Accounts Receivable, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Receivables [Abstract]
Allowance for Bill Adjustments and Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	$ 88	$ 87

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