2.2.0.25truefalse1055 - Disclosure - Net Periodic Benefit Cost for the Company Sponsored Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Detail)truefalseIn Millionsfalse1falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis} : U.S. Pension Benefits 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $eol_PE10216---1010-K0013_STD_365_20101231_0_402249x412476http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001090727duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseU.S. Pension Benefitsus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMemberus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisexplicitMemberiso4217_USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170pureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepure0USDUSD$2falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis} : U.S. Pens ion Benefits 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $eol_PE10216---1010-K0013_STD_365_20091231_0_402249x412476http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001090727duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseU.S. Pension Benefitsus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMemberus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisexplicitMemberpure Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepure0iso4217_USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$3falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis} : U.S. Pens ion Benefits 1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) $eol_PE10216---1010-K0013_STD_366_20081231_0_402249x412476http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001090727duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseU.S. Pension Benefitsus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMemberus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisexplicitMemberpure Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepure0iso4217_USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$1false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.ups.com/taxonomy/role/disclosurenetperiodicbenefitcostforthecompanysponsoredpensionandpostretirementbenefitplans1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis} : U.S. Pension Benefits 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $eol_PE10216---1010-K0013_STD_365_20101231_0_402249x412476http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001090727duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseU.S. Pension Benefitsus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMemberus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisexplicitMemberiso4217_USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170pureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepure0USDUSD$2falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis} : U.S. Pe nsion Benefits 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $eol_PE10216---1010-K0013_STD_365_20091231_0_402249x412476http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001090727duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseU.S. Pension Benefitsus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMemberus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisexplicitMemberpure Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepure0iso4217_USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$3falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis} : U.S. Pe nsion Benefits 1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) $eol_PE10216---1010-K0013_STD_366_20081231_0_402249x412476http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001090727duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseU.S. Pension Benefitsus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_UnitedStatesPensionPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMemberus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisexplicitMemberpure Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepure0iso4217_USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse2true0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00< /RoundedNumericAmount>falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse3false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCostus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse723000000723falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse689000000689falsetruefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse707000000707falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe actuarial present value of benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the period. The portion of the expected postretirement benefit obligation attributed to employee service during the period. The service cost component is a portion of the benefit obligation and is unaffected by the funded status of the plan.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 106 -Paragraph 518 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 87 -Paragraph 264 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph a, h falsefalse4false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCostus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse11990000001199falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse11300000001130falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalse false10510000001051falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe increase in a defined benefit pension plan's projected benefit obligation or a defined benefit postretirement plan's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation due to the passage of time.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 106 -Paragraph 518 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 87 -Paragraph 264 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph a, h falsefalse5false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssetsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-1599000000-1599falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-1488000000-1488falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3true falsefalse-1517000000-1517falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAn amount calculated as a basis for determining the extent of delayed recognition of the effects of changes in the fair value of assets. The expected return on plan assets is determined based on the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the market-related value of plan assets.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2 003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 106 -Paragraph 518 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 87 -Paragraph 264 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph h falsefalse6true0ups_AmortizationAbstractupsfalsenadurationAmortization [Abstract]falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringAmortization [Abstract]falsefalse7false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfTransitionObligationsAssetsus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse< Cell>2truefalsefalse40000004falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse50000005falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of the transition obligation or asset recognized in net periodic benefit cost.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph h falsefalse8false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCreditus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse172000000172falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse178000000178falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse184000000184falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of the prior service cost or credit recognized in net periodic benefit cost relating to benefit changes attributable to plan participants' prior service pursuant to a plan amendment or a plan initiation.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph h falsefalse9false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLossesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse7800000078falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse4600000046falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse80000008falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of gains or losses recognized in net periodic benefit costReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph h falsefalse10false0ups_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfOtherupsfalsedebitdurationDefined Benefit Plan Amortization Of, Otherfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1false< IsRatio>falsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse30000003falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3false< IsRatio>falsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryDefined Benefit Plan Amortization Of, OtherNo authoritative reference available.falsefalse11false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse573000000573falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse562000000562falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse438000000438fa lsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe total amount of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans for the period. Periodic benefit costs include the following components: service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, gain or loss, prior service cost or credit, transition asset or obligation, and gain or loss due to settlements or curtailments).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph h truefalse12false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.ups.com/taxonomy/role/disclosurenetperiodicbenefitcostforthecompanysponsoredpensionandpostretirementbenefitplans1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis} : U.S. Postretirement Medical Benefits 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $eol_PE10216---1010-K0013_STD_365_20101231_0_402249x412477http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001090727duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseU.S. Postretirement Medical Benefitsus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMemberus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisexplicitMemberiso4217_USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170pureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepure0USDUSD$5falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_Define dBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis} : U.S. Postretirement Medical Benefits 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $eol_PE10216---1010-K0013_STD_365_20091231_0_402249x412477http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001090727duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseU.S. Postretirement Medical Benefitsus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMemberus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisexplicitMemberiso4217_USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170pureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepure0USDUSD$6falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_Define dBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis} : U.S. Postretirement Medical Benefits 1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) $eol_PE10216---1010-K0013_STD_366_20081231_0_402249x412477http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001090727duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseU.S. Postretirement Medical Benefitsus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_UnitedStatesPostretirementBenefitPlansOfUSEntityDefinedBenefitMemberus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisexplicitMemberiso4217_USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170pureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepure0USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse13true0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefa lse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse14false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCostus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse8600000086falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse8500000085falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse9600000096falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe actuarial present value of benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the period. The portion of the expected postretirement benefit obligation attributed to employee service during the period. The service cost component is a portion of the benefit obligation and is unaffected by the funded status of the plan.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 106 -Paragraph 518 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 87 -Paragraph 264 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph a, h falsefalse15false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCostus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse214000000214falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse211000000211falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse202000000202falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe increase in a defined benefit pension plan's projected benefit obligation or a defined benefit postretirement plan's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation due to the passage of time.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 106 -Paragraph 518 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 87 -Paragraph 264 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph a, h falsefalse16false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssetsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-22000000-22falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-27000000-27falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-49000000-49falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAn amount calculated as a basis for determining the extent of delayed recognition of the effects of changes in the fair value of assets. The expected return on plan assets is determined based on the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the market-related value of plan assets.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/pr esentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 106 -Paragraph 518 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 87 -Paragraph 264 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph h falsefalse17true0ups_AmortizationAbstractupsfalsenadurationAmortization [Abstract]falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse< NumericAmount>00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringAmortization [Abstract]falsefalse18false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCreditus-gaaptruedebitduration No definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse40000004falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse60000006falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-4000000-4falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of the prior service cost or credit recognized in net periodic benefit cost relating to benefit changes attributable to plan participants' prior service pursuant to a plan amendment or a plan initiation.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph h falsefalse19false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLossesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse1600000016falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1400000014falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse2000000020falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of gains or losses recognized in net periodic benefit costReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph h falsefalse20false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefals efalse298000000298falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse289000000289falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3true falsefalse265000000265falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe total amount of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans for the period. Periodic benefit costs include the following components: service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, gain or loss, prior service cost or credit, transition asset or obligation, and gain or loss due to settlements or curtailments).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph h truefalse21false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.ups.com/taxonomy/role/disclosurenetperiodicbenefitcostforthecompanysponsoredpensionandpostretirementbenefitplans1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse7falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis} : International Pension Benefits 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $eol_PE10216---1010-K0013_STD_365_20101231_0_402249x404429http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001090727duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseInternational Pension Benefitsus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMemberus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisexplicitMemberiso4217_USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170pureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepure0USDUSD$8falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPla nsAxis} : International Pension Benefits 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $eol_PE10216---1010-K0013_STD_365_20091231_0_402249x404429http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001090727duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseInternational Pension Benefitsus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMemberus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisexplicitMemberiso4217_USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170pureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepure0USDUSD$9falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPla nsAxis} : International Pension Benefits 1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) $eol_PE10216---1010-K0013_STD_366_20081231_0_402249x404429http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001090727duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseInternational Pension Benefitsus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_ForeignPensionPlansDefinedBenefitMemberus-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxisexplicitMemberiso4217_USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170pureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepure0USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefal se22true0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalse23false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanServiceCostus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse2400000024falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2 truefalsefalse1700000017falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse2600000026falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe actuarial present value of benefits attributed by the pension benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the period. The portion of the expected postretirement benefit obligation attributed to employee service during the period. The service cost component is a portion of the benefit obligation and is unaffected by the funded status of the plan.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 106 -Paragraph 518 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 87 -Paragraph 264 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph a, h falsefalse24false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanInterestCostus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse3400000034falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2800000028falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse3100000031falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe increase in a defined benefit pension plan's projected benefit obligation or a defined benefit postretirement plan's accumulated postretirement benefit obligation due to the passage of time.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 106 -Paragraph 518 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 87 -Paragraph 264 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph a, h falsefalse25false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanExpectedReturnOnPlanAssetsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-36000000-36falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-26000000-26falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-35000000-35falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAn amount calculated as a basis for determining the extent of delayed recognition of the effects of changes in the fair value of assets. The expected return on plan assets is determined based on the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets and the market-related value of plan assets.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/pr esentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 106 -Paragraph 518 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 87 -Paragraph 264 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph h falsefalse26true0ups_AmortizationAbstractupsfalsenadurationAmortization [Abstract]falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse< NumericAmount>00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringAmortization [Abstract]falsefalse27false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCreditus-gaaptruedebitduration No definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse10000001falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse10000001falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse10000001falsefalsefalsefalsefalse< /Cell>Monetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of the prior service cost or credit recognized in net periodic benefit cost relating to benefit changes attributable to plan participants' prior service pursuant to a plan amendment or a plan initiation.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph h falsefalse28false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLossesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse30000003falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalse< /IsRatio>false00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of gains or losses recognized in net periodic benefit costReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph h falsefalse29false0ups_DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfOtherupsfalsedebitdurationDefined Benefit Plan Amortization Of, Otherfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse60000006falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse10000001falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryDefined Benefit Plan Amortization Of, OtherNo authoritative reference available.falsefalse30false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanNetPeriodicBenefitCostus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse3200000032falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2100000021falsetruefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse2300000023false truefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe total amount of net periodic benefit cost for defined benefit plans for the period. Periodic benefit costs include the following components: service cost, interest cost, expected return on plan assets, gain or loss, prior service cost or credit, transition asset or obligation, and gain or loss due to settlements or curtailments).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph h truefalse330Net Periodic Benefit Cost for the Company Sponsored Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans (Detail) (USD $)MillionsUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue