Cover Page	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2020 shares
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	1-8339
Entity Registrant Name	NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	VA
Entity Tax Identification Number	52-1188014
Entity Address, Address Line One	Three Commercial Place
Entity Address, City or Town	Norfolk,
Entity Address, State or Province	VA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	23510-2191
City Area Code	(757)
Local Phone Number	629-2680
Title of 12(b) Security	Norfolk Southern Corporation Common Stock (Par Value $1.00)
Trading Symbol	NSC
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	255,109,247
Entity Central Index Key	0000702165
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Amendment Flag	false