Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Properties Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Pension Plan [Member] Pension Plan [Member] OPEB Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Net loss arising during the year Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax Amortization of net losses Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Amortization of prior service benefit Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Total recognized in other comprehensive loss Other Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income Net Gain Loss Before Tax Other Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income Net Gain Loss Before Tax Total recognized in net periodic cost and other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, before Tax Investments [Abstract] Schedule of Investments [Table] Schedule of Investments [Table] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Purchased Services and Rent Purchased services and rent [Member] Purchased services and rent [Member] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Conrail Equity Equity Method Investee [Member] Conrail Voting Affiliate Voting [Member] Voting interest in affiliate. Conrail Inc. Conrail Inc [Member] Jointly owned LLC between NS and CSX that is treated by NS as an equity method investee TTX Company TTX Company [Member] TTX Company [Member] Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, by Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Summary of Investments, by Type [Domain] Investments [Domain] Shared Assets Areas CRC Lease Fixed Maturities [Member] Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Investments [Line Items] Equity method investment, ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Pension plan status change in investment, affiliate Pension Plan Status, Change In Investment, Affiliate Pension Plan Status, Change In Investment, Affiliate Portion of pension plan change attributable to other comprehensive income (loss), affiliate Pension Plan Status Change Attributable To Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Affiliate Pension Plan Status Change Attributable To Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Affiliate Portion of pension plan change attributable to deferred taxes, affiliate Pension Plan Status Change Attributable To Deferred Taxes Affiliate Pension Plan Status Change Attributable To Deferred Taxes, Affiliate Difference between investment in Conrail and share of Conrail's underlying net equity Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity Equity in earnings of investee Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Future annual minimum payments, due next five years Future Annual Minimum Payments, Due Next Five Years Future annual minimum payments due to Consolidated Rail Corporation for operation of the shared asset areas in the next five years. Future minimum lease payments, 2022 and subsequent years Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter General and administrative support to Conrail Related Party Transaction, Other Revenues from Transactions with Related Party Due to Conrail, current Due to Affiliate, Current Due to Conrail, noncurrent Due to Affiliate, Noncurrent Due to Conrail, noncurrent, maturity date Long Term Advances Due To Affiliate Maturity Date Maturity date of long-term advances due to an affiliate. Due to Conrail, average interest rate Due to affiliate, average interest rate The average interest rate associated with long-term advances from an affiliate. Expenses from transactions with related party Related Party Transaction, Expenses from Transactions with Related Party Leases [Abstract] 2017 - Operating Leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2018 - Operating Leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2019 - Operating Leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2020 - Operating Leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2021 - Operating Leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years 2022 and subsequent years Total - Operating Leases Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Operating lease expense - minimum rents Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Minimum Rentals Operating lease expense - contingent rents Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Contingent Rentals Total operating lease expense Operating Leases, Rent Expense Other Income and Expenses [Abstract] Other Income - Net Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income, by Component [Table Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Fair Value, Measurement Inputs, Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Properties, accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Common stock, par or stated value per share Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock, shares outstanding, net of treasury shares Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] TSOP Tsop [Member] Norfolk Southern Corporation Thoroughbred Stock Option Plan [Member]. LTIP Employee Stock Option [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Available for future grants Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Shares of Common Stock issued Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Issued in Period Investments Investment [Table Text Block] Costs Of obtaining rights to natural resources Costs Of Obtaining Rights To Natural Resources Amount as of the balance sheet date included in "other property" related to the costs of obtaining rights to natural resources. Accumulated depreciation associated with costs of obtaining rights to natural resources Accumulated Depreciation Associated With Costs Of Obtaining Rights To Natural Resources The amount of accumulated depreciation as of the balance sheet date associated with costs of obtaining rights to natural resources. Interest costs incurred on debt Interest Costs Incurred Interest costs capitalized Interest Costs Capitalized Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] schedule of earnings per share, basic and diluted, by common class, including two class method [Table] Schedule of earnings per share, basic and diluted, by common class, including two class method [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Schedule of Earnings Per Share Basic and Diluted by Common Class Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Schedule of Earnings Per Share Basic and Diluted by Common Class Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Dividend equivalent payments, Basic Participating Securities, Distributed and Undistributed Earnings (Loss), Basic Dividend equivalent payments, Diluted Participating Securities, Distributed and Undistributed Earnings (Loss), Diluted Income available to common stockholder's, Basic Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Income available to common stockholder's, Diluted Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Weighted-average shares outstanding, Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Dilutive effect of outstanding options and share-settled awards Weighted Average Number Diluted Shares Outstanding Adjustment Adjusted weighted-average shares outstanding, Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Earnings Per Share, Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic Earnings Per Share, Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted Stock-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract] Other Liabilities Other Liabilities [Table Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Change in valuation allowance Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Performance Share Units (PSUs) Performance Shares [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Balance at December 31, 2015 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Unearned Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Unearned Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Unearned Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Balance at December 31, 2016 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Weighted-average grant-date fair value at December 31, 2015 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares earned - paid in Common Stock Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Earned And Paid In Common Stock, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Earned And Paid In Common Stock, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares unearned Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Unearned, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Unearned, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-average grant-date fair value of shares forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted-average grant-date fair value at December 31, 2016 LTIP And TSOP Ltip And Tsop [Member] Incentive award plans for employees (Long-term Incentive Plan and Thoroughbred Stock Option Plan) Schedule of Options Granted Under LTIP and TSOP Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, grants in period, weighted average exercise price, table [Table Text Block] Share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, grants in period, weighted average exercise price, table [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Assumptions Used For LTIP And TSOP Grants Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Stock Option Activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Summary Of Stock Options Exercised Schedule of Cash Proceeds Received from Share-based Payment Awards [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Other Share Activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Stock Available For Future Grants Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block] Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Obligations And Plan Assets Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block] Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Cost Components Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Other Changes In Plan Assets And Benefit Obligations Recognized In Other Comprehensive Loss Schedule of Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Assumptions Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Health Care Cost Trend Assumptions Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Table Text Block] Pension Plan Weighted-Average Asset Allocations, By Asset Category Pension Plan Weighted-Average Asset Allocations [Table Text Block] The weighted-average asset allocations by asset category for the reporting period associated with the pension plan. Fair Value Of Plan Assets Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Estimated Future Benefit Payments Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Other Pension Plan, Postretirement or Supplemental Plans [Member] Other Pension Plan, Postretirement or Supplemental Plans [Member] Change in accounting estimate, effect of change on operating results Change in accounting estimate, effect of change on operating results Change in accounting estimate, effect of change on operating results Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Amortization of net losses Defined Benefit Plan, Future Amortization of Gain (Loss) Amortization of prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Net cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Lease Commitments Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-In Capital Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Retained Income Retained Earnings [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Beginning Balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Dividends on Common Stock ($2.22, $2.36 and $2.36 for years ended 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively) Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Share repurchases Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Stock-based compensation, including tax benefit ($37 and $14 for years ended 2014 and 2015, respectively) Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Other Stockholders' Equity, Other Ending Balance Accounting Policies [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Operating Activities Operating Activities [Axis] Segment, Operating Activities [Domain] Operating Activities [Domain] Intermodal Railway Operating Revenues Market Group Intermodal [Member] Railway Operating Revenues, Market Group, Intermodal Chemicals Railway Operating Revenues Market Group Chemicals [Member] Railway Operating Revenues, Market Group, Chemicals Agriculture/Consumer Products/Government Railway Operating Revenues Market Group Agriculture Consumer Products Government [Member] Railway Operating Revenues, Market Group, Agriculture/Consumer Products/Government Coal Railway Operating Revenues Market Group Coal [Member] Railway Operating Revenues, Market Group, Coal Metals/Construction Railway Operating Revenues Market Group Metals Construction [Member] Railway Operating Revenues, Market Group, Metals/Construction Automotive Railway Operating Revenues Market Group Automotive [Member] Railway Operating Revenues, Market Group, Automotive Paper/Clay/Forest Products Railway Operating Revenues Market Group Paper Clay Forest Products [Member] Railway Operating Revenues, Market Group, Paper/Clay/Forest Products Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Equipment Equipment [Member] Roadway Roadway [Member] Disclosures over those assets included in our Roadway asset class. Examples include rail, track material, ties, ballast, etc. Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Operating route miles Operating Route Miles Approximate number of route miles operated by the company in the East and Midwest. Market groups percent of total railway operating revenues Market Groups Percent Of Total Railway Operating Revenues Percent of total railway operating revenues by market group. Employees covered by collective bargaining agreements Employees Covered By Collective Bargaining Agreements Percent of the company's employees covered by collective bargaining agreements with various labor unions. Allowance for doubtful accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Approximate number of depreciable asset classes used Number Of Depreciable Asset Classes Used Range Low End Number Of Depreciable Asset Classes Used Range Low End Depreciation studies interval Depreciation Studies, Period Depreciation Studies, Period Depreciation studies description Depreciation Studies Description Explanation of how often depreciation studies are conducted Payables and Accruals [Abstract] Current Liabilities Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Pensions And Other Postretirement Benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Environmental liability Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies Current environmental liability Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Undiscounted, Next Twelve Months Known cleanup and remediation locations and projects Environmental Cleanup Locations Number of known locations and projects of environmental loss contingencies. Number of sites - representative sample Environmental Locations Representative Sample A representative sample of the total number of environmental locations and projects. Liability associated with those sites Environmental Locations Representative Sample Liability Liability associated with the representative sample of environmental locations and projects. Environmental locations representative sample liability payout period, in years Environmental Locations Representative Sample Liability Period Number of years over which environmental liabilities are expected to be paid out. Environmental expense Environmental Remediation Expense Responsible locations with another party Environmental Responsible Party In Conjunction With Other Parties Number of locations the company or its subsidiaries in conjunction with other parties have been identified as potentially responsible parties by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Self-insured injury/damage to third party - up to Self Insured For Bodily Injury And Property Damage To Third Parties Up To Amount up to which the company is self-insured per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage to third parties. Self-insured injury/damage to third parties - and above, per occurrence Self Insured For Bodily Injury And Property Damage To Third Parties Above Amount above which the company is self-insured per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage to third parties. Self-insured for bodily injury and property damage to third parties above, for specific perils Self-insured for bodily injury and property damage to third parties above, for specific perils Amount above which the company is self-insured per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage to third parties, for specific perils Self-insured NS owned property - up to Self-Insured For Property Owned Up To Amount up to which the company is self-insured, per occurrence, for property owned or in the care, custody or control of the company. Self-insured NS owned property - and above, per occurrence Self-Insured For Property Owned Above Amount above which the company is self-insured, per occurrence, for property owned or in the care, custody or control of the company. Purchase commitments Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount Rental income Rental Income, Nonoperating Corporate-owned life insurance – net Life Insurance, Corporate or Bank Owned, Change in Value Royalties from coal Royalty Revenue from Coal Interest income Investment Income, Interest Gains and losses from sale of properties (including joint venture sales) Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment, Excluding Oil and Gas Property and Timber Property Nonoperating depletion and depreciation Nonoperating Depletion And Depreciation Amount of depletion and depreciation associated with nonopertaing assets recorded in "Other income". Other interest expense – net Interest Expense, Other Charitable contributions Charitable Contributions Value of contributions made to charitable organizations Taxes on nonoperating property Taxes, Other External advisor costs Professional Fees Other Other Income (Expense), Net Other Income (Expense), Net Total Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Quarterly Financial Data Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] One-percentage point increase change in total service and interest cost components Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Service and Interest Cost Components One-percentage point decrease change total service and interest cost components Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Service and Interest Cost Components One-percentage point increase change in postretirement benefit obligations Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Increase on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation One-percentage point decrease change in postretirement benefit obligations Defined Benefit Plan, Effect of One Percentage Point Decrease on Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation Stock Repurchase Program [Abstract] Stock Repurchase Program Treasury Stock [Text Block] Average expected volatility rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Weighted Average Volatility Rate Average risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Grant price of options granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Average expected option term, in years Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term Stock options granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Net of Forfeitures Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Equity Securities Equity Securities [Member] Debt Securities Debt Securities [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt Securities [Domain] Domestic Equity Securities [Member] Domestic Equity Securities [Member] Domestic Equity Securities [Member] International equity securities [Member] international equity securities [Member] International equity securities [Member] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Pension Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Information about Plan Assets [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations Pension Plan Asset Allocation Debt Securities Pension Plan Asset Allocation Debt Securities This element is used to disclose the percentage of allocation of pension plan assets to debt securities. Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt With Interest Rates And Maturities Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Meridian Speedway LLC Meridian Speedway Llc [Member] Meridian Speedway LLC [Member] Pan Am Southern LLC Pan Am Southern Llc [Member] Pan Am Southern LLC [Member] Other Other Long-term Investments [Member] Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investments Company-owned life insurance at net cash surrender value Cash Surrender Value of Life Insurance Other investments Other Investments Total long-term investments Long-term Investments Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Inputs Level 1 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value Inputs Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Long-term investments, fair value Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Fair Value Long-term debt, including current maturities, fair value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Provisions For Income Taxes Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Reconciliation Of Statutory Rate To Effective Rate Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Reconciliation Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] Deferred tax assets: Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract] Compensation and benefits, including postretirement benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits Accruals, including casualty and other claims Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals Other Deferred Tax Assets, Other Total gross deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Less valuation allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Net deferred tax asset Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net [Abstract] Property Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Total gross deferred tax liabilities Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Net deferred tax liability Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Axis] Plan Name [Domain] Plan Name [Domain] Award Date [Axis] Award Date [Axis] Award Date [Domain] Award Date [Domain] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Axis] Vesting [Domain] Vesting [Domain] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Earned And Paid In Common Stock, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Outstanding at December 31, 2015 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Granted Exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period Outstanding at December 31, 2016 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Weighted average exercise price of stock options outstanding at December 31, 2015 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price of stock options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price of stock options forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures and Expirations in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price of stock options outstanding at December 31, 2016 June 2016 Senior Note 2.90 Due 2026 [Member] June 2016 Senior Note 2.90 Due 2026 [Member] June 2016 Senior Note 2.9 Due 2026 [Member] Securitization Borrowings [Member] Securitization Borrowings [Member] Securitization Borrowings [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Debt instrument, interest rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt instrument, maturity date Debt Instrument, Maturity Date, Description Credit agreement Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity Proceeds from short-term debt Proceeds from Short-term Debt Repayments of short-term debt Repayments of Short-term Debt Accounts receivable securitization balance Accounts Receivable Securitization Balance The balance as of the reporting period of the amount owed by the reporting entity to counterparties in securitized loan transactions. Average variable interest rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Intent to refinance Intent To Refinance The amount the company intends to refinance under the accounts receivable securitization program. Long-term debt Long-term Debt Short-term debt Short-term Debt Collateral for securitization borrowings Transfers Accounted for as Secured Borrowings, Assets, Carrying Amount Credit agreement term, years Credit Agreement Term Years The term of the credit agreement the company has in place. Debt and Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract] Debt and Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract] Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract] Long-term Debt, Unclassified [Abstract] Transfers and Servicing [Abstract] Transfers and Servicing [Abstract] Financial Instruments Pledged as Collateral [Abstract] Financial Instruments Pledged as Collateral [Abstract] Transfers of Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Abstract] Transfers of Financial Assets Accounted for as Secured Borrowings [Abstract] Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Calculation Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Description of Business Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivables, Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Policy [Policy Text Block] Materials And Supplies Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Investments Investment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Properties Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Required Accounting Changes New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Pensions And Other Postretirement Liabilities [Member] Pensions And Other Postretirement Liabilities [Member] Pensions and other postretirement liabilities component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Equity Investees [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Equity Investees [Member] Accumulated other comprehensive loss of equity investees component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Pensions and other postretirement liabilities, end of year Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Pensions and other postretirement liabilities, reclassification adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss, beginning of period Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Carrying Amounts And Estimated Fair Values Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Fair Value Of Long-term Assets And Liabilities Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Treasury Stock, Number of Shares Held Treasury Stock, Shares Treasury Stock, Value Treasury Stock, Value Properties Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Commitments And Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net income Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation Depreciation Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Gains and losses on properties and investments Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Changes in assets and liabilities affecting operations: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Materials and supplies Increase (Decrease) in Materials and Supplies Other current assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Current liabilities other than debt Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Other – net Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Property additions Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Property sales and other transactions Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Investment purchases Payments to Acquire Investments Investment sales and other