Accounts Receivable, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Receivables [Abstract]
Allowance for Bill Adjustments and Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	$ 88	$ 74
Accounts Receivable, Current, Greater than 90 Days Past Due	$ 88	$ 50

A valuation allowance for trade and other receivables due to an Entity within one year (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer) that have bill adjustments or are expected to be uncollectible.

No definition available.

Name:	bni_AllowanceForBillAdjustmentsAndDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent
Namespace Prefix:	bni_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant