Name:	ksu_AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortization
Namespace Prefix:	ksu_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

Gross amount of long-lived physical assets and certain intangibles used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, track structure, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, computer equipment and concession assets.

No definition available.

Name:	ksu_GrossPropertyPlantAndEquipment
Namespace Prefix:	ksu_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Amount, net of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization, of long-lived physical assets and certain intangibles used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, track structure, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, computer equipment and concession assets.

No definition available.

Name:	ksu_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentIncludingConcessionAssetsNet
Namespace Prefix:	ksu_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

Accumulated amount of amortization of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life.

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 350

-SubTopic 30

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (a)(1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7658586&loc=d3e16323-109275

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 142

-Paragraph 45

-Subparagraph a(1)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.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.

Name:	us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAccumulatedAmortization
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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
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Period Type:	instant

Amount after amortization of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance with a finite life.