Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table]
Category of Item Purchased [Axis]
Category of Item Purchased [Axis]
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain]
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Category of Item Purchased [Domain]
Other Commitments [Member]
Other Commitments [Member]
The Company has commitments to acquire railroad ties, rail, freight cars, locomotives, and other equipment and services, as well as outstanding information technology service contracts and licenses.
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items]
Long-term purchase commitment
Long-term Purchase Commitment, Amount
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue
Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block]
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table]
Plan Name [Axis]
Plan Name [Axis]
Plan Name [Domain]
Plan Name [Domain]
Share Units Plan [Member]
Share Units Plan [Member]
Voluntary Incentive Deferral Plan (VIDP) [Member]
Voluntary Incentive Deferral Plan [Member]
Voluntary Incentive Deferral Plan providing eligible senior management employees the opportunity to elect to receive their annual incentive bonus payment and other eligible incentive payments in deferred share units (DSUs).
Award Type [Axis]
Award Type [Axis]
Equity Award [Domain]
Equity Award [Domain]
Stock Option Awards [Member]
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Employee Share Investment Plan [Member]
Employee Share Investment Plan [Member]
A company plan giving eligible employees the opportunity to subscribe to purchase shares of the company's common stock.
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Aggregate Disclosures [Abstract]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Aggregate Disclosures [Abstract]
Stock-based compensation expense
Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense
Tax benefit recognized in income
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense
Excess tax benefit recognized in income
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Excess Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax information on a domestic and foreign basis
Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Income before income taxes
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]
Domestic
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Domestic
Foreign
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Foreign
Current income tax expense
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Domestic
Current Federal, State and Local, Tax Expense (Benefit)
Foreign
Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit)
Total current income tax expense
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Deferred income tax expense (recovery)
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Domestic
Deferred Federal, State and Local, Tax Expense (Benefit)
Foreign
Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Total deferred income tax expense (recovery)
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block]
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Defined Contribution Plan [Table]
Defined Contribution Plan [Table]
Retirement Plan Type [Axis]
Retirement Plan Type [Axis]
Retirement Plan Type [Domain]
Retirement Plan Type [Domain]
Pension Plan [Member]
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Contribution Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Employer's contributions
Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Financial instruments
Financial Instruments Disclosure [Text Block]
Income Tax Examination [Table]
Income Tax Examination [Table]
Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis]
Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis]
Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain]
Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain]
Canada Federal and Provincial [Member]
Canada Revenue Agency [Member]
U.S. Federal [Member]
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) [Member]
U.S. State [Member]
U.S. State Jurisdictions [Member]
Designated tax departments of U.S. states entitled to levy and collect income taxes from the entity.
Tax Period [Axis]
Tax Period [Axis]
Tax Period [Domain]
Tax Period [Domain]
Earliest Tax Year [Member]
Earliest Tax Year [Member]
Latest Tax Year [Member]
Latest Tax Year [Member]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Tax years subject to examination by tax authorities
Open Tax Year
Tax years currently under examination
Income Tax Examination, Year under Examination
Year in which tax years currently under examination are expected to be completed
Income Tax Examination, Year in Which Examinations Are Expected to Be Completed
Tax year in which examinations are expected to be completed in CCYY format.
Other Income, Nonoperating [Abstract]
Other income
Other Nonoperating Income and Expense [Text Block]
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule of Stock by Class [Table]
Schedule of Stock by Class [Table]
Share Repurchase Program [Axis]
Share Repurchase Program [Axis]
Share Repurchase Program [Domain]
Share Repurchase Program [Domain]
Share Repurchase Program (10/30/2018 - 01/31/2019) [Member]
Stock Repurchase Program, Period in Force, One [Member]
Period in force, in which shares may be purchased under a stock repurchase plan authorized by an entity's Board of Directors.
Repurchase of common shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Common shares approved for repurchase (in shares)
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased
Number of common shares repurchased (in shares)
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares
Weighted-average price per share (in dollars per share)
Treasury Stock Acquired, Average Cost Per Share
Amount of repurchase
Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain]
Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain]
Property [Member]
Property and Other [Member]
Long-lived assets, excluding land.
Land [Member]
Land [Member]
Guelph [Member]
Guelph [Member]
Guelph [Member]
Doney And St-Francois Spurs [Member]
Doney And St-Francois Spurs [Member]
Doney And St-Francois Spurs [Member]
Central Station Railway [Member]
Central Station Railway [Member]
Central Station Railway [Member]
Calgary Industrial Lead [Member]
Calgary Industrial Lead [Member]
Calgary Industrial Lead [Member]
Viaduc du Sud [Member]
Viaduc du Sud [Member]
The Company entered into an agreement with CDPQ Infra Inc. to sell the Viaduc du Sud for cash proceeds of $85 million before transaction costs
Component of Other Income, Nonoperating [Abstract]
Component of Other Income, Nonoperating [Abstract]
Gain on disposal of property
Nonoperating Gains (Losses)
Other
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Total other income
Nonoperating Income (Expense)
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment [Abstract]
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment [Abstract]
Disposal of property, cash proceeds
Proceeds from Sale of Other Property, Plant, and Equipment
Gain (loss) on sale of property
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment, Excluding Oil and Gas Property and Timber Property
Gain (loss) on disposal of property after-tax
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) On Disposal, Net Of Tax
Disposal Group, Not Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) On Disposal, Net Of Tax
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]
Equity Settled Awards [Member]
Equity Settled Awards [Member]
Equity-based compensation that is settled in common shares of the Company.
Cash Settled Awards [Member]
Cash Settled Awards [Member]
Equity-based compensation award that is settleded by cash.
Other Award Type [Axis]
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award Type [Axis]
Stock-based compensation awards other equity awards.
Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Type [Domain]
Share Based Compensation Arrangements By Share Based Payment Award Type [Domain]
Stock-based compensation other equity settled award type.
DSU [Member]
Deferred Share Units [Member]
Units awarded to employees under the Company's Voluntary Incentive Deferral Plan.
Company's additional grant percentage of elected amount
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Additional Awards Granted Percentage
Percentage of additional units granted by Company based on the amount elected by participant.
The number of years in the plan period over which the additional units will vest
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period
Roll forward of outstanding DSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Units outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding, Number
Granted (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Granted
Settled (in shares)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Non Option Equity Instruments Settled
The number of units settled during the period.
Units outstanding at end of period (in shares)
Weighted-average grant date fair value
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Weighted-average grant date fair value at beginning of period (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
The weighted average fair value at grant date for outstanding equity-based awards other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan).
Weighted-average grant date fair value of units granted in period (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Weighted-average grant date fair value of units settled in period (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Settled, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
The weighted-average grant date fair value of units settled during the period.
Weighted-average grant date fair value at end of period (in dollars per share)
Grant date fair value
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Fair Value
The total grant date fair value of equity settled awards determined by using valuation models.
Aggregate intrinsic value of share units outstanding
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding
Stock-based compensation liability outstanding
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Share Based Liability Outstanding
The stock-based compensation liability outstanding related to deferred share units.
Fair value of awards vested during the period
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value
Closing stock price (in dollars per share)
Share Price
Units settled (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Settled in Period
The number of units settled/paid out during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan).
Remittance of stock-based award participants' withholding tax obligation
Payments Related to Tax Withholding for Share-based Compensation
Share capital
Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block]
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable Securitization [Table]
Accounts Receivable Securitization [Table]
Accounts Receivable Securitization Borrowings [Axis]
Accounts Receivable Securitization Borrowings [Axis]
Accounts Receivable Securitization Borrowings [Domain]
Accounts Receivable Securitization Borrowings [Domain]
Borrowings Tranche A [Member]
Borrowings Tranche A [Member]
Borrowings Tranche B [Member]
Borrowings Tranche B [Member]
Accounts receivable securitization
Accounts Receivable Securitization [Line Items]
Maximum cash proceeds from sale of accounts receivable to unrelated trust
Securitization Program Maximum Cash Proceeds Limit
Maximum dollar amount of cash proceeds for undivided co-ownership interest in a revolving pool of accounts receivables company expects in sale.
AR securitization agreement expiration date
Debt Instrument, Maturity Date
Accounts receivable securitization borrowings
Accounts Receivable Securitization Borrowings
Accounts Receivable Securitization Borrowings
Weighted average interest rate
Weighted average interest rate
Accounts Receivable Securitization Weighted Average Interest Rate
Secured amount of accounts receivable
Loans and Leases Receivable, Collateral for Secured Borrowings
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block]
Major commitments and contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table]
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table]
Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis]
Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis]
Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain]
Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt, carrying amount
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities
Debt, fair value
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure
Income tax expense reconciliation
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract]
Canadian statutory federal tax rate
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent
Income tax expense at the Canadian statutory federal tax rate
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount
Income tax expense (recovery) resulting from:
Income Tax Expense Recovery Resulting From [Abstract]
Provincial and foreign taxes
Income Tax Reconciliation Provincial and Other Taxes
The portion of the difference, between total income tax expense (benefit) as reported in the Income Statement for the period and the expected income tax expense (benefit) computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income from continuing operations, that is attributable to provincial and foreign federal, state and local income tax expense (benefit).
Deferred income tax adjustments due to rate enactments
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount
Gain on disposals
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Disposition of Asset, Amount
Other
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount
Income tax expense (recovery)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Net cash payments for income taxes
Income Taxes Paid, Net
Schedule Of Weighted Average Assumptions Used In Accounting For Pensions And Postretirement Benefits [Table]
Schedule Of Weighted Average Assumptions Used In Accounting For Pensions And Postretirement Benefits [Table]
Disclosure of the weighted-average assumptions used in accounting for pensions and other postretirement benefits
Other postretirement benefits [Member]
Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract]
Discount rate
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate
Rate of compensation increase
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase
To determine net periodic benefit cost (income)
Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Rate to determine current service cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate
Rate to determine interest cost
Defined Benefit Plan Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost Interest Rate
The interest rate used to adjust for the time value of money.
Rate of compensation increase
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase
Expected return on plan assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Rate of Return on Plan Assets
Expected return on plan asset assumption to be used in future year (in hundredths)
Defined Benefit Plan Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost Expected Long Term Return On Assets Future Year
An assumption as to the long-term rate of return on plan assets to be used in the future year reflecting the average rate of earnings expected on the funds invested or to be invested to provide for the benefits included in the benefit obligation.
Period in years over which realized and unrealized gains/losses and appreciation/depreciation in the value of the investments are recognized based on the companies election to use market related value
Defined Benefit Plan Recognition Period For Changes In Value Of Investments
Period of time over which realized and unrealized gains/losses and appreciation/depreciation in the value of the investments are recognized.
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Properties including capital leases
Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]
Capital leases included in properties
Schedule of Capital Leased Assets [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table]
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table]
Debt Instrument [Axis]
Debt Instrument [Axis]
Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]
Debt Instrument, Name [Domain]
Notes and debentures [Member]
Notes and Debentures [Member]
Canadian National series, 5.55% 10-year notes [Member]
CNR 2018 Notes 10 Yr [Member]
This element includes 10-year notes payable due 2018.
Canadian National series, 6.80% 20-year notes [Member]
CNR 2018 Notes 20 Yr [Member]
This element includes 20-year notes payable due 2018.
Canadian National series, 5.55% 10-year notes [Member]
CNR 2019 Notes [Member]
This element includes 10-year notes payable due 2019.
Canadian National series, 2.40% 2-year notes [Member]
CNR Two Thousand Twenty Ten Year Notes [Member]
CNR Two Thousand Twenty Ten Year Notes [Member]
Canadian National series, 2.75% 7-year notes [Member]
CNR 2021 Notes 7Yr [Member]
This element includes 7 year notes payable due 2021.
Canadian National series, 2.85% 10-year notes [Member]
CNR 2021 Notes [Member]
Canadian National series, 2.85% 10-year notes
Canadian National series, 2.25% 10-year notes [Member]
CNR 2022 Notes [Member]
This element includes10-year notes payable due 2022.
Canadian National series, 7.63% 30-year debentures [Member]
CNR 2023 Debentures [Member]
This element includes 30-year debentures due 2023.
Canadian National series, 2.95% 10-year notes [Member]
CNR 2024 Notes 10 Yr [Member]
This element includes 10 year notes payable due 2024.
Canadian National series, 2.80% 10-year notes [Member]
Cnr 2025 Notes
Canadian National series, 2.80% 10-year notes
Canadian National series, 2.75% 10-year notes [Member]
CNR 2026 Notes [Member]
This element includes 10-year notes payable due 2026.
Canadian National series, 6.90% 30-year notes [Member]
CNR 2028 Notes [Member]
This element includes 30-year notes payable due 2028.
Canadian National series, 3.20% 10-year notes [Member]
CNR Two Thousand Twenty-Eight Ten Year Notes [Member]
CNR Two Thousand Twenty-Eight Ten Year Notes [Member]
Canadian National series, 7.38% 30-year debentures [Member]
CNR 2031 Debentures [Member]
This element includes 30-year debentures due 2031.
Canadian National series, 6.25% 30-year notes [Member]
CNR 2034 Notes [Member]
This element includes 30-year notes payable due 2034.
Canadian National series, 6.20% 30-year notes [Member]
CNR 2036 Notes [Member]
This element includes 30-year notes payable due 2036.
Canadian National series, 6.71% Puttable Reset Securities PURS [Member]
CNR 2036 Puttable Reset Securities [Member]
This element includes puttable reset securities PURSsm due 2036.
Canadian National series, 6.38% 30-year debentures [Member]
CNR 2037 Debentures [Member]
This element includes 30-year debentures due 2037.
Canadian National series, 3.50% 30-year notes [Member]
CNR 2042 Notes [Member]
This element includes 30-year notes payable due 2042.
Canadian National series, 4.50% 30-year notes [Member]
CNR 2043 Notes [Member]
This element includes 30-year notes payable due 2043
Canadian National series, 3.95% 30-year notes [Member]
Cnr 2045 Notes [Member]
This element includes 30-year notes payable due 2045.
Canadian National series, 3.20% 30-year notes [Member]
CNR 2046 Notes [Member]
This element includes 30-year notes due 2046.
Canadian National series, 3.60% 30-year notes [Member]
Cnr 2047 Notes [Member]
This element includes 30-year notes due 2047.
Canadian National series, 3.65% 30-year notes [Member]
CNR Two Thousand Forty-Eight Thirty Year Notes [Member]
CNR Two Thousand Forty-Eight Thirty Year Notes [Member]
Canadian National series, 3.60% 30-year notes [Member]
CNR Two Thousand Forty-Eight Notes [Member]
CNR Two Thousand Forty-Eight Notes [Member]
Canadian National series, 4.45% 30-year notes [Member]
CNR Two Thousand Forty Nine Thirty Year Notes [Member]
CNR Two Thousand Forty Nine Thirty Year Notes [Member]
Canadian National series, 4.00% 50-year notes [Member]
Cnr 2065 Notes [Member]
This element includes 50-year notes payable due 2065.
llinois Central series, 7.70% 100-year debentures [Member]
Illinois Central Series Seven Point Seventy Percent 100 Year Debentures Maturing 2096 [Member]
This element includes Illinois Central 100-year debenture
BC Rail series, non-interest bearing 90-year subordinated notes [Member]
BCR 2094 Subordinted Notes [Member]
This element includes non-interest bearing 90-year subordinated notes due 2094.
Long-term Debt, Type [Axis]
Long-term Debt, Type [Axis]
Long-term Debt, Type [Domain]
Long-term Debt, Type [Domain]
Commercial paper [Member]
Commercial Paper [Member]
Accounts receivable securitization [Member]
Accounts Receivable Securitization [Member]
Capital lease obligations [Member]
Capital Lease Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage
Term of Issuance
Debt Instrument, Term
Maturity
Commercial paper
Commercial Paper
Total debt, gross
Long-term Debt, Gross
Net unamortized discount and debt issuance costs
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs, Net
Net unamortized discount and debt issuance costs related to long-term debt
Total
Less: Current portion of long-term debt
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current
Total long-term debt
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations
LTD other disclosures
Long-term Debt, Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Repayments of debt
Repayments of Debt
Loss on debt repayment
Gain (Loss) on Extinguishment of Debt
Discounted debt
Discounted debt
Represents the amount of discounted debt.
Imputed interest rate
Imputed Interest Rate Percentage on Discounted Debt
Interest rate applied to the outstanding amount of debt to impute the amount of interest included as part of the principal.
Outstanding letters of credit
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends (in dollars per share)
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings per share reconciliation
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table]
Subsequent Event Type [Axis]
Subsequent Event Type [Axis]
Subsequent Event Type [Domain]
Subsequent Event Type [Domain]
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Member]
Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Component [Domain]
Equity Component [Domain]
Retained earnings [Member]
Retained Earnings [Member]
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis]
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis]
Type of Adoption [Domain]
Type of Adoption [Domain]
Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member]
Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member]
Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost.
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member]
Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Decrease in operating income had the change in accounting principle been adopted
New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Change on Operating Results
Retained earnings
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption
Right-of-use assets
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset
Lease liabilities
Operating Lease, Liability
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent event
Subsequent Events [Text Block]
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type
Document Type
Document Period End Date
Document Period End Date
Amendment Flag
Amendment Flag
Entity Registrant Name
Entity Registrant Name
Entity Central Index Key
Entity Central Index Key
Entity Current Reporting Status
Entity Current Reporting Status
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Entity Public Float
Entity Public Float
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Trading Symbol
Trading Symbol
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax
Operating expenses
Operating Expenses [Abstract]
Labor and fringe benefits
Labor and Related Expense
Purchased services and material
Purchased Services And Material
Materials and contracted services to maintain infrastructure and equipment and terminal services at intermodal and automotive facilities.
Fuel
Fuel Costs
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction
Equipment rents
Equipment Rents
Rent paid for freight cars owned by other railroads or private companies, net of rents received, including lease expenses primarily for locomotives, railcars, containers and trailers, office and other rentals.
Casualty and other
Casualty And Other
Other expenses including costs associated with casualty, environmental, insurance and operating taxes.
Total operating expenses
Operating Expenses
Operating income
Operating Income (Loss)
Interest expense
Interest Expense
Other components of net periodic benefit income
Net Periodic Defined Benefits Expense (Reversal of Expense), Excluding Service Cost Component
Other income
Income tax recovery (expense)
Net income
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Earnings per share
Basic (in dollars per share)
Earnings Per Share, Basic
Diluted (in dollars per share)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Weighted-average number of shares
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Basic (in shares)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic
Diluted (in shares)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted
Schedule Of Information For Pension Plans With Accumulated Benefit Obligation In Excess Of Plan Assets [Table]
Schedule Of Information For Pension Plans With Accumulated Benefit Obligation In Excess Of Plan Assets [Table]
Disclosure regarding information for the pensions plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets for pension and other post retirement benefits.
Information for the pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Accumulated benefit obligation
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Accumulated Benefit Obligation
Fair value of plan assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan with Accumulated Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Plan Assets
Information for the pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Project Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Projected Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Projected Benefit Obligation
Fair value of plan assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plan with Projected Benefit Obligation in Excess of Plan Assets, Plan Assets
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Trade payables
Accounts Payable, Trade, Current
Payroll-related accruals
Employee-related Liabilities, Current
Accrued charges
Other Accrued Liabilities, Current
Income and other taxes
Taxes Payable, Current
Accrued interest
Interest Payable, Current
Personal injury and other claims provisions
Personal Injury And Other Claims Provisions Current
This element reflects the current estimated ultimate cost of settling claims relating to workers compensation, personal injury, legal and other claims that have occurred on or before the balance sheet date.
Environmental provisions
Accrued Environmental Loss Contingencies, Current
Other postretirement benefits liability
Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Current
Other
Other Liabilities, Current
Total accounts payable and other
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities, Current
Assumptions
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions and Methodology [Abstract]
Grant price (in dollars per share)
Stock Option Grant Price
The stock option grant price used in assumptions in determining the value of awards granted to employees.
Expected stock price volatility
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate
Expected term (years)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term
Risk-free interest rate
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate
Dividend rate (in dollars per share)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Expected Dividend Rate Per Share
The estimated dividend rate (per share) to be paid (expected dividends) to holders of the underlying shares over the term.
Weighted-average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
2019
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Next Twelve Months
2020
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Two
2021
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Three
2022
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Four
2023
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Year Five
Years 2024 to 2028
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Axis]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Axis]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Domain]
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Category [Domain]
Cash and short-term investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Bonds and mortgages [Member]
Bonds Mortgages [Member]
This category includes bonds (information about long-term debt securities that are issued by either a domestic or foreign corporate business entity with a date certain promise of repayment and a return to the holder for the time value of money (for example, variable or fixed interest, original issue discount)); mortgages (a loan to finance the purchase of real estate where the lender has a lien on the property as collateral for the loan).
Equities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Equity Securities [Member]
Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Real Estate [Member]
Oil and Gas [Member]
Oil and Gas [Member]
Infrastructure and private debt [Member]
Private Debt and Infrastructure [Member]
Investments in trust units, participations in private infrastructure funds and public debt and equity securities of infrastructure and utility companies.
Absolute return [Member]
Hedge Funds [Member]
Risk-factor allocation [Member]
Risk Factor Allocation
A portfolio of units of externally managed funds, where each asset contribute equally to the overall risk
Going concern basis excess (deficit) funded status
Going Concern Defined Benefit Plan Funded Status Of Plan
The going concern excess (deficit) funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation based on an actuarial valuation, for funding purposes. The excess (deficit) is based on current projected results of actuarial funding valuations on a going concern basis. Actuarial valuations for funding purposes are subject to revaluation on an annual basis.
Solvency basis excesss (deficit) funded status
Defined Benefit Plan Funded Solvency Basis Status Of Plan
The excess (deficit) funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation based on an actuarial valuation, for funding purposes. The excess (deficit) is based on current projected results of actuarial funding valuations on a solvency basis. Actuarial valuations for funding purposes are subject to revaluation on an annual basis.
Expected going concern basis excess (deficit) funded status
Expected Going Concern Defined Benefit Plan Funded Status Of Plan
The expected going concern excess (deficit) funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation based on an upcoming or future actuarial valuation, for funding purposes. The estimated excess (deficit) is based on current projected results of actuarial funding valuations on a solvency basis. Actuarial valuations for funding purposes are subject to revaluation on an annual basis.
Expected solvency basis excesss (deficit) funded status
Expected Defined Benefit Plan Funded Status Of Plan
The expected excess (deficit) funded status is measured as the difference between the fair value of plan assets and the benefit obligation based on an upcoming or future actuarial valuation, for funding purposes. The estimated excess (deficit) is based on current projected results of actuarial funding valuations on a solvency basis. Actuarial valuations for funding purposes are subject to revaluation on an annual basis.
Cash contribution to pension plan, expected to be
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Next Fiscal Year
Actual contributions for all pension plans contributed in next fiscal year
Defined Benefit Plan Acutal Employer Contributions In Next Fiscal Year
The employer's actual contributions made to the plan during the next fiscal year beginning after the date of the latest statement of financial position (as at filing date).
Percentage of bonds guaranteed by governments and corporate entities (in hundredths)
Defined Benefit Plan Percentage Of Bonds Held In Short Term Investments That Are Investment Grade Issued By Governments
Percentage of bonds issued or guaranteed by Canadian, U.S. or other governments and were of investment grade.
Maximum percentage of equity investments allocated to an individual issuer (in hundredths)
Defined Benefit Plan Maximum Percentage Of Equity Investments Allocated To Individual Issuer
Maximum percentage of equity investments allocated to an individual issuer during the period.
Maximum percentage of equity investments allocated to an industry sector (in hundredths)
Defined Benefit Plan Maximum Percentage Of Equity Investments Allocated To Industry Sector
Maximum percentage of equity investments allocated to an industry sector during the period.
Policy
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Target Allocation, Percentage
Actual plan asset allocation
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Investment within Plan Asset Category, Percentage
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Assets
Assets [Abstract]
Current assets
Assets, Current [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current
Accounts receivable
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current
Material and supplies
Materials, Supplies, and Other
Other current assets
Other Assets, Current
Total current assets
Assets, Current
Properties
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Pension asset
Assets for Plan Benefits, Defined Benefit Plan
Intangible and other assets
Intangible And Other Assets Total
Sum of the carrying amounts of all intangible and other assets as of the balance sheet date, net of accumulated amortization and impairment charges.
Total assets
Assets
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Liabilities and Equity [Abstract]
Current liabilities
Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accounts payable and other
Current portion of long-term debt
Total current liabilities
Liabilities, Current
Deferred income taxes
Deferred Income Tax Liabilities, Net
Other liabilities and deferred credits
Liabilities, Other than Long-term Debt, Noncurrent
Pension and other postretirement benefits
Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent
Long-term debt
Shareholders' equity
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Common shares
Common Stock, Value, Issued
Common shares in Share Trusts
Common Stock Held in Trust
Additional paid-in capital
Additional Paid in Capital
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Retained earnings
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Total shareholders' equity
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity
Liabilities and Equity
Subsequent Event [Table]
Subsequent Event [Table]
Subsequent events
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Subsequent event, date
Subsequent Event, Date
Subsequent event, description
Subsequent Event, Description
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]
Stock-based compensation
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Revenue by Geographic Areas
Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block]
Net income by Geographic Areas
Information By Geographic Area, Net Income [Table Text Block]
Tabular disclosure of net income by geographic areas attributed to the entity's country of domicile and to foreign countries.
Long-lived Assets by Geographic Areas
Long-lived Assets by Geographic Areas [Table Text Block]
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table]
Range [Axis]
Range [Axis]
Range [Domain]
Range [Domain]
Minimum [Member]
Minimum [Member]
Maximum [Member]
Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Number of commodity groups
Number Of Commodity Groups
Number Of Commodity Groups
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Rail and related track material, minimum level of activity to be capitalized
Rail and related track material, minimum level of activity to be capitalized
Describes the minimum level of activity of costs an entity capitalizes as part of property, plant and equipment, including the costs incurred for repairs and maintenance activities.
Ties installation, minimum level of activity to be capitalized
Property Plant And Equipment Cost Capitalization Minimum Level Of Activity Ties Per Minimum Level Of Activity Of Rail And Related Track Material
Describes the minimum level of activity of costs an entity capitalizes as part of property, plant and equipment, including the costs incurred for repairs and maintenance activities.
Ballast installation, minimum level of activity to be capitalized
Ballast installation, minimum level of activity to be capitalized
Describes the minimum level of activity of costs an entity capitalizes as part of property, plant and equipment, including the costs incurred for repairs and maintenance activities.
Number of depreciable asset classes
Number of depreciable asset classes
Number of depreciable asset classes.
Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible assets amortization method
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Method
Intangible asset useful life
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life
Pensions
Retirement Benefits, Description [Abstract]
Pension Plan amortization of cumulative net actuarial gains and losses excess threshold
Pension Plan Amortization Threshold Gain Loss
Pension Plan's amortization of cumulative net actuarial gains and losses percentage in excess of, the greater of the beginning of year balances of the projected benefit obligation or market-related value of plan assets, over the expected average remaining service life of the employee group covered by the plans.
Postretirement benefits amortization of cumulative net actuarial gains and losses excess threshold
Postretirement Other Than Pension Amortization Threshold Gain Loss
Other postretirement benefits amortization of cumulative net actuarial gains and losses percentage in excess of the projected benefit obligation at the beginning of the year, over the expected average remaining service life of the employee group covered by the plan.
Disaggregation of Revenue [Table]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Table]
Product and Service [Axis]
Product and Service [Axis]
Product and Service [Domain]
Product and Service [Domain]
Rail Freight [Member]
Cargo and Freight [Member]
Petroleum And Chemicals [Member]
Petroleum And Chemicals [Member]
Petroleum And Chemicals [Member]
Metals And Minerals [Member]
Metals And Minerals [Member]
Metals And Minerals [Member]
Forest Products [Member]
Timber [Member]
Coal [Member]
Coal [Member]
Grain And Fertilizers [Member]
Grain And Fertilizers [Member]
Grain And Fertilizers [Member]
Intermodal [Member]
Intermodal [Member]
Intermodal [Member]
Automotive [Member]
Automotive [Member]
Automotive [Member]
Other Revenues [Member]
Product and Service, Other [Member]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligation
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Other liabilities and deferred credits
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Personal injury and other claims provisions
Loss Contingency, Accrual, Noncurrent
Environmental provisions
Accrued Environmental Loss Contingencies, Noncurrent
Stock-based compensation liability
Deferred Compensation Share-based Arrangements, Liability, Classified, Noncurrent
Deferred credits and other
Deferred Credits and Other Liabilities, Noncurrent
Total other liabilities and deferred credits
Other Award Type [Domain]
PSU-ROIC [Member]
Performance Share Unit ROIC [Member]
Performance Share Unit award based on return on invested capital.
Stock price at grant date
Stock Price at Grant Date of Share-based Payment Awards
The stock price at grant date of equity settled stock-based compensation awards.
Earnings per share
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]
Disclosures of stock-based compensation expense and related tax benefit recognized in income
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block]
Stock-based compensation awards activity, other than stock options
Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block]
Assumptions used in valuation of stock-based compensation awards, other than stock options
Schedule Of Share Based Payment Award Valuation Assumptions And Compensation Cost [Table Text Block]
Tabular disclosure of information about share-based compensation plans that may include, but is not limited to: (a) the total compensation cost recognozed over requisite service period and the total compensation cost related to nonvested awards not yet recognized and the weighted-average period over which it is expected to be recognized, (b) expected term of share options and similar instruments, (c) expected volatility of the entity's shares, (d) expected dividends, (e) risk-free rate(s), and (f) discount for post-vesting restrictions.
Activity of stock option awards
Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block]
Number of stock options outstanding and exercisable by range of exercise price and their related intrinsic value, and for options outstanding, the weighted-average years to expiration
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table Text Block]
Assumptions used in valuation of stock option awards
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]
Disclosures regarding the employee share investment plan
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Table Text Block]
Reconciliation for unrecognized tax benefits on the Company's domestic and foreign tax positions
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of year
Unrecognized Tax Benefits
Increases for:
Increases [Abstract]
Tax positions related to the current year
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions
Tax positions related to prior years
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions
Decreases for:
Decreases [Abstract]
Tax positions related to prior years
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions
Settlements
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities
Lapse of the applicable statute of limitations
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations
Gross unrecognized tax benefits at end of year
Adjustments to reflect tax treaties and other arrangements
Tax Adjustments For Tax Treaties
Net unrecognized tax benefits at end of year
Unrecognized tax benefits, net
Schedule of Changes in Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets [Table]
Schedule of Changes in Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets [Table]
Disclosure regarding the changes in benefit obligation and in plan assets for pension and other post retirement benefits
Retirement Plan Name [Axis]
Retirement Plan Name [Axis]
Retirement Plan Name [Domain]
Retirement Plan Name [Domain]
CN Pension Plan [Member]
CN Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation
Amendments
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Increase (Decrease) for Plan Amendment
Interest cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost
Actuarial (gain) loss on projected benefit obligation
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Actuarial Gain (Loss)
Current service cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost
Plan participants' contributions
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Contributions by Plan Participant
Foreign currency changes
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)
Benefit payments, settlements and transfers
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
Component representing future salary increases
Defined Benefit Portion Of Benefit Obligation From Future Salary Increases
The amount of the projected benefit obligation that is due to the anticipated salary increases from plan participants
Accumulated benefit obligation at end of year
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount
Employer contributions
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer
Plan participants' contributions
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Plan Participant
Foreign currency changes
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)
Actual return on plan assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss)
Benefit payments, settlements and transfers
Benefit Payments And Transfers
The amount of payments made for which participants are entitled under a pension plan, including pension benefits, death benefits, and benefits due on termination of employment. Also includes payments made under a postretirement benefit plan, including prescription drug benefits, health care benefits, life insurance benefits, and legal, educational and advisory services. This item represents a periodic decrease to the plan obligations and a decrease to plan assets.
Fair value of plan assets at end of year
Funded status - Excess (deficiency) of fair value of plan assets over projected benefit obligation at end of year.
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan
Change in discount rate
Defined Benefit Plan, Change In Discount Rate
Defined Benefit Plan, Change In Discount Rate
Other income
Schedule of Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Table Text Block]
Environmental matters
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of identified sites for which the Company is or may be liable for remediation costs
Identified Of Potential Remediation Costs Sites Number
Number of identified environmental sites for which the Company is or may be liable for remediation costs, in some cases along with other potentially responsible parties as of the balance sheet date under the Cercla and similar State laws.
Number of sites for which the Company has been notified that it is a potentially responsible party for study and cleanup costs
Notified Of Potential Responsibility For Remediation Costs Site Number
Number of environmental sites notified of potential responsibility for study and clean-up costs governed by the Superfund law (and analogous state laws) for which investigation and remediation payments are or will be made or are yet to be determined, and , in many instances, is one of several potentially responsible parties.
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies [Roll Forward]
Beginning of year
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies
Accruals and other
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Charges to Expense for New Losses
Payments
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Payments
Foreign exchange
Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss)
End of year
Current portion - End of year
Anticipated environmental liability disbursement time frame (in years)
Site Contingency, Time Frame Of Disbursements, Term
Site Contingency, Time Frame Of Disbursements, Term
Anticipated environmental liability disbursement time frame
Site Contingency, Time Frame of Disbursements
Regulatory Compliance [Abstract]
Regulatory Compliance [Abstract]
May incur significant capital and operating costs associated with environmental regulatory compliance and clean-up requirements in its railroad operations and relating to its past and present ownership, operation and control of real property.
Environmental operating expenses
Environmental Remediation Expense
Environmental capital expenditures
Environmental Costs Recognized, Capitalized in Period
Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table]
Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table]
Derivative Instrument [Axis]
Derivative Instrument [Axis]
Derivative Contract [Domain]
Derivative Contract [Domain]
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Foreign Exchange Forward [Member]
Balance Sheet Location [Axis]
Balance Sheet Location [Axis]
Balance Sheet Location [Domain]
Balance Sheet Location [Domain]
Other Current Assets [Member]
Other Current Assets [Member]
Accounts Payable and Other [Member]
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Member]
Risk management
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Foreign Currency Derivatives [Abstract]
Foreign Currency Derivatives [Abstract]
Derivative, Notional Amount
Derivative, Notional Amount
Gain (loss) on derivative instruments, net, pretax
Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax
Fair value of outstanding foreign exchange forward contracts
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives
Accounts payable and other
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Future taxable income to realize deferred income tax assets
Future taxable income to realize deferred income tax assets
Unrecognized deferred income tax asset on unrealized foreign exchange loss recorded in AOCI
Unrecognized deferred income tax asset on unrealized foreign exchange loss recorded in AOCI
Amount of unrecognized deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences from unrealized losses on foreign currency transactions.
Gross unrecognized tax benefits
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate
Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate
Approximate amount of unrecognized tax benefits that may be recognised over the next 12 months as a result of settlements and a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations
Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible
Recognized accrued interest and penalties
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense
Accrued interest and penalties
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued
Line of Credit Facility [Table]
Line of Credit Facility [Table]
Credit Facility [Axis]
Credit Facility [Axis]
Credit Facility [Domain]
Credit Facility [Domain]
Committed Bilateral Letter of Credit Facilites [Member]
Committed Bilateral Letter of Credit Facilites [Member]
Committed Bilateral Letter of Credit Facilities
Bilateral Letter Of Credit Facilities [Member]
Bilateral Letter Of Credit Facilities [Member]
Bilateral Letter Of Credit Facilities [Member]
Uncommitted Bilateral Letter of Credit Facilities [Member]
Uncommitted Bilateral Letter of Credit Facilities [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Bilateral letter of credit facility, expiration date
Line of Credit Facility, Expiration Date
Minimum term for which collateral in the form of cash and cash equivalents is pledged for
Line Of Credit Facility Collateral Minimum Term (in months)
Minimum term (in months) for which collateral in the form of cash and cash equivalents is pledged for.
Bilateral letter of credit facilities, total available amount
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity
Bilateral letter of credit facilities, collateral
Line of Credit Facility, Collateral, Amount
Amount of collateral pleadged under letter of credit facilities.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]
Segmented information
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]
Total Investment Assets [Member]
Total Investment Assets [Member]
This element is the total of the fair values of plan assets by major class as of the end of the reporting period, excluding the net operating assets required to administer the trust funds' investments assets and the plans' benefit and funding activities.
Canada, U.S. and supranational [Member]
Canada And Supranational [Member]
This category includes information about long-term debt securities that are issued by international governments and the Canadian federal government with a date certain promise of repayment and a return to the holder for the time value of money (for example, variable or fixed interest, original issue discount).
Provinces of Canada and Municipalities [Member]
Provinces of Canada and Municipalities [Member]
This category includes information about long-term debt securities that are issued by provincial governments and municipalities in Canada with a date certain promise of repayment and a return to the holder for the time value of money (for example, variable or fixed interest, original issue discount).
Corporate Bond Securities [Member]
Corporate Bond Securities [Member]
Emerging Market Debt [Member]
Emerging Market Debt [Member]
This category includes information about long-term debt securities that are issued in the emerging market sector with a date certain promise of repayment and a return to the holder for the time value of money (for example, variable or fixed interest, original issue discount).
Mortgages [Member]
Mortgages [Member]
Private Debt [Member]
Private Debt [Member]
Canadian Equities [Member]
Canadian Equities [Member]
This category includes information about ownership interests or the right to acquire ownership interests in Canadian corporations and other legal entities which ownership interest is represented by shares of common or preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable no redeemable at the option of the holder), convertible securities, stock rights, or stock warrants.
U.S. Equities [Member]
Us Equities [Member]
This category includes information about ownership interests or the right to acquire ownership interests in U.S. corporations and other legal entities which ownership interest is represented by shares of common or preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable no redeemable at the option of the holder), convertible securities, stock rights, or stock warrants.
International Equities [Member]
International Equities [Member]
This category includes information about ownership interests or the right to acquire ownership interests in International corporations and other legal entities which ownership interest is represented by shares of common or preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable no redeemable at the option of the holder), convertible securities, stock rights, or stock warrants.
Private Equities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Private Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Private Equity Securities [Member]
Infrastructure [Member]
Absolute Return Funds [Member]
Absolute Return [Member]
A portfolio of units of externally managed hedge funds.
Multi Strategy Funds [Member]
Multi Strategy Funds [Member]
A portfolio of units of externally managed hedge funds investing mainly in multi-strategy funds.
Fixed Income Fund [Member]
Fixed Income Fund [Member]
A portfolio of units of externally managed hedge funds investing mainly in fixed income funds.
Hedge Funds, Equity [Member]
Hedge Funds, Equity [Member]
Global Macro Funds [Member]
Global Macro Funds [Member]
A portfolio of units of externally managed hedge funds investing mainly in global macro funds.
Other [Member]
Other Plan Assets [Member]
Operating assets and operating liabilities required to administer the Trusts' investment assets and the plans' benefit and funding activities valued at cost.
Other - Operating assets, at cost [Member]
Operating Assets At Cost [Member]
Operating assets required to administer the Trusts' investment assets and the plans' benefit and funding activities valued at cost.
Other - Operating liabilities, at cost [Member]
Operating Liabilities At Cost [Member]
Operating liabilities required to administer the Trusts' investment assets and the plans' benefit and funding activities valued at cost.
Risk Factor Allocation [Member]
Risk Factor Allocation [Member]
A portfolio of units of externally managed funds, where each asset class contributes to the risk.
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Total plan assets
Investment redemption, notice period
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share, Investment Redemption, Notice Period
Schedule Of Amounts Recognized In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Table]
Schedule Of Amounts Recognized In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Table]
Disclosure regarding amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss for pension and other post retirement benefits
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Before Tax [Line Items]
Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Before Tax [Line Items]
Amounts Recognized In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items]
Net actuarial gain (loss)
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Gain (Loss), before Tax
Prior service cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax
Foreign Currency Risk Exposure [Axis]
Foreign Currency Risk Exposure [Axis]
Foreign Currency Risk Exposure by Currency [Domain]
Foreign Currency Risk Exposure by Currency [Domain]
Canadian Dollar [Member]
Foreign Currency Risk Exposure to Canadian Dollar [Member]
U.S. Dollar [Member]
Foreign Currency Risk Exposure to U.S. Dollar [Member]
European Currencies [Member]
Foreign Currency Risk Exposure to European Currencies [Member]
Japanese Yen [Member]
Foreign Currency Risk Exposure to Japanese Yen [Member]
Various Other Currencies [Member]
Foreign Currency Risk Exposure to Other Currencies [Member]
Currency risk percentage exposure
Defined Benefit Plan Currency Risk Percentage Exposure
Percentage of plan assets denominated in foreign currency.
Award Date [Axis]
Award Date [Axis]
Award Date [Domain]
Award Date [Domain]
Grant Year 2015 [Member]
Granted Year 2015 [Member]
Represents the share-based compensation granted in 2015.
Other Award Type [Axis]
Other Award Type [Axis]
Information by specific award type pertaining to equity-based compensation.
Other Award Type [Domain]
Other Award Type [Domain]
Performance Share Unit Awards
PSU-TSR [Member]
Performance Share Unit Total Shareholder Return [Member]
Performance Share Unit award based on total shareholder return.
PSU-ROIC and PSU-TSR [Member]
Performance Share Unit ROIC And Performance Share Unit TSR [Member]
Performance Share Unit ROIC And Performance Share Unit TSR [Member]
Roll forward of outstanding PSUs
Units granted (in shares)
Units settled (in shares)
Units forfeited (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Forfeitures
Weighted-average grant date fair value of units forfeited in period (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Roll forward of nonvested PSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Units nonvested at beginning of period (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number
Units granted in period (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period
Units vested during the year (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period
Units forfeited in period (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period
Units nonvested at end of period (in shares)
Weighted-average grant date fair value of nonvested awards at beginning of period (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Weighted-average grant date fair value of units vested in period (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Weighted-average grant date fair value of nonvested awards at end of period (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Additional General Disclosures [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Additional General Disclosures [Abstract]
Valuation method used in calculating the fair value of PSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Method Used
Unrecognized compensation costs, awards other than options
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options
Unrecognized compensation cost
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition
Performance vesting factor
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage
Settlement from the Share Trusts in next fiscal year (in shares)
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Equity Instruments Other Than Options Settled By Units From Share Trust
Number of units to be settled from the Share Trusts in the next fiscal year.
Debt
Long-term Debt [Text Block]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table]
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, by Exercise Price Range [Table]
Exercise Price Range [Axis]
Exercise Price Range [Axis]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Domain]
Range of Exercise Prices 1 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range 1 [Member]
One range (Range 1) in a series of customized ranges of exercise prices for the purposes of disclosing shares potentially issuable under outstanding stock option awards on all stock option plans and other required information pertaining to awards for this range.
Range of Exercise Prices 2 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range 2 [Member]
One range (Range 2) in a series of customized ranges of exercise prices for the purposes of disclosing shares potentially issuable under outstanding stock option awards on all stock option plans and other required information pertaining to awards for this range.
Range of Exercise Prices 3 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range 3 [Member]
One range (Range 3) in a series of customized ranges of exercise prices for the purposes of disclosing shares potentially issuable under outstanding stock option awards on all stock option plans and other required information pertaining to awards for this range.
Range of Exercise Prices 4 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range 4 [Member]
One range (Range 4) in a series of customized ranges of exercise prices for the purposes of disclosing shares potentially issuable under outstanding stock option awards on all stock option plans and other required information pertaining to awards for this range.
Range of Exercise Prices 5 [Member]
Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Exercise Price Range 5 [Member]
One range (Range 5) in a series of customized ranges of exercise prices for the purposes of disclosing shares potentially issuable under outstanding stock option awards on all stock option plans and other required information pertaining to awards for this range.