transactions Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Dividends Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Common Stock transactions CommonStockTransactions Common stock transactions, including proceeds from stock options exercised and payments related to tax withholding for share-based compensation Purchase and retirement of Common Stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Proceeds from borrowings – net Proceeds from Debt, Net of Issuance Costs Debt repayments Repayments of Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents: Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value [Abstract] At beginning of year Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value At end of year Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest (net of amounts capitalized) Interest Paid, Net Income taxes (net of refunds) Income Taxes Paid, Net Interest-bearing Deposits [Member] Interest-bearing Deposits [Member] US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] Commingled Funds [Member] Commingled Funds [Member] Commingled Funds [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Railway operating revenues Revenues Income from railway operations Operating Income (Loss) Conrail Inc [Member] Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract] Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract] Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] Defined benefit pension plan, liabilities, noncurrent Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Liabilities, Noncurrent Long-term advances from Conrail (Note 5) Casualty and other claims (Note 16) Loss Contingency, Accrual, Noncurrent Deferred compensation Deferred Compensation Liability, Classified, Noncurrent Other Other Accrued Liabilities, Noncurrent Total Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other comprehensive loss, before tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract] Pension and other postretirement benefits Other comprehensive loss, before tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Income tax benefit related to items of other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Other comprehensive loss, net of tax Maximum number of shares available for grant Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Amended LTIP plan-award granted as an option or stock appreciation right Amended LTIP Plan Award Granted As Option Or Stock Appreciation Right Amended LTIP Plan Award Granted As Option Or Stock Appreciation Right Amended LTIP plan - award granted in a form other than option or stock appreciation right Amended LTIP Plan Award Granted As Other Than Option Or Stock Appreciation Right Amended LTIP Plan Award Granted As Other Than Option Or Stock Appreciation Right Compensation costs Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Share-based Compensation Cost, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Share-based Compensation Cost, Amount Tax benefits associated with compensation costs Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense LTIP dividend equivalent payment, in years LTIP Dividend Equivalent Payment Years Number of years holders of LTIP options who remain actively employed, are eligible for dividend equivalent payments on a particular stock option grant. Dividend yield for period dividend equivalents paid Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Weighted average remaining contractual term of options outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Number of shares exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Exercisable weighted average exercise price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average remaining contractual term of options exercisable Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Unrecognized compensation related to stock options granted Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Unrecognized compensation, weighted average period of recognition Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Units other than stock options granted Grant-date fair value of units granted Shares vested Vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Shares issued net of withholding taxes Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Shares Issued Net Of Withholding Taxes Documents the compensation other than options issued net of withholding taxes. Related tax benefits realized Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit Realized from Exercise of Stock Options Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, LTIP and TSOP Option Grants [Abstract] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, LTIP and TSOP Option Grants [Abstract] Current Liabilities Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block] Accounts and wages payable Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current Casualty and other claims (Note 16) Loss Contingency, Accrual, Current Vacation liability Accrued Vacation, Current Due to Conrail (Note 5) Other Accounts Payable, Other, Current Total Accounts Payable, Current Interest payable Interest Payable, Current Pension benefit obligations (Note 11) Defined Benefit Pension Plan Liabilities, Current Other Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total Other Liabilities, Current 2017 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months 2018 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two 2019 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three 2020 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four 2021 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five Years 2022 - 2026 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter Long-term investments, carrying value Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Carrying Amount Long-term debt, including current maturities, carrying value Other Liabilities Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] 6.34% maturing to 2021 Debt Maturing To Two Thousand Twenty One [Member] Debt Maturing To Two Thousand Twenty One [Member] 4.36% maturing 2022 to 2031 Debt Maturing To Two Thousand Twenty Two to Two Thousand Thirty One [Member] Debt Maturing To Two Thousand Twenty Two to Two Thousand Thirty One [Member] 4.88% maturing 2037 to 2046 Debt Maturing To Two Thousand Thirty Seven to Two Thousand Forty Six [Member] Debt Maturing To Two Thousand Thirty Seven to Two Thousand Forty Six [Member] 6.39% maturing 2097 to 2111 Debt Maturing Two Thousand Ninety Seven To Twenty One Thousand Eleven [Member] Debt Maturing Two Thousand Ninety Seven To Twenty One Thousand Eleven [Member] Securitization Borrowings and Capital Leases [Member] Securitization Borrowings and Capital Leases [Member] Securitization Borrowings and Capital Leases [Member] Total debt Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount Discounts, premiums, and debt issuance costs Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net Less current maturities and short-term debt Long-Term Debt Capital Lease Obligations And Short-Term Debt, Current Obligation related to long-term debt (excluding convertible debt), capital leases and short-term debt, the portion which is due in one year or less in the future. Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Long-term debt, weighted average interest rate Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate 2018 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2021 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five 2022 and subsequent years Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date Quarterly Financial Data Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Other Income - Net Other Income and Other Expense Disclosure [Text Block] Stock repurchased and retired during period, shares Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Stock repurchased and retired during period, cost New stock repurchase program Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Stock Repurchase Program, Remaining Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased Stock repurchased and retired since beginning of stock repurchase program in 2006, shares Stock repurchased and retired since inception shares Stock repurchased and retired since inception of stock repurchase program, shares. Stock repurchased and retired since beginning of stock repurchase program in 2006, cost Stock repurchased and retired since inception, value Stock repurchased and retired since inception, value. Income Statement [Abstract] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Railway operating revenues Railway operating expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Compensation and benefits Labor and Related Expense Purchased services and rents Purchased services and rents The amount of expense for contract services provided to the Company and rent paid for freight cars owned by other railroads or private companies net of rents received, including lease expenses, primarily for locomotives, railcars, containers, and trailers. Fuel Fuel Costs Depreciation Cost of Services, Depreciation Materials and other Other Cost and Expense, Operating Total railway operating expenses Operating Expenses Income from railway operations Other income – net Interest expense on debt Interest Expense Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Per share amounts: Basic (in dollars per share) Diluted (in dollars per share) Other comprehensive income (loss), before reclassifications, before tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications, tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassifications, Tax Reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income, before tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Reclassification from AOCI, tax Reclassification from AOCI, Current Period, Tax Pensions and other postretirement liabilities, reclassification adjustments Other comprehensive (income) loss, pension and other postretirement benefit plans, adjustment, before tax Other comprehensive (income) loss, pension and other postretirement benefit plans, tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Tax Other comprehensive (income) loss, pension and other postretirement benefit plans, adjustment, net of tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), tax Land Land [Member] Rail and other track material Railroad Transportation Equipment [Member] Ties Ties [Member] Value of ties held for productive use. Ballast Ballast [Member] Amount represents ballast held for productive use. Construction in process Construction In Process Roadway [Member] Construction in Process Roadway [Member] Other roadway Other Roadway [Member] Value of other roadway assets held for productive use Total roadway Total Roadway [Member] Value of total roadway assets held for productive use. Locomotives Locomotives [Member] Value of locomotives held for productive use. Freight cars Freight Cars [Member] Value of freight cars held for productive use. Computers and software Technology Equipment [Member] Construction in process Construction In Process Equipment [Member] This element is used to disclose construction in process related to equipment held for productive use. Other equipment Other Machinery and Equipment [Member] Total equipment Other property Other Property [Member] Cost Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Accumulated Depreciation Net Book Value Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Depreciation Rate Depreciation Rate Represents the rate of depreciation applied to a particular asset class Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of year Unrecognized Tax Benefits Additions based on tax positions related to the current year Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Reductions for tax positions of prior years Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Settlements with taxing authorities Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Lapse of statutes of limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Balance at end of year Options exercised Total intrinsic value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Cash received upon exercise Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings per Share [Abstract] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] Schedule II - Valuation And Qualifying Accounts Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Postretirement benefits reimbursement receivable Postretirement benefits reimbursement receivable Reimbursement receivable from post-retirement benefit plan trust Change in benefit obligations: Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Benefit obligation at beginning of year Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Actuarial losses (gains) Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Plan amendments Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid Benefit obligation at end of year Change in plan assets: Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year Actual return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Employer contribution (reimbursement)1 Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Benefits paid Fair value of plan assets at end of year Funded status at end of year Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan Noncurrent assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits, Noncurrent Current liabilities Noncurrent liabilities Net amount recognized Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet Net loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Actuarial Gain (Loss), before Tax Prior service cost (benefit) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Future Minimum Lease Payments Future Minimum Lease Payments Table [Text Block] Total amount of future contractually required payments on leases defined as operating and capital. Operating Lease Expense Schedule of Rent Expense [Table Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-09 [Member] Effect of adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, "Improvements to Employee Share-based Payment Accounting" [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2015-17 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2015-17 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New accounting pronouncement - effect of change on net income New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Net Income New accounting pronouncement - effect of adoption, quantification New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Discount rate - assumption Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Defined benefit plan's accumulated benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Unfunded pension plans projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Projected Benefit Obligation Unfunded pension plans accumulated benefit obligations Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Accumulated Benefit Obligation Estimated net loss for defined pension plans amortized from AOCI into net periodic cost Defined Benefit Plan, Amount to be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Next Fiscal Year Defined benefit plan, future amortization of prior service cost (Credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Future Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Assumed increases in per capita cost of covered health care benefits Defined Benefit Plan, Health Care Cost Trend Rate Assumed for Next Fiscal Year Ultimate health care cost trend rate Defined Benefit Plan, Ultimate Health Care Cost Trend Rate Pension plan assets target allocation for equity Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Plan Asset Allocations Postretirement benefit plan target asset allocation for equity, minimum Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Minimum Postretirement benefit plan target asset allocation for equity, maximum Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Range Maximum Assumed rate of return on pension plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets Trust-owned life insurance fair value Trust Owned Life Insurance Fair Value The fair value of trust-owned life insurance related to postretirement benefit plan assets as of the reporting period. Expected contribution for the next fiscal year Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year Multi-employer benefit plan premiums Multiemployer Plan, Period Contributions Defined contribution plan, cost recognized Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Assets Assets [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable – net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Materials and supplies Materials, Supplies, and Other Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Investments Properties less accumulated depreciation of $11,737 and $11,478 respectively Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total assets Assets Liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Accounts payable Short-term debt Income and other taxes Taxes Payable, Current Other current liabilities Current maturities of long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term debt Other liabilities Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net Total liabilities Liabilities Stockholders’ equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Common stock $1.00 per share par value, 1,350,000,000 shares authorized; outstanding 290,417,610 and 297,795,016 shares, respectively, net of treasury shares Common Stock, Value, Outstanding Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Accumulated other comprehensive loss Retained income Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Total stockholders’ equity Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity Liabilities and Equity Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Of Equity Investees Schedule Of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Investments Investment Holdings [Text Block] Service cost [Member] Service cost [Member] Service cost [Member] interest cost [Member] interest cost [Member] interest cost [Member] Funded Status Funded Status [Member] Status of the company's defined pension benefits Other Postretirement Benefits Funded Status Other Postretirement Benefits Funded Status [Member] Other Postretirement Benefits Funded Status Return on assets in plans - assumption Future salary increases - assumption Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Health care trend rate Defined Benefit Plan Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rate Defined Benefit Plan Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rate Current: Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Federal Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) State Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Total current taxes Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred: Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense [Abstract] Federal Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) State Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total deferred taxes Provision for income taxes Federal income tax at statutory rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount State income taxes, net of federal tax effect Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount Excess tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation, net of federal tax effect State tax law changes, net of federal tax effect Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Settlement, State and Local, Amount Other, net Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Reconciling Items, Amount Federal income tax at statutory rate, percentage of net income Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent State income taxes, net of federal tax effect, percentage of net income Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Percent Excess tax benefits associated with stock-based compensation, net of federal tax effect, percentage of net income Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Share-based Compensation Cost, Percent State tax law changes, net of federal tax effect, percentage of net income Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Settlement, State and Local, Percent Other, net, percentage of net income Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Percent Provision for income taxes, percentage of net income Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Valuation Allowance (Included Net In Deferred Tax Liability) For Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member] Casualty And Other Claims Included In Other Liabilities Other Liabilities Casualty And Other Claims [Member] Other Liabilities Casualty And Other Claims Current Portion Of Casualty And Other Claims Included In Accounts Payable Accounts Payable Casualty And Other Claims Current [Member] Accounts Payable Casualty And Other Claims Current Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Expenses Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Cost and Expense Other Accounts Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Other Accounts Deductions Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions Ending Balance