v2.4.1.9
Retirement Plans (Details 4) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
OPEB [Member]    
Cash Contributions [Abstract]    
Cash contribution to non-qualified OPEB plan $ 25us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitsPayments
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
$ 23us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitsPayments
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember
Pension Qualified Plan [Member]    
Cash Contributions [Abstract]    
Cash contributions to qualified pension plan 200us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= unp_PensionQualifiedPlanMember
200us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= unp_PensionQualifiedPlanMember
Pension Non-qualified Plan [Member]    
Cash Contributions [Abstract]    
Cash contributions to non-qualified pension plan $ 33unp_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployerNonQualified
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= unp_PensionNonQualifiedPlanMember
$ 16unp_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployerNonQualified
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= unp_PensionNonQualifiedPlanMember