Recorded Value of Property, Plant and Equipment Subject To Capital Leases (Detail) (Assets Held under Capital Leases, USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Assets Held under Capital Leases
Schedule of Capital Lease Obligations [Line Items]
Vehicles	$ 35
Aircraft	2,282	2,466
Buildings	24
Plant equipment	2
Technology Equipment	1
Accumulated amortization	(457)	(628)
Capital Leases, Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Net, Total	$ 1,887	$ 1,838

Long lived, depreciable assets used for the primary purpose of air transportation.

No definition available.

Name:	ups_AircraftGross
Namespace Prefix:	ups_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Long lived, depreciable structure held for productive use, including office, production, storage and distribution facilities.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	ups_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Long lived, depreciable assets used in the creation, maintenance and utilization of information systems which include computers and peripherals.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ups_InformationTechnologyAssetsGross
Namespace Prefix:	ups_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Details

Name:	ups_ScheduleOfCapitalLeaseObligationsLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	ups_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Long lived, depreciable assets used primarily for road transportation.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ups_VehiclesGross
Namespace Prefix:	ups_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The total gross amount less the charge for the use of the long-lived depreciable assets subject to a lease meeting the criteria for capitalization.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 840

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6455398&loc=d3e45280-112737

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The total charge for the use of long-lived depreciable assets subject to a lease meeting the criteria for capitalization.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 13

-Paragraph 122

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 13

-Paragraph 13

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 840

-SubTopic 10

-Section 55

-Paragraph 40

-Subparagraph (Note 2)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584154&loc=d3e38371-112697

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 840

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6455314&loc=d3e45014-112735

+ Details

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Gross amount of fixtures and equipment as of the date of the statement of financial position. Fixtures may include and consist of: machinery, equipment, engines, boilers, incinerators, installed building materials; systems and equipment for the purpose of supplying or distributing heating, cooling, electricity, gas, water, air, or light; antennas, cable, wiring and conduits used in connection with radio, television, security, fire prevention, or fire detection or otherwise used to carry electronic signals; telephone systems and equipment; elevators and related machinery and equipment; fire detection, prevention and extinguishing systems and apparatus; security and access control systems and apparatus; plumbing systems; water heaters, ranges, stoves, microwave ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers, garbage disposers, washers, dryers and other appliances; light fixtures, awnings, storm windows and storm doors; pictures, screens, blinds, shades, curtains and curtain rods; mirrors; cabinets, paneling, rugs and floor and wall coverings; fences, trees and plants; swimming pools; and such other items as defined by the reporting entity.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant