2.2.0.25truefalse1077 - Disclosure - Activity in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail)truefalseIn Millionsfalse1falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) USD ($) / shares $eol_PE10216---1010-K0013_STD_365_20101231_0http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001090727duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00pureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepure0iso4217_USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170iso4217_USD_per_sharesDividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instanceshares0sharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instanceshares0YearStandardhttp://www.ups.com/20101231Yearups0PersonStandardhttp://www.ups.com/20101231Personups0CreditFacilityStandardhttp://www.ups.com/20101231CreditFacilityups0USDUSD$2falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) / shares USD ($) $eol_PE10216---1010-K0013_STD_365_20091231_0http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001090727duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00iso4217_USD_per_sharesDividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instanceshares0iso4217_USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USDiso42170pureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepure0sharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instanceshares0YearStandardhttp://www.ups.com/20101231Yearups0USDUSD$3falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) USD ($) / shares $eol_PE10216---1010-K0013_STD_366_20081231_0http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001090727duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00iso4217_USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170iso4217_USD_per_sharesDividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instanceshares0pureStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancepure0sharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instanceshares0YearStandardhttp://www.ups.com/20101231Yearups0USDUSD$2true0ups_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItemsupsfalsenadurationAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]falsefalse3false0us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalsefalseperiodstartlabel1truefalsefalse-5127000000-5127falsetrue falsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-5642000000-5642falsetruefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAccumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at fiscal year-end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 14, 17, 26 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 falsefalse4false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTaxus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel< Id>1truefalsefalse-39000000-39falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-93000000-93falsefalsefalsefalsefalse< /Cell>3truefalsefalse143000000143falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryChange in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instrument designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges, net of tax effect. The after tax effect change includes an entity's share of an equity investee's increase (decrease) in deferred hedging gains or losses.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 17, 20 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 121 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 46 falsefalse5false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTaxus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetersela bel1truefalsefalse3900000039falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse3300000033falsefalsefalsef alsefalse3truefalsefalse-69000000-69falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAppreciation or loss in value (before reclassification adjustment) of the total of unsold securities during the period being reported on, net of tax. Reclassification adjustments include: (1) the unrealized holding gain or loss, net of tax, at the date of the transfe r for a debt security from the held-to-maturity category transferred into the available-for-sale category. Also includes the unrealized gain or loss at the date of transfer for a debt security from the available-for-sale category transferred into the held-to-maturity category; (2) the unrealized gains or losses realized upon the sale of securities, after tax; and (3) the unrealized gains or losses realized upon the write-down of securities, after tax.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 17, 22 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b falsefalse6false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse-105000000-105falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse7500000075falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-119000000-119falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAdjustment that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into functional currency of the reporting entity, net of tax.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 52 -Paragraph 13, 20, 31 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 14, 17, 19, 26 falsefalse7false0us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabel1truefalsefalse-6195000000-6195falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-5127000000-5127falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-5642000000-5642falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAccumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at fiscal year-end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 14, 17, 26 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 falsefalse8false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.ups.com/taxonomy/role/disclosureactivityinaccumulatedothercomprehensiveincomeloss1 falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3 falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis} : Foreign currency translation gain (loss) 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $eol_PE10216---1010-K0013_STD_365_20101231_0_411810x400329http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001090727duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseForeign currency translation gain (loss)us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisexplicitMemberiso4217_USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$5falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis} : Foreign currency translation gain (loss) 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $eol_PE10216---1010-K0013_STD_365_20091231_0_411810x400329http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001090727duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseForeign currency translation gain (loss)us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisexplicitMemberiso4217_USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$6falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis} : Foreign currency translation gain (loss) 1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) $eol_PE10216---1010-K0013_STD_366_20081231_0_411810x400329http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001090727duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseForeign currency translation gain (loss)us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisexplicitMemberiso4217_USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse9true0ups_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItemsupsfalsenadurationAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]falsefalse10false0us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalsefalseperiodstartlabel1truefalsefalse3700000037falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-38000000-38falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse8100000081falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAccumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at fiscal year-end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 14, 17, 26 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 falsefalse11false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1< IsNumeric>truefalsefalse-105000000-105falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse7500000075falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-119000000-119falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAdjustment that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into functional currency of the reporting entity, net of tax.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 52 -Paragraph 13, 20, 31 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 14, 17, 19, 26 falsefalse12false0us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabel1truefalsefalse-68000000-68falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse3700000037falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-38000000-38falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAccumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at fiscal year-end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pensi on adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 14, 17, 26 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 falsefalse13false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.ups.com/taxonomy/role/disclosureactivityinaccumulatedothercomprehensiveincomeloss 1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse7falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis} : Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of tax 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $eol_PE10216---1010-K0013_STD_365_20101231_0_411810x400022http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001090727duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseUnrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of taxus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisexplicitMemberiso4217_USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$8falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis} : Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of tax 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $eol_PE10216---1010-K0013_STD_365_20091231_0_411810x400022http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001090727duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseUnrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of taxus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisexplicitMemberiso4217_USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$9falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis} : Unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of tax 1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) $eol_PE10216---1010-K0013_STD_366_20081231_0_411810x400022http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001090727duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseUnrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities, net of taxus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisexplicitMemberiso4217_USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse14true0ups_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossL ineItemsupsfalsenadurationAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00fals efalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]falsefalse15false0us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalsefalseperiodstartlabel1truefalsefalse-27000000-27falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalse false-60000000-60falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse90000009falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAccumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at fiscal year-end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 14, 17, 26 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 falsefalse16false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTaxus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel 1truefalsefalse3000000030falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2500000025falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-78000000-78falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAppreciation or loss in value (before reclassification adjustment) of the total of unsold securities during the period being reported on, net of tax. Reclassification adjustments include: (1) the unrealized holding gain or loss, net of tax, at the date of the transfer for a debt security from the held-to-maturity ca tegory transferred into the available-for-sale category. Also includes the unrealized gain or loss at the date of transfer for a debt security from the available-for-sale category transferred into the held-to-maturity category; (2) the unrealized gains or losses realized upon the sale of securities, after tax; and (3) the unrealized gains or losses realized upon the write-down of securities, after tax.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 17, 22 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b falsefalse17false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentForSaleOfSecuritiesIncludedInNetIncomeNetOfTaxus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruen egated1truefalsefalse90000009falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse80000008falsefalsefalsefa lsefalse3truefalsefalse90000009falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryReclassification adjustment for unrealized gains or losses realized upon the sale of securities, after tax.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 18, 19 falsefalse18false0us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabel< Cell>1truefalsefalse1200000012falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-27000000-27falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-60000000-60falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAccumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at fiscal year-end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 14, 17, 26 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 falsefalse19false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.ups.com/taxonomy/role/disclosureactivityinaccumulatedothercomprehensiveincomeloss 1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse10falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis} : Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $eol_PE10216---1010-K0013_STD_365_20101231_0_411810x400021http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001090727duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseUnrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of taxus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisexplicitMemberiso4217_USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$11falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis} : Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $eol_PE10216---1010-K0013_STD_365_20091231_0_411810x400021http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001090727duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseUnrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of taxus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisexplicitMemberiso4217_USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$12falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis} : Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax 1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) $eol_PE10216---1010-K0013_STD_366_20081231_0_411810x400021http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001090727duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseUnrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of taxus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_AccumulatedNetGainLossFromDesignatedOrQualifyingCashFlowHedgesMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisexplicitMemberiso4217_USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse20true0ups_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncome LossLineItemsupsfalsenadurationAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]falsefalse21false0us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalsefalseperiodstartlabel1truefalsefalse-200000000-200falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-107000000-107falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-250000000-250falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetary xbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAccumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at fiscal year-end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 14, 17, 26 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 falsefalse22false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedGainLossOnDerivativesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTaxus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel 1truefalsefalse-7000000-7falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse60000006falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-54000000-54falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryChange in accumulated gains and losses from derivative instrument designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges, net of tax effect. The after tax effect change includes an entity's share of an equity investee's increase (decrease) in deferred hedging gains or losses.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 17, 20 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 121 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 46 falsefalse23false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationAdjustmentOnDerivativesIncludedInNetIncomeNetOfTaxus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegate d1truefalsefalse-32000000-32falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-99000000-99falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse197000000197falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryNet of tax effect of the reclassification adjustment for accumulated gains and losses from derivative instrument designated and qualifying as the effective portion of cash flow hedges included in accumulated comprehensive income that was realized in net income duri ng the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 18, 19 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 24 -Subparagraph b Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 31, 46 falsefalse24false0us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabel 1truefalsefalse-239000000-239falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-200000000-200falsefalsefalsefalsefal se3truefalsefalse-107000000-107falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAccumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at fiscal year-end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 14, 17, 26 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 falsefalse25false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.ups.com/taxonomy/role/disclosureactivityinaccumulatedothercomprehensiveincomeloss 1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse13falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis} : Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of tax 1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) $eol_PE10216---1010-K0013_STD_365_20101231_0_411810x400015http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001090727duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseUnrecognized pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of taxus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisexplicitMemberiso4217_USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$14falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis} : Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of tax 1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) $eol_PE10216---1010-K0013_STD_365_20091231_0_411810x400015http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001090727duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseUnrecognized pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of taxus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisexplicitMemberiso4217_USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$15falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis} : Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of tax 1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) $eol_PE10216---1010-K0013_STD_366_20081231_0_411810x400015http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001090727duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00falsefalseUnrecognized pension and postretirement benefit costs, net of taxus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_AccumulatedDefinedBenefitPlansAdjustmentMemberus-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxisexplicitMemberiso4217_USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalse26true0ups_AccumulatedOtherComprehe nsiveIncomeLossLineItemsupsfalsenadurationAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringAccumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]falsefalse27false0us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalsefalseperiodstartlabel1truefalsefalse-4937000000-4937falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-5437000000-5437falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-1853000000-1853falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAccumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at fiscal year-end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 14, 17, 26 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 falsefalse28false0us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeReclassificationOfDefinedBenefitPlansNetGainLossRecognizedInNetPeriodicBenefitCostNetOfTaxus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse170000000170falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse156000000156falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse133000000133falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe adjustment out of other comprehensive income for actuarial gains (losses) recognized as a component of net periodic benefit cost during the period, after taxReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(3) Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 158 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph c, d falsefalse29false0ups_OtherComprehensiveIncomeNetActuarialGainsLossesAndPriorServiceCostArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTaxupsfalsecreditdurationOther Comprehensive Income, Net Actuarial Gains (Losses) And Prior Service Cost Arising During Period, Net Of Taxfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse-1133000000-1133falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse344000000344falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-3717000000-3717falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther Comprehensive Income, Net Actuarial Gains (Losses) And Prior Service Cost Arising During Period, Net Of TaxNo authoritative reference available.falsefalse30false0us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabel1truefalsefalse-5900000000-5900falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-4937000000-4937falsetruefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-5437000000-5437falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAccumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at fiscal year-end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions res ulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 14, 17, 26 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 falsefalse329Activity in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Detail) (USD $)MillionsUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue