
Accounts receivable – net	1,009	955
Materials and supplies	207	222
Other current assets	288	282
Total current assets	1,862	2,149
Investments	3,109	2,981
Properties less accumulated depreciation of $12,374 and $11,909 respectively	31,091	30,330
Other assets	177	251
Total assets	36,239	35,711
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Accounts payable	1,505	1,401
Short-term debt	0	100
Income and other taxes	255	211
Other current liabilities	246	233
Current maturities of long-term debt	585	600
Total current liabilities	2,591	2,545
Long-term debt	10,560	9,136
Other liabilities	1,266	1,347
Deferred income taxes	6,460	6,324
Total liabilities	20,877	19,352
Stockholders’ equity:
Common stock $1.00 per share par value, 1,350,000,000 shares authorized; outstanding 268,098,472 and 284,157,187 shares, respectively, net of treasury shares	269	285
Additional paid-in capital	2,216	2,254
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(563)	(356)
Retained income	13,440	14,176
Total stockholders’ equity	15,362	16,359
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 36,239	$ 35,711

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Properties, accumulated depreciation	$ 12,374	$ 11,909
Common stock, par or stated value per share (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	1,350,000,000	1,350,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding, net of treasury shares (in shares)	268,098,472	284,157,187

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 2,666	$ 5,404	$ 1,668
Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	1,104	1,059	1,030
Deferred income taxes	173	(2,859)	227
Gains and losses on properties	(171)	(92)	(46)
Changes in assets and liabilities affecting operations:
Accounts receivable	(70)	(41)	23
Materials and supplies	15	35	42
Other current assets	(46)	(71)	82
Current liabilities other than debt	223	135	158
Other – net	(168)	(317)	(150)
Net cash provided by operating activities	3,726	3,253	3,034
Cash flows from investing activities:
Property additions	(1,951)	(1,723)	(1,887)
Property sales and other transactions	204	202	130
Investment purchases	(10)	(7)	(123)
Investment sales and other transactions	99	47	48
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,658)	(1,481)	(1,832)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends	(844)	(703)	(695)
Common Stock transactions	40	89	57
Purchase and retirement of Common Stock	(2,781)	(1,012)	(803)
Proceeds from borrowings – net of issuance costs	2,023	290	694
Debt repayments	(750)	(702)	(600)
Net cash used in financing activities	(2,312)	(2,038)	(1,347)
Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash	(244)	(266)	(145)
Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash:
At beginning of year	690	956	1,101
At end of year	446	690	956
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest (net of amounts capitalized)	496	528	543
Income taxes (net of refunds)	$ 519	$ 705	$ 593

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, 2015	$ 12,188	$ 299	$ 2,143	$ (445)	$ 10,191
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	1,668				1,668
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(42)			(42)
Total comprehensive income	1,626
Dividends on Common Stock ($2.36, $2.44 and $3.04 for years ended 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively)	(695)				(695)
Share repurchases	(803)	(9)	(63)		(731)
Stock-based compensation	95	2	99		(6)
Other	(2)				(2)
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	12,409	292	2,179	(487)	10,425
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	5,404				5,404
Other comprehensive income (loss)	131			131
Total comprehensive income	5,535
Dividends on Common Stock ($2.36, $2.44 and $3.04 for years ended 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively)	(703)				(703)
Share repurchases	(1,012)	(8)	(59)		(945)
Stock-based compensation	130	1	134		(5)
Reclassification of stranded tax effect	0
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	16,359	285	2,254	(356)	14,176
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	2,666				2,666
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(119)			(119)
Total comprehensive income	2,547
Dividends on Common Stock ($2.36, $2.44 and $3.04 for years ended 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively)	(844)				(844)
Share repurchases	(2,781)	(17)	(125)		(2,639)
Stock-based compensation	81	1	87		(7)
Reclassification of stranded tax effect	(88)			(88)	88
Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	$ 15,362	$ 269	$ 2,216	$ (563)	$ 13,440

Consolidated Statements of Ch_2

Consolidated Statements of Changes In Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Common stock, dividends, per share, declared (in dollars per share)	$ 3.04	$ 2.44	$ 2.36

Summary Of Significant Accounti

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Description of Business Norfolk Southern Corporation is a Virginia-based holding company engaged principally in the rail transportation business, operating approximately 19,500 route miles 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 2018 ): intermodal ( 25% ); coal ( 16% ); chemicals ( 16% ); agriculture, consumer products, and government ( 14% ); metals and construction ( 13% ); automotive ( 9% ); and, paper, clay, and 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 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. Certain of our contract 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 expectation of future activity. Switching, demurrage and other incidental service revenues are recognized at a point in time when the services are performed or as contractual obligations are met. 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 $7 million at both December 31, 2018 and 2017 . 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 net realizable value. The cost of materials and supplies expected to be used in property additions or improvements is included in “Properties.” Investments Investments in entities over which we have the ability to exercise significant influence 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. “Depreciation” in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows includes both depreciation and depletion on operating and nonoperating properties. 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 composite depreciation rate for rail in high density corridors is derived based on consideration of annual gross tons 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 the 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 (curved or straight). 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 the 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” 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. New Accounting Pronouncements The FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers, ” and related amendments, which are jointly referred to as Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 606. This standard replaced most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP and requires entities to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. A performance obligation is defined as a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. We adopted the provisions of this standard on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method. There was no cumulative effect of initially applying the standard, nor is there any material difference in revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018 , as compared with GAAP that was in effect prior to January 1, 2018. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, “ Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost .” This update requires segregation of net benefit costs between operating and nonoperating expenses and requires retrospective application. We adopted the standard on January 1, 2018. Under the new standard, only the service cost component of defined benefit pension cost and postretirement benefit cost are reported within “Compensation and benefits” and all other components of net benefit cost are presented in “Other income – net” on the Consolidated Statements of Income, whereas under the previous standard all components were included in “Compensation and benefits.” The retrospective application resulted in an increase to “Compensation and benefits” expense and an offsetting increase to “Other income – net” on the Consolidated Statements of Income of $64 million and $65 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, with no impact on “Net income.” In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, “ Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” This update is intended to reclassify the stranded tax effects resulting from tax reform from accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) to retained earnings. The amount of the reclassification is the difference between the amount initially charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income at the previously enacted U.S. federal corporate income tax rate that remains in AOCI and the amount that would have been charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income using the newly enacted U.S. federal corporate income tax rate. In the first quarter of 2018, we adopted the provisions of ASU 2018-02 resulting in an increase to “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” of $88 million and a corresponding increase to “Retained income,” with no impact on “Total stockholders’ equity.” In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “ Leases (Topic 842) ,” and subsequent amendments, which replaced existing lease guidance in GAAP and requires lessees to recognize right-of-use (ROU) assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for leases greater than twelve months and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. We adopted the standard on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective method and used the effective date as our date of initial application. Financial information will not be updated and the disclosures required under the new standard will not be provided for dates and periods before January 1, 2019. The new standard provides a number of optional practical expedients for transition. We elected the package of practical expedients under the transition guidance which permits us not to reassess under the new standards our prior conclusions for lease identification and lease classification on expired or existing contracts and whether initial direct costs previously capitalized would qualify for capitalization under ASC 842. We also elected the practical expedient related to land easements, allowing us to not reasses our current accounting treatment for existing agreements on land easements, which are not accounted for as leases. We did not elect the hindsight practical expedient to determine the reasonably certain lease term for existing leases. The new standard also provides practical expedients and recognition exemptions for an entity’s ongoing accounting policy elections. We elected the short-term lease recognition exemption for all leases that qualify. This means, for those leases that qualify, we will not recognize ROU assets or lease liabilities. We also elected the practical expedient not to separate lease and non-lease components for all of our leases. We expect that adoption of the standard will result in recognition of lease liabilities of approximately $600 million as of January 1, 2019, with corresponding ROU assets of the same amount based on the present value of the remaining minimum rental payments under current leasing standards for existing operating leases. There will be no adjustment to “Retained income” on adoption. 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. We will not adopt the standard early.

Railway Operating Revenues

Railway Operating Revenues	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Railway Operating Revenues	Railway Operating Revenues The following table disaggregates our revenues by commodity group: 2018 ($ in millions) Merchandise: Chemicals $ 1,808 Agriculture, consumer products, and government 1,674 Metals and construction 1,462 Automotive 991 Paper, clay, and forest products 809 Merchandise 6,744 Intermodal 2,893 Coal 1,821 Total $ 11,458 A performance obligation is created when a customer under a transportation contract or public tariff submits a bill of lading to NS for the transport of goods. These performance obligations are satisfied as the shipments move from origin to destination. As such, transportation revenue is recognized proportionally as a shipment moves, and related expenses are recognized as incurred. These performance obligations are generally short-term in nature with transit days averaging approximately one week or less for each commodity group. The customer has an unconditional obligation to pay for the service once the service has been completed. Estimated revenue associated with in-process shipments at period-end is recorded based on the estimated percentage of service completed to total transit days. We had no material remaining performance obligations as of December 31, 2018 . Under the typical payment terms of our freight contracts, payment for services is due within fifteen days of billing the customer, thus there are no significant financing components. “Accounts receivable – net” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets includes both customer and non-customer receivables as follows: December 31, 2018 2017 ($ in millions) Customer $ 740 $ 703 Non-customer 269 252 Accounts receivable – net $ 1,009 $ 955 Non-customer receivables include non-revenue-related amounts due from other railroads, governmental entities, and others. “Other assets” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets includes non-current customer receivables of $55 million and $39 million at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. We do not have any material contract assets or liabilities. Certain of our contracts contain refunds (which are primarily volume-based incentives) that are recorded as a reduction to revenue. Refunds are recorded on the basis of management’s best estimate of projected liability, which is based on historical activity, current shipment counts and expectation of future activity. Certain accessorial services may be provided to customers under their transportation contracts such as switching, demurrage and other incidental service revenues. These are distinct performance obligations that are recognized at a point in time when the services are performed or as contractual obligations are met. This revenue is included within each of the commodity groups and represents approximately 4% of total “Railway operating revenues” on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Other Income - Net

Other Income - Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Income - Net	Other Income – Net 2018 2017 2016 ($ in millions) Net pension and other postretirement benefit cost (Note 12) $ 61 $ 64 $ 65 Rental income 5 87 93 External advisor costs — — (20 ) Other 1 5 (2 ) Total $ 67 $ 156 $ 136

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Tax reform, enacted in 2017, lowered the Federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and made numerous other tax law changes. GAAP requires companies to recognize the effect of tax law changes in the period of enactment. As a result, in 2017 , “Purchased services and rents” included a $151 million benefit for earnings generated from reductions to net deferred tax liabilities at certain equity investees and “Income taxes” included a $3,331 million benefit primarily due to the remeasurement of our net deferred tax liabilities to reflect the lower rate. In 2017 , reasonable estimates were made based on our analysis of tax reform that could have required provisional amounts to be adjusted when additional information was obtained. No material adjustments to our provisional amounts were made in 2018 . 2018 2017 2016 ($ in millions) Current: Federal $ 499 $ 500 $ 612 State 131 83 75 Total current taxes 630 583 687 Deferred: Federal 156 (2,924 ) 206 State 17 65 21 Total deferred taxes 173 (2,859 ) 227 Income taxes $ 803 $ (2,276 ) $ 914 Reconciliation of Statutory Rate to Effective Rate “Income taxes” on the Consolidated Statements of Income differs from the amounts computed by applying the statutory federal corporate tax rate as follows: 2018 2017 2016 Amount % Amount % Amount % ($ in millions) Federal income tax at statutory rate $ 728 21.0 $ 1,095 35.0 $ 904 35.0 State income taxes, net of federal tax effect 120 3.5 88 2.8 70 2.8 Equity in earnings related to tax reform — — (38 ) (1.2 ) — — Tax reform — — (3,331 ) (106.5 ) — — Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation (22 ) (0.7 ) (39 ) (1.2 ) (17 ) (0.7 ) Other, net (23 ) (0.7 ) (51 ) (1.7 ) (43 ) (1.7 ) Income taxes $ 803 23.1 $ (2,276 ) (72.8 ) $ 914 35.4 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, 2018 2017 ($ in millions) Deferred tax assets: Compensation and benefits, including postretirement benefits $ 284 $ 235 Accruals, including casualty and other claims 69 64 Other 72 67 Total gross deferred tax assets 425 366 Less valuation allowance (50 ) (44 ) Net deferred tax assets 375 322 Deferred tax liabilities: Property (6,422 ) (6,212 ) Other (413 ) (434 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (6,835 ) (6,646 ) Deferred income taxes $ (6,460 ) $ (6,324 ) 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 $6 million in 2018 , $5 million in 2017 , and $4 million in 2016 . Uncertain Tax Positions A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: December 31, 2018 2017 ($ in millions) Balance at beginning of year $ 17 $ 27 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 5 4 Additions for tax positions of prior years — 2 Reductions for tax positions of prior years — (2 ) Settlements with taxing authorities — (11 ) Lapse of statutes of limitations (1 ) (3 ) Balance at end of year $ 21 $ 17 Included in the balance of unrecognized tax benefits at December 31, 2018 are potential benefits of $17 million that would affect the effective tax rate if recognized. Unrecognized tax benefits are adjusted in the period in which new information about a tax position becomes available or the final outcome differs from the amount recorded. The statute of limitations on IRS examinations has expired for all years prior to 2015. We have amended our 2012 income tax return to request a refund of $46 million , which is not included in the above balance of unrecognized tax benefits. 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 Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements FASB 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. Fair Values of Financial Instruments The fair values of “Cash and cash equivalents,” “Accounts receivable – net,” “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. There are no other assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2018 or 2017 . The carrying amounts and estimated fair values, based on Level 1 inputs, of long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31: 2018 2017 Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value ($ in millions) Long-term debt, including current maturities $ (11,145 ) $ (12,203 ) $ (9,736 ) $ (11,771 )

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	Investments December 31, 2018 2017 ($ in millions) Long-term investments: Equity method investments: Conrail Inc. $ 1,337 $ 1,293 TTX Company 692 629 Meridian Speedway LLC 271 272 Pan Am Southern LLC 155 154 Other 77 77 Total equity method investments 2,532 2,425 Corporate-owned life insurance at net cash surrender value 556 530 Other investments 21 26 Total long-term investments $ 3,109 $ 2,981 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, 2018 , based on the funded status of Conrail’s pension plans, we decreased our proportional investment in Conrail by $11 million . This resulted in a loss of $10 million recorded to “Other comprehensive loss” and a combined federal and state deferred tax asset of $1 million . At December 31, 2017 , based on the funded status of Conrail’s pension plans, we increased our proportional investment in Conrail by $19 million . This resulted in income of $17 million recorded to “Other comprehensive income” and a combined federal and state deferred tax liability of $2 million . At December 31, 2018 , the difference between our investment in Conrail and our share of Conrail’s underlying net equity was $511 million . Our equity in the earnings of Conrail, net of amortization, included in “Purchased services and rents” was $55 million for 2018 , $75 million for 2017 (including $33 million related to the enactment of tax reform – see Note 4), and $47 million for 2016 . Equity in earnings are included in the “Other – net” line item within operating activities in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. 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 $150 million in 2018 , $141 million in 2017 , and $151 million in 2016 . Future payments for access fees due to CRC under the Shared Assets Areas agreements are as follows: $38 million in each of 2019 through 2023 and $16 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 $7 million annually. “Accounts payable” includes $202 million at December 31, 2018 , and $146 million at December 31, 2017 , due to Conrail for the operation of the Shared Assets Areas. “Other liabilities” includes $280 million at both December 31, 2018 and 2017 for long-term advances from Conrail, maturing in 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 $262 million , $237 million , and $229 million of expense, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 . Our equity in the earnings of TTX, also included in “Purchased services and rents,” totaled $61 million for 2018 , $158 million (including $115 million related to the enactment of tax reform – see Note 4) for 2017 , and $26 million for 2016 .

Properties

Properties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Properties	Properties Accumulated Net Book Depreciation December 31, 2018 Cost Depreciation Value Rate (1) ($ in millions) Land $ 2,337 $ — $ 2,337 — Roadway: Rail and other track material 6,888 (1,951 ) 4,937 2.29 % Ties 5,346 (1,448 ) 3,898 3.36 % Ballast 2,759 (676 ) 2,083 2.70 % Construction in process 442 — 442 — Other roadway 14,072 (3,737 ) 10,335 2.64 % Total roadway 29,507 (7,812 ) 21,695 Equipment: Locomotives 5,870 (2,262 ) 3,608 3.77 % Freight cars 3,183 (1,288 ) 1,895 2.47 % Computers and software 623 (365 ) 258 10.65 % Construction in process 437 — 437 — Other equipment 1,071 (380 ) 691 4.94 % Total equipment 11,184 (4,295 ) 6,889 Other property 437 (267 ) 170 0.78 % Total properties $ 43,465 $ (12,374 ) $ 31,091 Accumulated Net Book Depreciation December 31, 2017 Cost Depreciation Value Rate (1) ($ in millions) Land $ 2,342 $ — $ 2,342 — Roadway: Rail and other track material 6,730 (1,961 ) 4,769 2.28 % Ties 5,181 (1,374 ) 3,807 3.37 % Ballast 2,654 (624 ) 2,030 2.71 % Construction in process 447 — 447 — Other roadway 13,636 (3,523 ) 10,113 2.59 % Total roadway 28,648 (7,482 ) 21,166 Equipment: Locomotives 5,658 (2,158 ) 3,500 3.77 % Freight cars 3,256 (1,286 ) 1,970 2.48 % Computers and software 610 (334 ) 276 10.61 % Construction in process 247 — 247 — Other equipment 1,004 (366 ) 638 5.06 % Total equipment 10,775 (4,144 ) 6,631 Other property 474 (283 ) 191 0.77 % Total properties $ 42,239 $ (11,909 ) $ 30,330 (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, 2018 and 2017 , with accumulated depletion of $200 million at both dates. Capitalized Interest Total interest cost incurred on debt was $574 million in 2018 , $570 million in 2017 , and $583 million in 2016 , of which $17 million in 2018 and $20 million in both 2017 and 2016 was capitalized.

Current Liabilities

Current Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Current Liabilities	Current Liabilities December 31, 2018 2017 ($ in millions) Accounts payable: Accounts and wages payable $ 828 $ 822 Casualty and other claims (Note 17) 213 187 Due to Conrail (Note 6) 202 146 Vacation liability 140 133 Other 122 113 Total $ 1,505 $ 1,401 Other current liabilities: Interest payable $ 139 $ 115 Pension benefit obligations (Note 12) 18 17 Other 89 101 Total $ 246 $ 233

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt Debt with weighted average interest rates and maturities is presented below: December 31, 2018 2017 ($ in millions) Notes and debentures: 4.68% maturing to 2023 $ 2,682 $ 3,282 4.57% maturing 2024 to 2031 3,065 2,365 4.49% maturing 2037 to 2052 5,104 4,404 5.90% maturing 2097 to 2118 1,131 531 Securitization borrowings and capital leases 2 102 Discounts, premiums, and debt issuance costs (839 ) (848 ) Total debt 11,145 9,836 Less current maturities and short-term debt (585 ) (700 ) Long-term debt excluding current maturities and short-term debt $ 10,560 $ 9,136 Long-term debt maturities subsequent to 2019 are as follows: 2020 $ 314 2021 584 2022 600 2023 600 2024 and subsequent years 8,462 Total $ 10,560 In February of 2018, we issued $500 million of 4.15% senior notes due 2048 . In August of 2018, we issued $300 million of 3.65% senior notes due 2025 , $400 million of 3.80% senior notes due 2028 , $200 million of 4.15% senior notes due 2048 , and $600 million of 5.10% senior notes due 2118 . In June of 2018, we renewed our accounts receivable securitization program for a 364 -day term expiring in May 2019 . We also increased the program’s capacity from $350 million to $400 million . Under this facility 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 $50 million in 2018, and paid $150 million and $100 million during 2018 and 2017 , respectively. We had no amounts outstanding under this program at December 31, 2018 and $100 million (at an average variable interest rate of 3.21% ) at December 31, 2017 , which is included within “Short-term debt.” At December 31, 2018 and 2017 , the receivables included in “Accounts receivable – net” serving as collateral for these borrowings totaled $793 million and $751 million , respectively. Borrowings under this program are supported by our $750 million credit agreement. The “Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash” line item in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows includes restricted cash of $88 million at December 31, 2018 which reflects deposits held by a third-party bond agent as collateral for certain debt obligations maturing in 2019 . The restricted cash balance is included as part of “Other current assets” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Credit Agreement and Debt Covenants We have in place and available a $750 million , five -year credit agreement which expires in May 2021 and provides for borrowings at prevailing rates and includes covenants. We had no amounts outstanding under this facility at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , and we are in compliance with all of its covenants.

Lease Commitments

Lease Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Leases [Abstract]
Lease Commitments	Lease Commitments We are committed under long-term lease agreements for equipment, lines of road and other property. Future minimum lease payments and operating lease expense are as follows: Future Minimum Lease Payments Operating Leases ($ in millions) 2019 $ 101 2020 95 2021 88 2022 75 2023 69 2024 and subsequent years 267 Total $ 695 Operating Lease Expense 2018 2017 2016 ($ in millions) Minimum rents $ 102 $ 96 $ 97 Contingent rents 102 54 51 Total $ 204 $ 150 $ 148 Contingent rents are primarily comprised of usage-based payments for equipment under service contracts.

Other Liabilities

Other Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities	Other Liabilities December 31, 2018 2017 ($ in millions) Net other postretirement benefit obligations (Note 12) $ 308 $ 309 Long-term advances from Conrail (Note 6) 280 280 Net pension benefit obligations (Note 12) 278 296 Casualty and other claims (Note 17) 158 179 Deferred compensation 106 113 Other 136 170 Total $ 1,266 $ 1,347

