Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cash distributions	$ 1,750	$ 2,000
Parent Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Cash distributions	1,750	2,000
Tax refund from parent company	0	316
Tax payments to parent company	$ 421	$ 68

The cash outflow from the distribution of an entity's earnings in the form of dividends to common shareholders or distributions to the parent company.

No definition available.

Name:	bni_CashDistributionsDividendsPaid
Namespace Prefix:	bni_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration