v2.4.1.9
Income Taxes (Details 5) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Interest And Penalties - Income Tax Expense [Abstract]      
Total accrued liabilities for interest and penalties $ 6us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued $ 6us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued  
Total interest and penalties recognized as part of income tax expense 9us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestExpense 7us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestExpense  
Total interest and penalties recognized as part of income tax benefit     (4)unp_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestExpenseBenefit
Tax refund in connection to settlement   8us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationLiabilityRefundAdjustmentFromSettlementWithTaxingAuthority  
Taxes paid in connection to settlement $ 11unp_IncomeTaxExaminationTaxPaidFromSettlementWithTaxingAuthority