Pensions And Other Postretireme

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits [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 2018 2017 2018 2017 ($ in millions) Change in benefit obligations: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 2,541 $ 2,420 $ 510 $ 528 Service cost 39 38 7 7 Interest cost 83 80 15 15 Actuarial losses (gains) (149 ) 143 (24 ) 6 Benefits paid (143 ) (140 ) (42 ) (46 ) Benefit obligation at end of year 2,371 2,541 466 510 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 2,373 2,073 201 182 Actual return on plan assets (143 ) 423 (19 ) 40 Employer contribution 18 17 18 25 Benefits paid (143 ) (140 ) (42 ) (46 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 2,105 2,373 158 201 Funded status at end of year $ (266 ) $ (168 ) $ (308 ) $ (309 ) Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets: Noncurrent assets $ 30 $ 145 $ — $ — Current liabilities (18 ) (17 ) — — Noncurrent liabilities (278 ) (296 ) (308 ) (309 ) Net amount recognized $ (266 ) $ (168 ) $ (308 ) $ (309 ) Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss (before tax): Net loss $ 895 $ 781 $ 21 $ 11 Prior service cost (benefit) 2 2 (259 ) (283 ) Our accumulated benefit obligation for our defined benefit pension plans is $2.2 billion and $2.3 billion at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. Our unfunded pension plans, included above, which in all cases have no assets, had projected benefit obligations of $296 million and $313 million at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively, and had accumulated benefit obligations of $263 million and $267 million at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Cost Components 2018 2017 2016 ($ in millions) Pension benefits: Service cost $ 39 $ 38 $ 36 Interest cost 83 80 82 Expected return on plan assets (177 ) (172 ) (173 ) Amortization of net losses 57 51 51 Amortization of prior service cost — 1 — Net cost (benefit) $ 2 $ (2 ) $ (4 ) Other postretirement benefits: Service cost $ 7 $ 7 $ 7 Interest cost 15 15 16 Expected return on plan assets (15 ) (15 ) (17 ) Amortization of prior service benefit (24 ) (24 ) (24 ) Net benefit $ (17 ) $ (17 ) $ (18 ) Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income 2018 Pension Other ($ in millions) Net loss arising during the year $ 171 $ 10 Amortization of net losses (57 ) — Amortization of prior service benefit — 24 Total recognized in other comprehensive income $ 114 $ 34 Total recognized in net periodic cost and other comprehensive income $ 116 $ 17 Net actuarial losses arising during the year for pension and other postretirement benefits were due primarily to lower actual returns on plan assets, partially offset by an increase in discount rates. The estimated net losses for the pension plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic cost over the next year are $44 million . The estimated prior service benefit for the other postretirement benefit plans that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit over the next year is $24 million . Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Assumptions Costs for pension and other postretirement benefits are determined based on actuarial valuations that reflect appropriate assumptions as of the measurement date, ordinarily the beginning of each year. The funded status of the plans is determined using appropriate assumptions as of each year end. A summary of the major assumptions follows: 2018 2017 2016 Pension funded status: Discount rate 4.33 % 3.74 % 4.05 % Future salary increases 4.21 % 4.21 % 4.21 % Other postretirement benefits funded status: Discount rate 4.18 % 3.57 % 3.83 % Pension cost: Discount rate - service cost 4.01 % 4.31 % 4.64 % Discount rate - interest cost 3.33 % 3.43 % 3.51 % Return on assets in plans 8.25 % 8.25 % 8.25 % Future salary increases 4.21 % 4.21 % 4.50 % Other postretirement benefits cost: Discount rate - service cost 3.83 % 4.17 % 4.36 % Discount rate - interest cost 3.13 % 3.14 % 3.15 % Return on assets in plans 8.00 % 8.00 % 8.00 % Health care trend rate 6.30 % 6.56 % 6.30 % 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. We use a spot rate approach to estimate the service cost and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost for our pension and other postretirement benefit plans. Health Care Cost Trend Assumptions For measurement purposes at December 31, 2018 , increases in the per capita cost of pre-Medicare covered health care benefits were assumed to be 6.5% for 2019 . It is assumed the rate will decrease gradually to an ultimate rate of 5.0% for 2025 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 9 (8 ) Asset Management Eleven 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. Fixed income investments must consist predominantly of securities rated investment grade or higher. Equity investments must be in liquid securities listed on national exchanges. No investment is permitted in our securities (except through commingled pension trust funds). Our pension plans’ weighted average asset allocations, by asset category, were as follows: Percentage of plan assets at December 31, 2018 2017 Domestic equity securities 49 % 49 % International equity securities 23 % 25 % Debt securities 25 % 24 % Cash and cash equivalents 3 % 2 % Total 100 % 100 % The other postretirement benefit plan assets consist primarily of trust-owned variable life insurance policies with an asset allocation at December 31, 2018 of 64% in equity securities and 36% in debt securities compared with 67% in equity securities and 33% in debt securities at December 31, 2017 . 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 2019 , 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: The readily determinable fair value is based on the published fair value per unit of the trusts. The common collective trusts hold equity securities, fixed income securities and cash and cash equivalents. Fixed income securities: Valued based on quotes received from independent pricing services or at an estimated price at which a dealer would pay for a security at year end using observable market-based inputs. Commingled funds: The readily determinable fair value is based on the published fair value per unit of the funds. The commingled funds hold equity securities. Cash and cash equivalents: 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. 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, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Total ($ in millions) Common stock $ 1,106 $ — $ 1,106 Common collective trusts: International equity securities — 314 314 Debt securities — 287 287 Fixed income securities: Corporate bonds — 83 83 Government and agencies securities — 89 89 Mortgage and other asset-backed securities — 62 62 Commingled funds — 92 92 Cash and cash equivalents 72 — 72 Total investments $ 1,178 $ 927 $ 2,105 December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Total ($ in millions) Common stock $ 1,154 $ — $ 1,154 Common collective trusts: International equity securities — 397 397 Debt securities — 562 562 Fixed income securities: Government and agencies securities — 4 4 Commingled funds — 233 233 Cash and cash equivalents 23 — 23 Total investments $ 1,177 $ 1,196 $ 2,373 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 on readily determinable fair values. The other postretirement benefit plan assets consisted of trust-owned life insurance with fair values of $158 million and $201 million at December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , respectively, and are valued under level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. There were no level 1 or level 3 valued assets. Contributions and Estimated Future Benefit Payments In 2019 , we expect to contribute approximately $18 million to our unfunded pension plans for payments to pensioners and approximately $41 million to our other postretirement benefit plans for retiree health and death benefits. We do not expect to contribute to our funded pension plan in 2019 . Benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid as follows: Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits ($ in millions) 2019 $ 142 $ 41 2020 143 40 2021 144 38 2022 145 37 2023 146 36 Years 2024 – 2028 733 165 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 $35 million in 2018 , $44 million in 2017 , and $37 million in 2016 . 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 $23 million in both 2018 and 2017 and $21 million in 2016 .

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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, of which 8,644,108 remain available for future grants as of December 31, 2018 . 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, we have no further obligation to make any dividend equivalent payments unless employment of the participant is terminated as a result of qualifying retirement or disability. Should an employee terminate employment, they are not required to forfeit dividend equivalent payments already received. Outstanding PSUs do not receive dividend equivalent payments. The Committee granted stock options, RSUs and PSUs pursuant to the LTIP and granted stock options pursuant to the TSOP for the last three years as follows: 2018 2017 2016 Granted Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Granted Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Granted Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Stock options: LTIP 40,960 $ 41.70 341,120 $ 37.73 694,290 $ 19.92 TSOP — — 144,440 31.33 302,320 14.75 Total 40,960 485,560 996,610 RSUs 217,290 148.37 83,330 120.16 136,250 70.44 PSUs 92,314 91.60 300,334 88.56 1,042,628 52.75 Beginning in 2018, recipients of certain RSUs and PSUs pursuant to the LTIP who retire prior to October 1st will forfeit awards received in the current year. Receipt of certain LTIP awards is contingent on the recipient having executed a non-compete agreement with the company. We account for our grants of stock options, RSUs, PSUs, and dividend equivalent payments in accordance with FASB 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. Compensation cost for the awards is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award. Related compensation costs and tax benefits during the year were: 2018 2017 2016 ($ in millions) Stock-based compensation expense $ 47 $ 45 $ 42 Total tax benefit 33 54 31 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. 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 2018 was measured on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes valuation model. The fair value of each option awarded in 2017 and 2016 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. For the 2018 grant year, historical exercise data is used to estimate the average expected option term. For the 2017 and 2016 grant years, the average expected option term 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 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , a dividend yield of 1.94% , 2.04% , and 3.37% , 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: 2018 2017 2016 Average expected volatility 24 % 26 % 27 % Average risk-free interest rate 2.55 % 2.51 % 2.00 % Average expected option term LTIP 7.2 years 8.6 years 8.9 years Average expected option term TSOP — 8.3 years 8.6 years A summary of changes in stock options is presented below: Stock Options Weighted Avg. Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2017 4,234,067 $ 83.17 Granted 40,960 149.58 Exercised (840,175 ) 72.08 Forfeited (15,208 ) 89.57 Outstanding at December 31, 2018 3,419,644 86.66 The aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding at December 31, 2018 was $215 million with a weighted average remaining contractual term of 5.7 years . Of these options outstanding, 1,908,864 were exercisable and had an aggregate intrinsic value of $175 million with a weighted average exercise price of $57.81 and a weighted average remaining contractual term of 3.0 years . The following table provides information related to options exercised for the last three years: 2018 2017 2016 ($ in millions) Options exercised 840,175 1,789,939 1,466,721 Total intrinsic value $ 72 $ 114 $ 60 Cash received upon exercise 58 104 74 Related tax benefits realized 16 35 13 At December 31, 2018 , total unrecognized compensation related to options granted under the LTIP and the TSOP was $5 million , and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.6 years . Restricted Stock Units RSUs granted in 2018 primarily have a four -year ratable restriction period and will be settled through the issuance of shares of Common Stock. RSUs granted in 2017 and 2016 have a five -year restriction period and will also be settled through the issuance of shares of Common Stock. Certain RSU grants include cash dividend equivalent payments during the restriction period in an amount equal to regular quarterly dividends paid on Common Stock. 2018 2017 2016 ($ in millions) RSUs vested 160,200 137,200 175,500 Common Stock issued net of tax withholding 99,968 81,318 103,936 Related tax benefit realized $ 3 $ 3 $ 1 A summary of changes in RSUs is presented below: RSUs Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value Nonvested at December 31, 2017 588,405 $ 87.40 Granted 217,290 148.37 Vested (160,200 ) 69.83 Forfeited (8,460 ) 143.24 Nonvested at December 31, 2018 637,035 111.87 At December 31, 2018 , total unrecognized compensation related to RSUs was $17 million , and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.9 years . Performance Share Units PSUs provide for awards based on the achievement of certain predetermined corporate performance goals at the end of a three-year cycle and are settled through the issuance of shares of Common Stock. All PSUs will earn out based on the achievement of performance conditions and some will also earn out based on a market condition. The market condition fair value was measured on the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation model. 2018 2017 2016 ($ in millions) PSUs earned 154,189 171,080 406,038 Common Stock issued net of tax withholding 94,399 99,805 241,757 Related tax benefit realized $ 3 $ 1 $ 3 A summary of changes in PSUs is presented below: PSUs Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value Balance at December 31, 2017 1,748,752 $ 63.36 Granted 92,314 91.60 Earned (154,189 ) 46.08 Unearned (256,981 ) 87.01 Forfeited (3,070 ) 77.26 Balance at December 31, 2018 1,426,826 62.77 At December 31, 2018 , total unrecognized compensation related to PSUs granted under the LTIP was $5 million , and is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.5 years . 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: 2018 2017 2016 Available for future grants: LTIP 8,644,108 8,774,768 9,385,674 TSOP 422,973 410,895 544,217 Issued: LTIP 820,746 1,679,547 1,511,645 TSOP 213,796 291,515 300,769

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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, 2018 and 2017 amounted to 20,320,777 , with a cost of $19 million at both dates. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The components of “Other comprehensive income (loss)” reported in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and changes in the cumulative balances of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following: Balance at Beginning of Year Net Income (Loss) Reclassification of Stranded Tax Effects Reclassification Adjustments Balance at End of Year ($ in millions) Year ended December 31, 2018 Pensions and other postretirement liabilities $ (300 ) $ (136 ) $ (86 ) $ 25 $ (497 ) Other comprehensive loss of equity investees (56 ) (8 ) (2 ) — (66 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (356 ) $ (144 ) $ (88 ) $ 25 $ (563 ) Year ended December 31, 2017 Pensions and other postretirement liabilities $ (414 ) $ 95 $ — $ 19 $ (300 ) Other comprehensive income of equity investees (73 ) 17 — — (56 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (487 ) $ 112 $ — $ 19 $ (356 ) The adoption of FASB ASU 2018-02 (see Note 1) resulted in an increase to “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” of $88 million and a corresponding increase to “Retained income,” with no impact on “Total stockholders’ equity.” Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) “Other comprehensive income (loss)” reported in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income consisted of the following: Pretax Amount Tax (Expense) Benefit Net-of-Tax Amount ($ in millions) Year ended December 31, 2018 Net gain (loss) arising during the year: Pensions and other postretirement benefits $ (181 ) $ 45 $ (136 ) Reclassification adjustments for costs included in net income 33 (8 ) 25 Subtotal (148 ) 37 (111 ) Other comprehensive loss of equity investees (9 ) 1 (8 ) Other comprehensive loss $ (157 ) $ 38 $ (119 ) Year ended December 31, 2017 Net gain arising during the year: Pensions and other postretirement benefits $ 127 $ (32 ) $ 95 Reclassification adjustments for costs included in net income 28 (9 ) 19 Subtotal 155 (41 ) 114 Other comprehensive income of equity investees 19 (2 ) 17 Other comprehensive income $ 174 $ (43 ) $ 131 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 )

Stock Repurchase Program

Stock Repurchase Program	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Stock Repurchase Program [Abstract]
Stock Repurchase Program	Stock Repurchase Programs We repurchased and retired 17.1 million ( 7.0 million shares under the ASR and 10.1 million shares under our ongoing open-market program), 8.2 million , and 9.2 million shares of Common Stock under our stock repurchase programs in 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 , respectively, at a cost of $2.8 billion , $1.0 billion , and $803 million , respectively. We entered into an ASR on August 2, 2018 with two financial institutions to repurchase Common Stock, at which time we made a payment of $1.2 billion to the financial institutions and received an initial delivery of 5.7 million shares valued at $960 million . In December 2018, the remaining balance was settled through the receipt of 1.3 million additional shares. On September 26, 2017, our Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional 50 million shares of Common Stock through December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2018 , 39.4 million shares remain authorized for repurchase. Since the beginning of 2006, we have repurchased and retired 185.6 million shares at a total cost of $14.1 billion .

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 ($ in millions except per share amounts, shares in millions) Net income $ 2,666 $ 5,404 $ 1,668 $ 2,666 $ 5,404 $ 1,668 Dividend equivalent payments (6 ) (4 ) (5 ) (1 ) (2 ) (4 ) Income available to common stockholders $ 2,660 $ 5,400 $ 1,663 $ 2,665 $ 5,402 $ 1,664 Weighted-average shares outstanding 277.7 287.9 293.9 277.7 287.9 293.9 Dilutive effect of outstanding options and share-settled awards 2.5 2.4 2.1 Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding 280.2 290.3 296.0 Earnings per share $ 9.58 $ 18.76 $ 5.66 $ 9.51 $ 18.61 $ 5.62 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 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 of zero , 0.2 million , and 1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

Commitments And Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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. In 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. In 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. On October 10, 2017, the District Court denied class certification; the findings are subject to appeal. 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 personal injury and occupational claims are subject to FELA, which is applicable only to railroads. FELA’s fault-based tort 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 include injuries and illnesses alleged to be caused by exposures which occur over time as opposed to injuries or illnesses caused by a specific accident or event. Types of occupational claims commonly seen allege exposure to asbestos and other claimed toxic substances resulting in respiratory diseases or cancer, exposure to repetitive motion resulting in various musculoskeletal disorders, and exposure to excessive noise resulting in hearing loss. 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 reasonably estimable. Environmental specialists regularly participate in ongoing evaluations of all known sites and in determining any necessary adjustments to liability estimates. Our Consolidated Balance Sheets include liabilities for environmental exposures of $55 million at December 31, 2018 , and $58 million at December 31, 2017 , of which $15 million is classified as a current liability at the end of both 2018 and 2017 . At December 31, 2018 , the liability represents our estimates of the probable cleanup, investigation, and remediation costs based on available information at 114 known locations and projects compared with 127 locations and projects at December 31, 2017 . At December 31, 2018 , fifteen sites accounted for $37 million of the liability, and no individual site was considered to be material. We anticipate that much of this liability will be paid out over five years; however, some costs will be paid out over a longer period. At eleven 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, 2018 , we had outstanding purchase commitments totaling approximately $1.2 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 2023. 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. Indemnifications 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, 2018
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) 2018 Railway operating revenues $ 2,717 $ 2,898 $ 2,947 $ 2,896 Income from railway operations 835 1,026 1,020 1,078 Net income 552 710 702 702 Earnings per share: Basic 1.94 2.52 2.54 2.59 Diluted 1.93 2.50 2.52 2.57 2017 Railway operating revenues $ 2,575 $ 2,637 $ 2,670 $ 2,669 Income from railway operations 757 872 895 998 Net income 433 497 506 3,968 Earnings per share: Basic 1.49 1.72 1.76 13.91 Diluted 1.48 1.71 1.75 13.79 Note 1 : In the fourth quarter of 2017, as a result of the enactment of tax reform, “Income from railway operations” included a $151 million benefit and income taxes included a $3,331 million benefit, which added $3,482 million to “Net income,” $12.21 to “Earnings per share – basic,” and $12.10 to “Earnings per share – diluted.” Note 2: The retrospective application of FASB ASU 2017-07 resulted in an increase to “Compensation and benefits” expense within “Railway operating expenses” and an offsetting increase to “Other income – net” of $16 million in each of the quarters of 2017. This resulted in a decrease to “Income from railway operations” as presented for each of the quarters of 2017.

Schedule II - Valuation And Qua

Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts	Norfolk Southern Corporation and Subsidiaries Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 , and 2016 ($ in millions) Additions charged to: Beginning Balance Expenses Other Accounts Deductions Ending Balance Year ended December 31, 2018 Current portion of casualty and other claims included in accounts payable $ 187 $ 32 $ 145 (2) $ 151 (4) $ 213 Casualty and other claims included in other liabilities 179 85 (1) — 106 (3) 158 Year ended December 31, 2017 Current portion of casualty and other claims included in accounts payable $ 192 $ 17 $ 124 (2) $ 146 (4) $ 187 Casualty and other claims included in other liabilities 178 83 (1) — 82 (3) 179 Year ended December 31, 2016 Current portion of casualty and other claims included in accounts payable $ 174 $ 25 $ 101 (2) $ 108 (4) $ 192 Casualty and other claims included in other liabilities 191 68 (1) — 81 (3) 178 (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 Accoun_2

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Description of Business	Description of Business Norfolk Southern Corporation is a Virginia-based holding company engaged principally in the rail transportation business, operating approximately 19,500 route miles 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 2018 ): intermodal ( 25% ); coal ( 16% ); chemicals ( 16% ); agriculture, consumer products, and government ( 14% ); metals and construction ( 13% ); automotive ( 9% ); and, paper, clay, and 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 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. Certain of our contract 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 expectation of future activity. Switching, demurrage and other incidental service revenues are recognized at a point in time when the services are performed or as contractual obligations are met.
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 $7 million at both December 31, 2018 and 2017 . 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 net realizable value. The cost of materials and supplies expected to be used in property additions or improvements is included in “Properties.”
Investments	Investments Investments in entities over which we have the ability to exercise significant influence 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. “Depreciation” in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows includes both depreciation and depletion on operating and nonoperating properties. 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 composite depreciation rate for rail in high density corridors is derived based on consideration of annual gross tons 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 the 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 (curved or straight). 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 the 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” 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.
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements The FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers, ” and related amendments, which are jointly referred to as Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 606. This standard replaced most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP and requires entities to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. A performance obligation is defined as a promise in a contract to transfer a distinct good or service to the customer. A contract’s transaction price is allocated to each distinct performance obligation and recognized as revenue when, or as, the performance obligation is satisfied. We adopted the provisions of this standard on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method. There was no cumulative effect of initially applying the standard, nor is there any material difference in revenue for the year ended December 31, 2018 , as compared with GAAP that was in effect prior to January 1, 2018. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, “ Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost .” This update requires segregation of net benefit costs between operating and nonoperating expenses and requires retrospective application. We adopted the standard on January 1, 2018. Under the new standard, only the service cost component of defined benefit pension cost and postretirement benefit cost are reported within “Compensation and benefits” and all other components of net benefit cost are presented in “Other income – net” on the Consolidated Statements of Income, whereas under the previous standard all components were included in “Compensation and benefits.” The retrospective application resulted in an increase to “Compensation and benefits” expense and an offsetting increase to “Other income – net” on the Consolidated Statements of Income of $64 million and $65 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively, with no impact on “Net income.” In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, “ Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.” This update is intended to reclassify the stranded tax effects resulting from tax reform from accumulated other comprehensive income (AOCI) to retained earnings. The amount of the reclassification is the difference between the amount initially charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income at the previously enacted U.S. federal corporate income tax rate that remains in AOCI and the amount that would have been charged or credited directly to other comprehensive income using the newly enacted U.S. federal corporate income tax rate. In the first quarter of 2018, we adopted the provisions of ASU 2018-02 resulting in an increase to “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” of $88 million and a corresponding increase to “Retained income,” with no impact on “Total stockholders’ equity.” In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “ Leases (Topic 842) ,” and subsequent amendments, which replaced existing lease guidance in GAAP and requires lessees to recognize right-of-use (ROU) assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for leases greater than twelve months and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. We adopted the standard on January 1, 2019 using the modified retrospective method and used the effective date as our date of initial application. Financial information will not be updated and the disclosures required under the new standard will not be provided for dates and periods before January 1, 2019. The new standard provides a number of optional practical expedients for transition. We elected the package of practical expedients under the transition guidance which permits us not to reassess under the new standards our prior conclusions for lease identification and lease classification on expired or existing contracts and whether initial direct costs previously capitalized would qualify for capitalization under ASC 842. We also elected the practical expedient related to land easements, allowing us to not reasses our current accounting treatment for existing agreements on land easements, which are not accounted for as leases. We did not elect the hindsight practical expedient to determine the reasonably certain lease term for existing leases. The new standard also provides practical expedients and recognition exemptions for an entity’s ongoing accounting policy elections. We elected the short-term lease recognition exemption for all leases that qualify. This means, for those leases that qualify, we will not recognize ROU assets or lease liabilities. We also elected the practical expedient not to separate lease and non-lease components for all of our leases. We expect that adoption of the standard will result in recognition of lease liabilities of approximately $600 million as of January 1, 2019, with corresponding ROU assets of the same amount based on the present value of the remaining minimum rental payments under current leasing standards for existing operating leases. There will be no adjustment to “Retained income” on adoption. 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. We will not adopt the standard early.

Railway Operating Revenues (Tab

Railway Operating Revenues (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	The following table disaggregates our revenues by commodity group: 2018 ($ in millions) Merchandise: Chemicals $ 1,808 Agriculture, consumer products, and government 1,674 Metals and construction 1,462 Automotive 991 Paper, clay, and forest products 809 Merchandise 6,744 Intermodal 2,893 Coal 1,821 Total $ 11,458
Schedule of Accounts Receivable	“Accounts receivable – net” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets includes both customer and non-customer receivables as follows: December 31, 2018 2017 ($ in millions) Customer $ 740 $ 703 Non-customer 269 252 Accounts receivable – net $ 1,009 $ 955

Other Income - Net (Tables)

Other Income - Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Other Income - Net	2018 2017 2016 ($ in millions) Net pension and other postretirement benefit cost (Note 12) $ 61 $ 64 $ 65 Rental income 5 87 93 External advisor costs — — (20 ) Other 1 5 (2 ) Total $ 67 $ 156 $ 136

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provisions For Income Taxes	2018 2017 2016 ($ in millions) Current: Federal $ 499 $ 500 $ 612 State 131 83 75 Total current taxes 630 583 687 Deferred: Federal 156 (2,924 ) 206 State 17 65 21 Total deferred taxes 173 (2,859 ) 227 Income taxes $ 803 $ (2,276 ) $ 914
Reconciliation Of Statutory Rate To Effective Rate	“Income taxes” on the Consolidated Statements of Income differs from the amounts computed by applying the statutory federal corporate tax rate as follows: 2018 2017 2016 Amount % Amount % Amount % ($ in millions) Federal income tax at statutory rate $ 728 21.0 $ 1,095 35.0 $ 904 35.0 State income taxes, net of federal tax effect 120 3.5 88 2.8 70 2.8 Equity in earnings related to tax reform — — (38 ) (1.2 ) — — Tax reform — — (3,331 ) (106.5 ) — — Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation (22 ) (0.7 ) (39 ) (1.2 ) (17 ) (0.7 ) Other, net (23 ) (0.7 ) (51 ) (1.7 ) (43 ) (1.7 ) Income taxes $ 803 23.1 $ (2,276 ) (72.8 ) $ 914 35.4
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, 2018 2017 ($ in millions) Deferred tax assets: Compensation and benefits, including postretirement benefits $ 284 $ 235 Accruals, including casualty and other claims 69 64 Other 72 67 Total gross deferred tax assets 425 366 Less valuation allowance (50 ) (44 ) Net deferred tax assets 375 322 Deferred tax liabilities: Property (6,422 ) (6,212 ) Other (413 ) (434 ) Total deferred tax liabilities (6,835 ) (6,646 ) Deferred income taxes $ (6,460 ) $ (6,324 )
Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows: December 31, 2018 2017 ($ in millions) Balance at beginning of year $ 17 $ 27 Additions based on tax positions related to the current year 5 4 Additions for tax positions of prior years — 2 Reductions for tax positions of prior years — (2 ) Settlements with taxing authorities — (11 ) Lapse of statutes of limitations (1 ) (3 ) Balance at end of year $ 21 $ 17

Fair Value Measurements (Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule Of Carrying Amounts And Estimated Fair Values	The carrying amounts and estimated fair values, based on Level 1 inputs, of long-term debt consisted of the following at December 31: 2018 2017 Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value ($ in millions) Long-term debt, including current maturities $ (11,145 ) $ (12,203 ) $ (9,736 ) $ (11,771 )

