Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Change in amortization of accumulated actuarial losses and prior service costs, net of tax benefit	$ 0	$ (2)

Change In Unrecognized Prior Service Credit And Actuarial Losses Tax Benefit (Expense)

No definition available.

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