Income Taxes Interest and Penalties (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Income Tax Examination, Description	All U.S. federal income tax returns of BNSF are closed for audit through the tax period ending February 12, 2010. BNSF is currently under examination for the period February 13 - December 31, 2010 and years 2011, 2012 and 2013.
Total accrued liabilities for interest and penalites	$ 5	$ 5
Total interest and penalties recognized as expense (benefit)	$ 1	$ (4)	$ 3