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	December 31, 2018 2017 ($ in millions) Long-term investments: Equity method investments: Conrail Inc. $ 1,337 $ 1,293 TTX Company 692 629 Meridian Speedway LLC 271 272 Pan Am Southern LLC 155 154 Other 77 77 Total equity method investments 2,532 2,425 Corporate-owned life insurance at net cash surrender value 556 530 Other investments 21 26 Total long-term investments $ 3,109 $ 2,981

Properties (Tables)

Properties (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Properties	Accumulated Net Book Depreciation December 31, 2018 Cost Depreciation Value Rate (1) ($ in millions) Land $ 2,337 $ — $ 2,337 — Roadway: Rail and other track material 6,888 (1,951 ) 4,937 2.29 % Ties 5,346 (1,448 ) 3,898 3.36 % Ballast 2,759 (676 ) 2,083 2.70 % Construction in process 442 — 442 — Other roadway 14,072 (3,737 ) 10,335 2.64 % Total roadway 29,507 (7,812 ) 21,695 Equipment: Locomotives 5,870 (2,262 ) 3,608 3.77 % Freight cars 3,183 (1,288 ) 1,895 2.47 % Computers and software 623 (365 ) 258 10.65 % Construction in process 437 — 437 — Other equipment 1,071 (380 ) 691 4.94 % Total equipment 11,184 (4,295 ) 6,889 Other property 437 (267 ) 170 0.78 % Total properties $ 43,465 $ (12,374 ) $ 31,091 Accumulated Net Book Depreciation December 31, 2017 Cost Depreciation Value Rate (1) ($ in millions) Land $ 2,342 $ — $ 2,342 — Roadway: Rail and other track material 6,730 (1,961 ) 4,769 2.28 % Ties 5,181 (1,374 ) 3,807 3.37 % Ballast 2,654 (624 ) 2,030 2.71 % Construction in process 447 — 447 — Other roadway 13,636 (3,523 ) 10,113 2.59 % Total roadway 28,648 (7,482 ) 21,166 Equipment: Locomotives 5,658 (2,158 ) 3,500 3.77 % Freight cars 3,256 (1,286 ) 1,970 2.48 % Computers and software 610 (334 ) 276 10.61 % Construction in process 247 — 247 — Other equipment 1,004 (366 ) 638 5.06 % Total equipment 10,775 (4,144 ) 6,631 Other property 474 (283 ) 191 0.77 % Total properties $ 42,239 $ (11,909 ) $ 30,330 (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 studie

Current Liabilities (Tables)

Current Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Current Liabilities	December 31, 2018 2017 ($ in millions) Accounts payable: Accounts and wages payable $ 828 $ 822 Casualty and other claims (Note 17) 213 187 Due to Conrail (Note 6) 202 146 Vacation liability 140 133 Other 122 113 Total $ 1,505 $ 1,401 Other current liabilities: Interest payable $ 139 $ 115 Pension benefit obligations (Note 12) 18 17 Other 89 101 Total $ 246 $ 233

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt With Interest Rates And Maturities	Debt with weighted average interest rates and maturities is presented below: December 31, 2018 2017 ($ in millions) Notes and debentures: 4.68% maturing to 2023 $ 2,682 $ 3,282 4.57% maturing 2024 to 2031 3,065 2,365 4.49% maturing 2037 to 2052 5,104 4,404 5.90% maturing 2097 to 2118 1,131 531 Securitization borrowings and capital leases 2 102 Discounts, premiums, and debt issuance costs (839 ) (848 ) Total debt 11,145 9,836 Less current maturities and short-term debt (585 ) (700 ) Long-term debt excluding current maturities and short-term debt $ 10,560 $ 9,136 Long-term debt maturities subsequent to 2019 are as follows: 2020 $ 314 2021 584 2022 600 2023 600 2024 and subsequent years 8,462 Total $ 10,560

Lease Commitments (Tables)

Lease Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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) 2019 $ 101 2020 95 2021 88 2022 75 2023 69 2024 and subsequent years 267 Total $ 695
Operating Lease Expense	Operating Lease Expense 2018 2017 2016 ($ in millions) Minimum rents $ 102 $ 96 $ 97 Contingent rents 102 54 51 Total $ 204 $ 150 $ 148

Other Liabilities (Tables)

Other Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Liabilities	December 31, 2018 2017 ($ in millions) Net other postretirement benefit obligations (Note 12) $ 308 $ 309 Long-term advances from Conrail (Note 6) 280 280 Net pension benefit obligations (Note 12) 278 296 Casualty and other claims (Note 17) 158 179 Deferred compensation 106 113 Other 136 170 Total $ 1,266 $ 1,347

Pensions And Other Postretire_2

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations And Plan Assets	Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations and Plan Assets Pension Benefits Other Postretirement Benefits 2018 2017 2018 2017 ($ in millions) Change in benefit obligations: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 2,541 $ 2,420 $ 510 $ 528 Service cost 39 38 7 7 Interest cost 83 80 15 15 Actuarial losses (gains) (149 ) 143 (24 ) 6 Benefits paid (143 ) (140 ) (42 ) (46 ) Benefit obligation at end of year 2,371 2,541 466 510 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 2,373 2,073 201 182 Actual return on plan assets (143 ) 423 (19 ) 40 Employer contribution 18 17 18 25 Benefits paid (143 ) (140 ) (42 ) (46 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 2,105 2,373 158 201 Funded status at end of year $ (266 ) $ (168 ) $ (308 ) $ (309 ) Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets: Noncurrent assets $ 30 $ 145 $ — $ — Current liabilities (18 ) (17 ) — — Noncurrent liabilities (278 ) (296 ) (308 ) (309 ) Net amount recognized $ (266 ) $ (168 ) $ (308 ) $ (309 ) Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss (before tax): Net loss $ 895 $ 781 $ 21 $ 11 Prior service cost (benefit) 2 2 (259 ) (283 )
Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Cost Components	Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Cost Components 2018 2017 2016 ($ in millions) Pension benefits: Service cost $ 39 $ 38 $ 36 Interest cost 83 80 82 Expected return on plan assets (177 ) (172 ) (173 ) Amortization of net losses 57 51 51 Amortization of prior service cost — 1 — Net cost (benefit) $ 2 $ (2 ) $ (4 ) Other postretirement benefits: Service cost $ 7 $ 7 $ 7 Interest cost 15 15 16 Expected return on plan assets (15 ) (15 ) (17 ) Amortization of prior service benefit (24 ) (24 ) (24 ) Net benefit $ (17 ) $ (17 ) $ (18 )
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 Income 2018 Pension Other ($ in millions) Net loss arising during the year $ 171 $ 10 Amortization of net losses (57 ) — Amortization of prior service benefit — 24 Total recognized in other comprehensive income $ 114 $ 34 Total recognized in net periodic cost and other comprehensive income $ 116 $ 17
Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Assumptions	A summary of the major assumptions follows: 2018 2017 2016 Pension funded status: Discount rate 4.33 % 3.74 % 4.05 % Future salary increases 4.21 % 4.21 % 4.21 % Other postretirement benefits funded status: Discount rate 4.18 % 3.57 % 3.83 % Pension cost: Discount rate - service cost 4.01 % 4.31 % 4.64 % Discount rate - interest cost 3.33 % 3.43 % 3.51 % Return on assets in plans 8.25 % 8.25 % 8.25 % Future salary increases 4.21 % 4.21 % 4.50 % Other postretirement benefits cost: Discount rate - service cost 3.83 % 4.17 % 4.36 % Discount rate - interest cost 3.13 % 3.14 % 3.15 % Return on assets in plans 8.00 % 8.00 % 8.00 % Health care trend rate 6.30 % 6.56 % 6.30 %
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 9 (8 )
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, 2018 2017 Domestic equity securities 49 % 49 % International equity securities 23 % 25 % Debt securities 25 % 24 % Cash and cash equivalents 3 % 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, 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Total ($ in millions) Common stock $ 1,106 $ — $ 1,106 Common collective trusts: International equity securities — 314 314 Debt securities — 287 287 Fixed income securities: Corporate bonds — 83 83 Government and agencies securities — 89 89 Mortgage and other asset-backed securities — 62 62 Commingled funds — 92 92 Cash and cash equivalents 72 — 72 Total investments $ 1,178 $ 927 $ 2,105 December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Total ($ in millions) Common stock $ 1,154 $ — $ 1,154 Common collective trusts: International equity securities — 397 397 Debt securities — 562 562 Fixed income securities: Government and agencies securities — 4 4 Commingled funds — 233 233 Cash and cash equivalents 23 — 23 Total investments $ 1,177 $ 1,196 $ 2,373
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) 2019 $ 142 $ 41 2020 143 40 2021 144 38 2022 145 37 2023 146 36 Years 2024 – 2028 733 165

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Options Granted Under LTIP and TSOP	The Committee granted stock options, RSUs and PSUs pursuant to the LTIP and granted stock options pursuant to the TSOP for the last three years as follows: 2018 2017 2016 Granted Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Granted Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Granted Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Stock options: LTIP 40,960 $ 41.70 341,120 $ 37.73 694,290 $ 19.92 TSOP — — 144,440 31.33 302,320 14.75 Total 40,960 485,560 996,610 RSUs 217,290 148.37 83,330 120.16 136,250 70.44 PSUs 92,314 91.60 300,334 88.56 1,042,628 52.75
Schedule of Compensation Costs and Tax Benefits	Related compensation costs and tax benefits during the year were: 2018 2017 2016 ($ in millions) Stock-based compensation expense $ 47 $ 45 $ 42 Total tax benefit 33 54 31
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: 2018 2017 2016 Average expected volatility 24 % 26 % 27 % Average risk-free interest rate 2.55 % 2.51 % 2.00 % Average expected option term LTIP 7.2 years 8.6 years 8.9 years Average expected option term TSOP — 8.3 years 8.6 years
Schedule Of Stock Option Activity	A summary of changes in stock options is presented below: Stock Options Weighted Avg. Exercise Price Outstanding at December 31, 2017 4,234,067 $ 83.17 Granted 40,960 149.58 Exercised (840,175 ) 72.08 Forfeited (15,208 ) 89.57 Outstanding at December 31, 2018 3,419,644 86.66
Summary Of Stock Options Exercised	The following table provides information related to options exercised for the last three years: 2018 2017 2016 ($ in millions) Options exercised 840,175 1,789,939 1,466,721 Total intrinsic value $ 72 $ 114 $ 60 Cash received upon exercise 58 104 74 Related tax benefits realized 16 35 13
Schedule Of Other Share Activity	2018 2017 2016 ($ in millions) RSUs vested 160,200 137,200 175,500 Common Stock issued net of tax withholding 99,968 81,318 103,936 Related tax benefit realized $ 3 $ 3 $ 1 2018 2017 2016 ($ in millions) PSUs earned 154,189 171,080 406,038 Common Stock issued net of tax withholding 94,399 99,805 241,757 Related tax benefit realized $ 3 $ 1 $ 3
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: 2018 2017 2016 Available for future grants: LTIP 8,644,108 8,774,768 9,385,674 TSOP 422,973 410,895 544,217 Issued: LTIP 820,746 1,679,547 1,511,645 TSOP 213,796 291,515 300,769
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule Of Other Share Activity	A summary of changes in RSUs is presented below: RSUs Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value Nonvested at December 31, 2017 588,405 $ 87.40 Granted 217,290 148.37 Vested (160,200 ) 69.83 Forfeited (8,460 ) 143.24 Nonvested at December 31, 2018 637,035 111.87
Performance Share Units (PSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule Of Other Share Activity	A summary of changes in PSUs is presented below: PSUs Weighted- Average Grant-Date Fair Value Balance at December 31, 2017 1,748,752 $ 63.36 Granted 92,314 91.60 Earned (154,189 ) 46.08 Unearned (256,981 ) 87.01 Forfeited (3,070 ) 77.26 Balance at December 31, 2018 1,426,826 62.77

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The components of “Other comprehensive income (loss)” reported in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and changes in the cumulative balances of “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following: Balance at Beginning of Year Net Income (Loss) Reclassification of Stranded Tax Effects Reclassification Adjustments Balance at End of Year ($ in millions) Year ended December 31, 2018 Pensions and other postretirement liabilities $ (300 ) $ (136 ) $ (86 ) $ 25 $ (497 ) Other comprehensive loss of equity investees (56 ) (8 ) (2 ) — (66 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (356 ) $ (144 ) $ (88 ) $ 25 $ (563 ) Year ended December 31, 2017 Pensions and other postretirement liabilities $ (414 ) $ 95 $ — $ 19 $ (300 ) Other comprehensive income of equity investees (73 ) 17 — — (56 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (487 ) $ 112 $ — $ 19 $ (356 )
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Of Equity Investees	“Other comprehensive income (loss)” reported in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income consisted of the following: Pretax Amount Tax (Expense) Benefit Net-of-Tax Amount ($ in millions) Year ended December 31, 2018 Net gain (loss) arising during the year: Pensions and other postretirement benefits $ (181 ) $ 45 $ (136 ) Reclassification adjustments for costs included in net income 33 (8 ) 25 Subtotal (148 ) 37 (111 ) Other comprehensive loss of equity investees (9 ) 1 (8 ) Other comprehensive loss $ (157 ) $ 38 $ (119 ) Year ended December 31, 2017 Net gain arising during the year: Pensions and other postretirement benefits $ 127 $ (32 ) $ 95 Reclassification adjustments for costs included in net income 28 (9 ) 19 Subtotal 155 (41 ) 114 Other comprehensive income of equity investees 19 (2 ) 17 Other comprehensive income $ 174 $ (43 ) $ 131 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 )

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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 2018 2017 2016 2018 2017 2016 ($ in millions except per share amounts, shares in millions) Net income $ 2,666 $ 5,404 $ 1,668 $ 2,666 $ 5,404 $ 1,668 Dividend equivalent payments (6 ) (4 ) (5 ) (1 ) (2 ) (4 ) Income available to common stockholders $ 2,660 $ 5,400 $ 1,663 $ 2,665 $ 5,402 $ 1,664 Weighted-average shares outstanding 277.7 287.9 293.9 277.7 287.9 293.9 Dilutive effect of outstanding options and share-settled awards 2.5 2.4 2.1 Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding 280.2 290.3 296.0 Earnings per share $ 9.58 $ 18.76 $ 5.66 $ 9.51 $ 18.61 $ 5.62

Quarterly Financial Data (Table

Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
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) 2018 Railway operating revenues $ 2,717 $ 2,898 $ 2,947 $ 2,896 Income from railway operations 835 1,026 1,020 1,078 Net income 552 710 702 702 Earnings per share: Basic 1.94 2.52 2.54 2.59 Diluted 1.93 2.50 2.52 2.57 2017 Railway operating revenues $ 2,575 $ 2,637 $ 2,670 $ 2,669 Income from railway operations 757 872 895 998 Net income 433 497 506 3,968 Earnings per share: Basic 1.49 1.72 1.76 13.91 Diluted 1.48 1.71 1.75 13.79

Summary Of Significant Accoun_3

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)midepreciable_asset_class	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Operating route miles | mi	19,500
Employees covered by collective bargaining agreements	80.00%
Allowance for doubtful accounts | $	$ 7	$ 7
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, period	3 years
Roadway
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation studies, period	6 years
Intermodal
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Market groups percent of total railway operating revenues	25.00%
Coal
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Market groups percent of total railway operating revenues	16.00%
Chemicals
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Market groups percent of total railway operating revenues	16.00%
Agriculture/consumer/government
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Market groups percent of total railway operating revenues	14.00%
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	9.00%
Paper/clay/forest
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Market groups percent of total railway operating revenues	7.00%

Summary Of Significant Accoun_4

Summary Of Significant Accounting Polices (New Accounting Pronouncements) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 01, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Other income – net					$ 67	$ 156	$ 136
Compensation and benefits					2,925	2,979	2,808
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$ (356)				(563)	(356)	(487)
Retained income	14,176				13,440	14,176
Accounting Standards Update 2017-07
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Other income – net	16	$ 16	$ 16	$ 16		64	65
Compensation and benefits	$ 16	$ 16	$ 16	$ 16		$ 64	$ 65
Accounting Standards Update 2018-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)									$ (88)
Retained income					$ 88				$ 88
Scenario, Forecast | Accounting Standards Update 2016-02
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Operating leases, liability								$ 600
Operating lease, right-of-use asset								$ 600

Railway Operating Revenues (Det

Railway Operating Revenues (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer	$ 2,896	$ 2,947	$ 2,898	$ 2,717	$ 2,669	$ 2,670	$ 2,637	$ 2,575	$ 11,458	$ 10,551	$ 9,888
Accessorial Services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Accessorial services percent of total railway operating revenues									4.00%
Merchandise
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer									$ 6,744
Merchandise | Chemicals
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer									1,808
Merchandise | Agriculture/consumer/government
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer									1,674
Merchandise | Metals/construction
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer									1,462
Merchandise | Automotive
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer									991
Merchandise | Paper/clay/forest
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer									809
Intermodal
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer									2,893
Coal
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Revenue from contract with customer									$ 1,821

Railway Operating Revenues - Sc

Railway Operating Revenues - Schedule of Account Receivables (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Accounts receivable – net	$ 1,009	$ 955
Trade Accounts Receivable
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Accounts receivable – net	740	703
Other Receivables
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Accounts receivable – net	269	252
Other Assets | Trade Accounts Receivable
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net, noncurrent	$ 55	$ 39

Other Income - Net (Details)

Other Income - Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]
Net pension and other postretirement benefit cost (Note 12)	$ 61	$ 64	$ 65
Rental income	5	87	93
External advisor costs	0	0	(20)
Other	1	5	(2)
Total	$ 67	$ 156	$ 136

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Detai

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Change in valuation allowance		$ 6	$ 5	$ 4
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate		17
Refund adjustment from taxing authority		$ 46
Purchased Services and Rent
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Benefit in Purchased Services and Rents			151
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, deferred tax liability, income tax (expense) benefit	$ 151
Income Taxes
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, deferred tax liability, income tax (expense) benefit	$ 3,331		$ 3,331

Income Taxes (Provisions For In

Income Taxes (Provisions For Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current:
Federal	$ 499	$ 500	$ 612
State	131	83	75
Total current taxes	630	583	687
Deferred:
Federal	156	(2,924)	206
State	17	65	21
Total deferred taxes	173	(2,859)	227
Income taxes	$ 803	$ (2,276)	$ 914

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Statutory Rate To Effective Rate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal income tax at statutory rate	$ 728	$ 1,095	$ 904
State income taxes, net of federal tax effect	120	88	70
Equity in earnings related to tax reform	0	(38)	0
Tax reform	0	(3,331)	0
Excess tax benefits on stock-based compensation	(22)	(39)	(17)
Other, net	(23)	(51)	(43)
Income taxes	$ 803	$ (2,276)	$ 914
Federal income tax at statutory rate, percentage of net income	21.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal tax effect, percentage of net income	3.50%	2.80%	2.80%
Equity in earnings related to tax reform, percentage of net income	0.00%	(1.20%)	0.00%
Tax reform, percentage of net income	0.00%	(106.50%)	0.00%
Excess tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation, net of federal tax effect, percentage of net income	(0.70%)	(1.20%)	(0.70%)
Other, net, percentage of net income	(0.70%)	(1.70%)	(1.70%)
Provision for income taxes, percentage of net income	23.10%	(72.80%)	35.40%

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Defer

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Deferred tax assets:
Compensation and benefits, including postretirement benefits	$ 284	$ 235
Accruals, including casualty and other claims	69	64
Other	72	67
Total gross deferred tax assets	425	366
Less valuation allowance	(50)	(44)
Net deferred tax asset	375	322
Deferred tax liabilities:
Property	(6,422)	(6,212)
Other	(413)	(434)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(6,835)	(6,646)
Deferred income taxes	$ (6,460)	$ (6,324)

Income Taxes (Reconciliation _2

Income Taxes (Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 17	$ 27
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year	5	4
Additions for tax positions of prior years	0	2
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	0	(2)
Settlements with taxing authorities	0	(11)
Lapse of statutes of limitations	(1)	(3)
Balance at end of year	$ 21	$ 17

Fair Value Measurements (Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Reported Value Measurement
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt, fair value	$ 11,145	$ 9,736
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term debt, fair value	$ 12,203	$ 11,771

Investments (Details)

Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	$ 2,532	$ 2,425
Corporate-owned life insurance at net cash surrender value	556	530
Other investments	21	26
Total long-term investments	3,109	2,981
Conrail Inc.
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	1,337	1,293
TTX Company
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	692	629
Meridian Speedway LLC
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	271	272
Pan Am Southern LLC
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	155	154
Other
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investments	$ 77	$ 77

Properties (Details)

Properties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 43,465		$ 42,239
Accumulated Depreciation		(12,374)		(11,909)
Net Book Value		31,091		30,330
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		2,337		2,342
Accumulated Depreciation		0		0
Net Book Value		$ 2,337		$ 2,342
Depreciation Rate		0.00%	[1]	0.00%
Rail and other track material
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 6,888		$ 6,730
Accumulated Depreciation		(1,951)		(1,961)
Net Book Value		$ 4,937		$ 4,769
Depreciation Rate	[1]	2.29%		2.28%
Ties
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 5,346		$ 5,181
Accumulated Depreciation		(1,448)		(1,374)
Net Book Value		$ 3,898		$ 3,807
Depreciation Rate	[1]	3.36%		3.37%
Ballast
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 2,759		$ 2,654
Accumulated Depreciation		(676)		(624)
Net Book Value		$ 2,083		$ 2,030
Depreciation Rate	[1]	2.70%		2.71%
Construction in process
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 442		$ 447
Accumulated Depreciation		0		0
Net Book Value		$ 442		$ 447
Depreciation Rate		0.00%	[1]	0.00%
Other roadway
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 14,072		$ 13,636
Accumulated Depreciation		(3,737)		(3,523)
Net Book Value		$ 10,335		$ 10,113
Depreciation Rate	[1]	2.64%		2.59%
Total roadway
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 29,507		$ 28,648
Accumulated Depreciation		(7,812)		(7,482)
Net Book Value		21,695		21,166
Locomotives
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		5,870		5,658
Accumulated Depreciation		(2,262)		(2,158)
Net Book Value		$ 3,608		$ 3,500
Depreciation Rate	[1]	3.77%		3.77%
Freight cars
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 3,183		$ 3,256
Accumulated Depreciation		(1,288)		(1,286)
Net Book Value		$ 1,895		$ 1,970
Depreciation Rate	[1]	2.47%		2.48%
Computers and software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 623		$ 610
Accumulated Depreciation		(365)		(334)
Net Book Value		$ 258		$ 276
Depreciation Rate	[1]	10.65%		10.61%
Construction in process
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 437		$ 247
Accumulated Depreciation		0		0
Net Book Value		$ 437		$ 247
Depreciation Rate		0.00%	[1]	0.00%
Other equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 1,071		$ 1,004
Accumulated Depreciation		(380)		(366)
Net Book Value		$ 691		$ 638
Depreciation Rate	[1]	4.94%		5.06%
Total equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		$ 11,184		$ 10,775
Accumulated Depreciation		(4,295)		(4,144)
Net Book Value		6,889		6,631
Other property
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Cost		437		474
Accumulated Depreciation		(267)		(283)
Net Book Value		$ 170		$ 191
Depreciation Rate	[1]	0.78%		0.77%
[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.

Investments (Narrative) (Detail

Investments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Deferred tax liabilities	$ 6,324	$ 6,460	$ 6,324
Future minimum lease payments, 2024 and subsequent years		267
Shared Assets Areas CRC Lease
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Future annual minimum payments, due next five years		38
Future minimum lease payments, 2024 and subsequent years		$ 16
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	19	$ (11)	19
Portion of pension plan change attributable to other comprehensive income (loss), affiliate		(10)	17
Deferred tax assets		1
Deferred tax liabilities	2		2
Difference between investment in Conrail and share of Conrail's underlying net equity		511
Expenses from transactions with related party		150	141	$ 151
General and administrative support to Conrail		7
Due to Conrail, current	146	202	146
Due to Conrail, noncurrent	$ 280	$ 280	$ 280
Due to Conrail, noncurrent, maturity date		2,044	2,044
Due to Conrail, average interest rate	2.90%	2.90%	2.90%
TTX Company
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage		19.65%
Purchased Services and Rent
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, deferred tax liability, income tax (expense) benefit	$ 151
Purchased Services and Rent | Conrail Inc.
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings of investee		$ 55	$ 75	47
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, deferred tax liability, income tax (expense) benefit			33
Purchased Services and Rent | TTX Company
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Equity in earnings of investee		61	158	26
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, deferred tax liability, income tax (expense) benefit			115
Expenses from transactions with related party		$ 262	$ 237	$ 229

Properties (Narrative) (Details

Properties (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
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	200	200
Interest costs incurred on debt	574	570	$ 583
Interest costs capitalized	$ 17	$ 20	$ 20

Current Liabilities (Details)

Current Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts and wages payable	$ 828	$ 822
Casualty and other claims (Note 17)	213	187
Vacation liability	140	133
Other	122	113
Total	1,505	1,401
Interest payable	139	115
Other	89	101
Total	246	233
Pension Plan
Pension benefit obligations (Note 12)	18	17
Conrail Inc.
Due to Conrail (Note 6)	$ 202	$ 146

Debt (Debt With Interest Rates

Debt (Debt With Interest Rates And Maturities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	$ 11,145	$ 9,836
Discounts, premiums, and debt issuance costs	(839)	(848)
Less current maturities and short-term debt	(585)	(700)
Long-term debt	10,560	9,136
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2,020	314
2,021	584
2,022	600
2,023	600
2024 and subsequent years	8,462
4.68% maturing to 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	$ 2,682	3,282
Long-term debt, weighted average interest rate	4.68%
4.57% maturing 2024 to 2031
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	$ 3,065	2,365
Long-term debt, weighted average interest rate	4.57%
4.49% maturing 2037 to 2052
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	$ 5,104	4,404
Long-term debt, weighted average interest rate	4.49%
5.90% maturing 2097 to 2118
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	$ 1,131	531
Long-term debt, weighted average interest rate	5.90%
Securitization Borrowings and Capital Leases
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt	$ 2	$ 102

Debt (Narrative) (Details)

Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2018	Feb. 28, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	May 31, 2018
Securitization Borrowings
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Credit agreement					$ 400,000,000	$ 350,000,000
Proceeds from short-term debt			$ 50,000,000
Repayments of short-term debt			150,000,000	$ 100,000,000
Accounts receivable securitization balance			0	$ 100,000,000
Average variable interest rate				3.21%
Collateral for securitization borrowings			793,000,000	$ 751,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Line of Credit			0	$ 0
Credit agreement			$ 750,000,000
Credit agreement term, years			5 years
4.15% Senior Notes Due 2048 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	$ 200,000,000	$ 500,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate	4.15%	4.15%
3.65% Senior Notes Due 2025 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	$ 300,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate	3.65%
3.80% Senior Notes Due 2028 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	$ 400,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate	3.80%
5.10% Senior Notes Due 2118 | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	$ 600,000,000
Debt instrument, interest rate	5.10%
Other Current Assets
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Restricted Cash			$ 88,000,000

Lease Commitments (Details)

Lease Commitments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Leases [Abstract]
2019 - Operating Leases	$ 101
2020 - Operating Leases	95
2021 - Operating Leases	88
2022 - Operating Leases	75
2023 - Operating Leases	69
2024 and subsequent years	267
Total - Operating Leases	695
Operating lease expense - minimum rents	102	$ 96	$ 97
Operating lease expense - contingent rents	102	54	51
Total operating lease expense	$ 204	$ 150	$ 148

Other Liabilities (Details)

Other Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Casualty and other claims (Note 17)	$ 158	$ 179
Deferred compensation	106	113
Other	136	170
Total	1,266	1,347
Conrail Inc.
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Long-term advances from Conrail (Note 6)	280	280
Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Defined benefit pension plan, liabilities, noncurrent	308	309
Pension Plan
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Defined benefit pension plan, liabilities, noncurrent	$ 278	$ 296

Pensions And Other Postretire_3

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations And Plan Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Pension Plan
Change in benefit obligations:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$ 2,541	$ 2,420
Service cost	39	38	$ 36
Interest cost	83	80	82
Actuarial losses (gains)	(149)	143
Benefits paid	(143)	(140)
Benefit obligation at end of year	2,371	2,541	2,420
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	2,373	2,073
Actual return on plan assets	(143)	423
Employer contribution	18	17
Benefits paid	(143)	(140)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,105	2,373	2,073
Funded status at end of year	(266)	(168)
Noncurrent assets	30	145
Current liabilities	(18)	(17)
Noncurrent liabilities	(278)	(296)
Net amount recognized	(266)	(168)
Net loss	895	781
Prior service cost (benefit)	2	2
OPEB
Change in benefit obligations:
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	510	528
Service cost	7	7	7
Interest cost	15	15	16
Actuarial losses (gains)	(24)	6
Benefits paid	(42)	(46)
Benefit obligation at end of year	466	510	528
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	201	182
Actual return on plan assets	(19)	40
Employer contribution	18	25
Benefits paid	(42)	(46)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	158	201	$ 182
Funded status at end of year	(308)	(309)
Noncurrent assets	0	0
Current liabilities	0	0
Noncurrent liabilities	(308)	(309)
Net amount recognized	(308)	(309)
Net loss	21	11
Prior service cost (benefit)	$ (259)	$ (283)

Pensions And Other Postretire_4

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Cost Components) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	$ 39	$ 38	$ 36
Interest cost	83	80	82
Expected return on plan assets	(177)	(172)	(173)
Amortization of net losses	57	51	51
Amortization of prior service cost	0	1	0
Net cost	2	(2)	(4)
OPEB
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	7	7	7
Interest cost	15	15	16
Expected return on plan assets	(15)	(15)	(17)
Amortization of net losses	0
Amortization of prior service cost	(24)	(24)	(24)
Net cost	$ (17)	$ (17)	$ (18)

Pensions And Other Postretire_5

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, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Total recognized in other comprehensive income	$ (148)	$ 155	$ (74)
Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net loss arising during the year	171
Amortization of net losses	(57)	$ (51)	$ (51)
Amortization of prior service benefit	0
Total recognized in other comprehensive income	114
Total recognized in net periodic cost and other comprehensive income	116
OPEB
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Net loss arising during the year	10
Amortization of net losses	0
Amortization of prior service benefit	24
Total recognized in other comprehensive income	34
Total recognized in net periodic cost and other comprehensive income	$ 17

Pensions And Other Postretire_6

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Return on assets in plans	8.25%
Funded Plan | Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.33%	3.74%	4.05%
Future salary increases	4.21%	4.21%	4.21%
Funded Plan | OPEB
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.18%	3.57%	3.83%
Unfunded Plan | Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Future salary increases	4.21%	4.21%	4.50%
Discount rate for service cost	4.01%	4.31%	4.64%
Discount rate for interest cost	3.33%	3.43%	3.51%
Return on assets in plans	8.25%	8.25%	8.25%
Unfunded Plan | OPEB
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate for service cost	3.83%	4.17%	4.36%
Discount rate for interest cost	3.13%	3.14%	3.15%
Return on assets in plans	8.00%	8.00%	8.00%
Health care trend rate	6.30%	6.56%	6.30%

Pensions And Other Postretire_7

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Health Care Cost Trend Assumptions) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Retirement Benefits [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	9
One-percentage point decrease change in postretirement benefit obligations	$ (8)

Pensions And Other Postretire_8

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Pension Plan Weighted-Average Asset Allocations, By Asset Category) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Actual plan asset allocations	100.00%	100.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities, US | Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Actual plan asset allocations	49.00%	49.00%
International equity securities | Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Actual plan asset allocations	23.00%	25.00%
Debt Securities
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Actual plan asset allocations	36.00%	33.00%
Debt Securities | Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Actual plan asset allocations	25.00%	24.00%
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract]
Actual plan asset allocations	3.00%	2.00%

Pensions And Other Postretire_9

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Fair Value Of Plan Assets) (Details) - Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 2,105	$ 2,373
Fair Value Inputs Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,178	1,177
Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	927	1,196
Common Stock
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,106	1,154
Common Stock | Fair Value Inputs Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	1,106	1,154
Common Stock | Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
International equity securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	314	397
International equity securities | Fair Value Inputs Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
International equity securities | Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	314	397
Debt Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	287	562
Debt Securities | Fair Value Inputs Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Debt Securities | Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	287	562
Corporate Bonds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	83
Corporate Bonds | Fair Value Inputs Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0
Corporate Bonds | Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	83
U.S. government and agencies securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	89	4
U.S. government and agencies securities | Fair Value Inputs Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
U.S. government and agencies securities | Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	89	4
Mortgage and Other Asset-backed Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	62
Mortgage and Other Asset-backed Securities | Fair Value Inputs Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0
Mortgage and Other Asset-backed Securities | Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	62
Commingled Funds
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	92	233
Commingled Funds | Fair Value Inputs Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Commingled Funds | Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	92	233
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	72	23
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Fair Value Inputs Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	72	23
Cash and Cash Equivalents | Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0

Pensions And Other Postretir_10

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Estimated Future Benefit Payments) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,019	$ 142
2,020	143
2,021	144
2,022	145
2,023	146
Years 2024 – 2028	733
OPEB
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2,019	41
2,020	40
2,021	38
2,022	37
2,023	36
Years 2024 – 2028	$ 165

Pensions And Other Postretir_11

Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan's accumulated benefit obligation	$ 2,200	$ 2,300
Unfunded pension plans projected benefit obligation	296	313
Unfunded pension plans accumulated benefit obligations	263	267
Multiemployer plan, contributions by employer	35	44	$ 37
Defined contribution plan, cost	23	$ 23	$ 21
Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Estimated net loss for defined pension plans amortized from AOCI into net periodic cost	$ 44
Assumed increases in per capita cost of covered health care benefits	6.50%
Ultimate health care cost trend rate	5.00%
Pension plan assets target allocation for equity	75.00%
Actual plan asset allocations	100.00%	100.00%
Assumed rate of return on pension plan assets	8.25%
Expected contribution for the next fiscal year	$ 18
OPEB
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, future amortization of prior service cost (Credit)	24
Expected contribution for the next fiscal year	41
Fair Value Inputs Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Trust-owned life insurance fair value	$ 158	$ 201
Debt Securities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocations	36.00%	33.00%
Debt Securities | Pension Plan
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocations	25.00%	24.00%
Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities | OPEB
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Actual plan asset allocations	64.00%	67.00%
Minimum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation percentage	0.5
Maximum
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation percentage	0.75

Stock-Based Compensation (Narra

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Available for future grants (in shares)	8,644,108
Amended LTIP plan-award granted as an option or stock appreciation right (in shares)	1
Amended LTIP plan - award granted in a form other than option or stock appreciation right (in shares)	1.61
Dividend yield for period dividend equivalents paid		0.00%	0.00%
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding	$ 215
Weighted average remaining contractual term of options outstanding	5 years 8 months 12 days
Number of shares exercisable (in shares)	1,908,864
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable	$ 175
Exercisable weighted average exercise price (in dollars per share)	$ 57.81
Weighted average remaining contractual term of options exercisable	3 years
LTIP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares available for grant (in shares)	104,125,000
Available for future grants (in shares)	8,644,108	8,774,768	9,385,674
Vesting period (in years)	4 years	4 years	4 years
LTIP dividend equivalent payment, in years	4 years
Dividend yield for period dividend equivalents paid	0.00%
TSOP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum number of shares available for grant (in shares)	6,000,000
Available for future grants (in shares)	422,973	410,895	544,217
Vesting period (in years)	3 years	3 years	3 years
LTIP And TSOP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Dividend yield for period dividend equivalents paid	1.94%	2.04%	3.37%
Unrecognized compensation related to stock options granted	$ 5
Unrecognized compensation, weighted average period of recognition	1 year 7 months 6 days
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)	4 years	5 years	5 years
Unrecognized compensation related to stock options granted	$ 17
Unrecognized compensation, weighted average period of recognition	2 years 10 months 24 days
Performance Share Units (PSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
PSU Cycle	3 years
Unrecognized compensation related to stock options granted	$ 5
Unrecognized compensation, weighted average period of recognition	1 year 6 months
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)	1 year
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period (in years)	10 years

Stock-Based Compensation (Sched

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule of Options Granted Under LTIP and TSOP) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares)	40,960	485,560	996,610
Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted (in dollars per share)	$ 149.58
LTIP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares)	40,960	341,120	694,290
Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted (in dollars per share)	$ 41.70	$ 37.73	$ 19.92
TSOP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares)	0	144,440	302,320
Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted (in dollars per share)	$ 0	$ 31.33	$ 14.75
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares)	217,290	83,330	136,250
Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted (in dollars per share)	$ 148.37	$ 120.16	$ 70.44
Performance Share Units (PSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock options granted (in shares)	92,314	300,334	1,042,628
Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted (in dollars per share)	$ 91.60	$ 88.56	$ 52.75

Stock-Based Compensation (Sch_2

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule of Compensation Costs and Tax Benefit) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense	$ 47	$ 45	$ 42
Total tax benefit	$ 33	$ 54	$ 31

Stock-Based Compensation (Sch_3

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Assumptions Used For LTIP And TSOP Grants) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Average expected volatility rate	24.00%	26.00%	27.00%
Average risk-free interest rate	2.55%	2.51%	2.00%
LTIP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Average expected option term, in years	7 years 2 months 12 days	8 years 7 months 6 days	8 years 10 months 24 days
TSOP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Average expected option term, in years		8 years 3 months 18 days	8 years 7 months 6 days

Stock-Based Compensation (Sch_4

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Stock Option Activity) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding at December 31, 2016 (in shares)	4,234,067
Granted (in shares)	40,960	485,560	996,610
Exercised (in shares)	(840,175)	(1,789,939)	(1,466,721)
Forfeited (in shares)	(15,208)
Outstanding at December 31, 2017 (in shares)	3,419,644	4,234,067
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, 2016 (in dollars per share)	$ 83.17
Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted (in dollars per share)	149.58
Weighted average exercise price of stock options exercised (in dollars per share)	72.08
Weighted average exercise price of stock options forfeited (in dollars per share)	89.57
Weighted average exercise price of stock options outstanding at December 31, 2017 (in dollars per share)	$ 86.66	$ 83.17

Stock-Based Compensation (Summa

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Stock Options Exercised) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Options exercised (in shares)	840,175	1,789,939	1,466,721
Total intrinsic value	$ 72	$ 114	$ 60
Cash received upon exercise	58	104	74
Related tax benefits realized	$ 16	$ 35	$ 13

Stock-Based Compensation (Sch_5

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Options) (Details) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Related tax benefit realized	$ 33	$ 54	$ 31
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares vested (in shares)	154,189	171,080	406,038
Common stock, shares, issued (in shares)	94,399	99,805	241,757
Related tax benefit realized	$ 3	$ 1	$ 3
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares vested (in shares)	160,200	137,200	175,500
Common stock, shares, issued (in shares)	99,968	81,318	103,936
Related tax benefit realized	$ 3	$ 3	$ 1

Stock-Based Compensation (Sum_2

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Stock Awards Outstanding) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
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, 2016 (in shares)	588,405
Granted (in shares)	217,290
Vested (in shares)	(160,200)	(137,200)	(175,500)
Forfeited (in shares)	(8,460)
Balance at December 31, 2017 (in shares)	637,035	588,405
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, 2016 (in dollars per share)	$ 87.40
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares granted (in dollars per share)	148.37
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares vested (in dollars per share)	69.83
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares forfeited (in dollars per share)	143.24
Weighted-average grant-date fair value at December 31, 2017 (in dollars per share)	$ 111.87	$ 87.40
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, 2016 (in shares)	1,748,752
Granted (in shares)	92,314
Vested (in shares)	(154,189)	(171,080)	(406,038)
Unearned (in shares)	(256,981)
Forfeited (in shares)	(3,070)
Balance at December 31, 2017 (in shares)	1,426,826	1,748,752
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, 2016 (in dollars per share)	$ 63.36
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares granted (in dollars per share)	91.60
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares earned - paid in Common Stock (in dollars per share)	46.08
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares unearned (in dollars per share)	87.01
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares forfeited (in dollars per share)	77.26
Weighted-average grant-date fair value at December 31, 2017 (in dollars per share)	$ 62.77	$ 63.36

Stock-Based Compensation (Sch_6

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Stock Available For Future Grants) (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Available for future grants (in shares)	8,644,108
LTIP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Available for future grants (in shares)	8,644,108	8,774,768	9,385,674
Common stock, shares, issued (in shares)	820,746	1,679,547	1,511,645
TSOP
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Available for future grants (in shares)	422,973	410,895	544,217
Common stock, shares, issued (in shares)	213,796	291,515	300,769

Stockholders' Equity - Narrativ

Stockholders' Equity - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Equity [Abstract]
Treasury stock, number of shares held	20,320,777		20,320,777
Treasury stock, value	$ 19		$ 19
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(563)		(356)	$ (487)
Retained income	13,440		$ 14,176
Accounting Standards Update 2018-02
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		$ (88)
Retained income	$ 88	$ 88

Stockholders' Equity - Accumula

Stockholders' Equity - Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning of period	$ (356)	$ (487)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications, net of tax	(144)	112
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Stranded Tax Effects Resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act	(88)	0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	25	19
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, end of period	(563)	(356)	$ (487)
Pensions And Other Postretirement Liabilities
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Pensions and other postretirement liabilities, beginning of year	(300)	(414)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications, net of tax	(136)	95	(64)
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Stranded Tax Effects Resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act	(86)	0
Pensions and other postretirement liabilities, reclassification adjustments	25	19	17
Pensions and other postretirement liabilities, end of year	(497)	(300)	(414)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Equity Investees
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning of period	(56)	(73)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications, net of tax	(8)	17
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Stranded Tax Effects Resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act	(2)	0
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax	0	0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, end of period	$ (66)	$ (56)	$ (73)

Stockholders' Equity - Other Co

Stockholders' Equity - Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Of Equity Investees (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications, net of tax	$ (144)	$ 112
Total recognized in other comprehensive income	(148)	155	$ (74)
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	(157)	174	(69)
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax	38	(43)	27
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(119)	131	(42)
Pensions And Other Postretirement Liabilities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications, before tax	(181)	127	(101)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, tax	45	(32)	37
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications, net of tax	(136)	95	(64)
Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income, before tax	33	28	27
Reclassification from AOCI, tax	(8)	(9)	(10)
Pensions and other postretirement liabilities, reclassification adjustments	25	19	17
Total recognized in other comprehensive income	(148)	155	(74)
Other comprehensive (income) loss, pension and other postretirement benefit plans, tax	37	(41)	27
Other comprehensive (income) loss, pension and other postretirement benefit plans, adjustment, net of tax	(111)	114	(47)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Equity Investees
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications, net of tax	(8)	17
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	(9)	19	5
Other comprehensive income (loss), tax	1	(2)	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$ (8)	$ 17	$ 5

Stock Repurchase Program (Detai

Stock Repurchase Program (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Aug. 02, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 26, 2017
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased and retired during period (in shares)			17,100,000	8,200,000	9,200,000
Stock repurchased and retired during period, cost			$ 2,781	$ 1,012	$ 803
Payments for repurchase of common stock			$ 2,781	$ 1,012	$ 803
New stock repurchase program (in shares)						50,000,000
Remaining number of shares authorized to be repurchased (in shares)		39,400,000	39,400,000
Stock repurchased and retired since beginning of stock repurchase program in 2006 (in shares)			185,600,000
Stock repurchased and retired since beginning of stock repurchase program in 2006, cost			$ 14,100
Accelerated Stock Repurchase Program (ASR)
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased and retired during period (in shares)	5,700,000	1,300,000	7,000,000
Stock repurchased and retired during period, cost	$ 960
Payments for repurchase of common stock	$ 1,200
Ongoing Share Repurchase Program
Equity, Class of Treasury Stock [Line Items]
Stock repurchased and retired during period (in shares)			10,100,000

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, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income	$ 702	$ 702	$ 710	$ 552	$ 3,968	$ 506	$ 497	$ 433	$ 2,666	$ 5,404	$ 1,668
Dividend equivalent payments, Basic									(6)	(4)	(5)
Dividend equivalent payments, Diluted									(1)	(2)	(4)
Income available to common stockholder's, Basic									2,660	5,400	1,663
Income available to common stockholder's, Diluted									$ 2,665	$ 5,402	$ 1,664
Weighted-average shares outstanding, basic (in shares)									277.7	287.9	293.9
Dilutive effect of outstanding options and share-settled awards (in shares)									2.5	2.4	2.1
Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding, diluted (in shares)									280.2	290.3	296
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 2.59	$ 2.54	$ 2.52	$ 1.94	$ 13.91	$ 1.76	$ 1.72	$ 1.49	$ 9.58	$ 18.76	$ 5.66
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 2.57	$ 2.52	$ 2.50	$ 1.93	$ 13.79	$ 1.75	$ 1.71	$ 1.48	$ 9.51	$ 18.61	$ 5.62

Earnings Per Share Antidilutive

Earnings Per Share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of EPS (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share (in shares)	0	200,000	1,300,000

Commitments And Contingencies (

Commitments And Contingencies (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)location	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)location
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Environmental liability	$ 55,000,000	$ 58,000,000
Current environmental liability	$ 15,000,000	$ 15,000,000
Known cleanup and remediation locations and projects | location	114	127
Number of sites - representative sample | location	15
Liability associated with those sites	$ 37,000,000
Environmental locations representative sample liability payout period, in years	5 years
Responsible locations with another party | location	11
Self-insured injury/damage to third party - up to	$ 50,000,000
Self-insured injury/damage to third parties - and above, per occurrence	1,100,000,000
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	$ 1,200,000,000

Quarterly Financial Data (Detai

Quarterly Financial Data (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Railway operating revenues	$ 2,896	$ 2,947	$ 2,898	$ 2,717	$ 2,669	$ 2,670	$ 2,637	$ 2,575	$ 11,458	$ 10,551	$ 9,888
Income from railway operations	1,078	1,020	1,026	835	998	895	872	757	3,959	3,522	3,009
Net income	$ 702	$ 702	$ 710	$ 552	$ 3,968	$ 506	$ 497	$ 433	$ 2,666	$ 5,404	$ 1,668
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 2.59	$ 2.54	$ 2.52	$ 1.94	$ 13.91	$ 1.76	$ 1.72	$ 1.49	$ 9.58	$ 18.76	$ 5.66
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 2.57	$ 2.52	$ 2.50	$ 1.93	13.79	$ 1.75	$ 1.71	$ 1.48	$ 9.51	$ 18.61	$ 5.62
Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items]
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, income tax (expense) benefit, earnings per share, basic (in dollars per share)					12.21
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, income tax (expense) benefit, earnings per share, diluted (in dollars per share)					$ 12.10
Other income – net									$ 67	$ 156	$ 136
Compensation and benefits									$ 2,925	2,979	2,808
Purchased Services and Rent
Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items]
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, deferred tax liability, income tax (expense) benefit					$ 151
Income Taxes
Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items]
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, deferred tax liability, income tax (expense) benefit					3,331					3,331
Net Income
Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items]
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, deferred tax liability, income tax (expense) benefit					3,482
Accounting Standards Update 2017-07
Effect of Fourth Quarter Events [Line Items]
Other income – net					16	$ 16	$ 16	$ 16		64	65
Compensation and benefits					$ 16	$ 16	$ 16	$ 16		$ 64	$ 65

Schedule II - Valuation And Q_2

Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current Portion Of Casualty And Other Claims Included In Accounts Payable
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 187	$ 192	$ 174
Expenses	32	17	25
Other Accounts	145	124	101
Deductions	151	146	108
Ending Balance	213	187	192
Casualty And Other Claims Included In Other Liabilities
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	179	178	191
Expenses	85	83	68
Other Accounts	0	0	0
Deductions	106	82	81
Ending Balance	$ 158	$ 179	$ 178