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Floor of exercise price range (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Lower Range Limit
Ceiling of exercise price range (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Upper Range Limit
Options Outstanding
Options Outstanding [Abstract]
Number of options outstanding (in shares)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Options
Weighted-average years to expiration of options outstanding
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Weighted average exercise price of options outstanding (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Outstanding Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value
Options Exercisable
Options Exercisable [Abstract]
Number of options exercisable (in shares)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options
Weighted average exercise price of options exercisable (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Exercisable Options, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercisable
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value
Weighted-average years to expiration of options exercisable
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Properties
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]
Stock option awards general disclosure
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, General Disclosures [Abstract]
Period of continuance employment to be eligible to exercise stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Requisite Service Period
Period of time options are generally not exercisable
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Option, Not Excercisable Term
Number of months after the date of the grant in which options are generally not exercisable.
Stock option award expiration term
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period
Remaining common stock authorized for future issuances under plan (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant
Stock options granted (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross
Roll forward of outstanding stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Options outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number
Granted (in shares)
Forfeited/Cancelled (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period
Exercised (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period
Options outstanding at end of period (in shares)
Options exercisable at end of period (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Number
Roll forward of outstanding nonvested stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Nonvested options outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares
Forfeited/Cancelled (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested Options Forfeited, Number of Shares
Vested (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Number of Shares
Nonvested options outstanding at end of period (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Weighted average exercise price per share of options outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Weighted average exercise price of options granted (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Weighted average exercise price of options forfeited/cancelled (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Weighted average exercise price of options exercised (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Weighted average exercise price per share of options outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)
Weighted average exercise price of options exercisable at end of period (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Weighted average grant date fair value per share of nonvested options outstanding at beginning of period (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Option, Nonvested, Weighted Average Exercise Price
Weighted average grant date fair value per share of nonvested options granted during the period (in dollars per share)
Weighted average grant date fair value per share of nonvested options forfeited/cancelled (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested Options Forfeited, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Weighted average grant date fair value per share of nonvested options that vested during the period (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Weighted average grant date fair value per share of options outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)
Stock options additional disclosures
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Grant date fair value of option awards in period
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Grants In Period Grant Date Fair Value Total
The grant date fair value of options awarded during the period determined using valuation models.
Grant date fair value (in dollars per share)
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Grants In Period, Fair Value Per Share
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Grants In Period, Fair Value Per Share
Unrecognized compensation cost related to nonvested options outstanding
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Stock Options
Intrinsic value of options exercised
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value
Proceeds from stock options exercised
Proceeds from Stock Options Exercised
Related excess tax benefit realized
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Exercise of Stock Options
Grant date fair value of options vested
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value
Loss Contingencies [Table]
Loss Contingencies [Table]
Loss Contingency Nature [Axis]
Loss Contingency Nature [Axis]
Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain]
Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain]
Personal Injury and Other Claims Provision [Member]
Personal Injury and Other Claims Provision [Member]
This element reflects the current estimated ultimate cost of settling claims relating to workers compensation, personal injury, legal and other claims that have occurred on or before the balance sheet date.
Geographical [Axis]
Geographical [Axis]
Geographical [Domain]
Geographical [Domain]
CANADA [Member]
CANADA
UNITED STATES [Member]
UNITED STATES
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Loss Contingency [Abstract]
Increase (decrease) to personal injury and other claims provision persuant to the results of external actuarial studies
Net reductions to personal injury and other claims provision persuant to the results of external actuarial studies
The increase (decrease) in the loss contingency accrual in the period from revisions in estimates to existing obligations.
Loss Contingency Accrual [Roll Forward]
Loss Contingency Accrual [Roll Forward]
Beginning of year
Loss Contingency Accrual
Accruals and other
Loss Contingency Accrual, Provision
Payments
Loss Contingency Accrual, Payments
Foreign exchange
Foreign exchange
The Increase or (Decrease) in the loss contingencies during the reporting period related to currency translations.
End of year
Current portion - End of year
Loss Contingency, Accrual, Current
Employee injuries, Canada [Member]
Employee injuries, Canada
Information about employee injuries in Canada.
Employee injuries, United States [Member]
Employee injuries, United States
Information about employee injuries in United States.
Minimum rental payments for operating leases and minimum lease payments for capital leases in each of the next five years and thereafter
Operating And Capital Leases Of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block]
For operating leases having initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year and for capital leases, disclosure of future minimum rental payments required as of the date of the latest balance sheet presented, in the aggregate and for each of the five succeeding fiscal years and thereafter.
Provision for personal injury and other claims
Schedule of Loss Contingencies by Contingency [Table Text Block]
Provision for specific environmental sites
Schedule of Environmental Loss Contingencies by Site [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustment Restatement [Table]
Schedule of Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustment Restatement [Table]
Additional paid-in capital [Member]
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Common shares [Member]
Common Stock [Member]
Change in Presentation for Settlement of Equity-Settled Awards [Line Items]
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Reclassification of stock-based compensation expense
Reclassification Of Share-Based Compensation Expense
Reclassification Of Share-Based Compensation Expense
Schedule of Debt
Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Issuances and Repayments of Commercial Paper
Schedule of Gross Issuance Repayments Commercial Paper [Table Text Block]
Tabular disclosure of gross issuances and repayments information pertaining to commercial paper
Schedule of Debt Maturities
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]
Schedule of US Dollar-Denominated Debt
Schedule of US Dollar-Denominated Debt [Table Text Block]
Tabular disclosure of US dollar denominated debt.
Schedule Of Amounts Recognized In Consolidated Balance Sheet [Table]
Schedule Of Amounts Recognized In Consolidated Balance Sheet [Table]
Disclosure regarding amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheet for pension and other post retirement benefits.
Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized In Balance Sheet [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Amounts Recognized In Balance Sheet [Line Items]
Amounts Recognized In Consolidated Balance Sheet [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Noncurrent assets - Pension asset
Current liabilities
Noncurrent liabilities - Pension and other postretirement benefits
Total amount recognized
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts for Asset (Liability) Recognized in Statement of Financial Position
Leases [Abstract]
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table]
Schedule of Operating Leased Assets [Table]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2019
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months
2020
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years
2021
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years
2022
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years
2023
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years
2024 & thereafter
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter
Total Operating Leases
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due, Before Interest [Abstract]
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due, Before Interest [Abstract]
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due, Before Interest
2019
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Before Interest Current
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Before Interest Current
2020
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Before Interest, Two Years
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Before Interest, Two Years
2021
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Before Interest, Three Years
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Before Interest, Three Years
2022
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Before Interest, Four Years
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Before Interest, Four Years
2023
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Before Interest, Five Years
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Before Interest, Five Years
2024 & thereafter
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Before Interest, Thereafter
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments Due Before Interest, Thereafter
Total Capital Leases
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments due Before Interest Total
Capital Leases Future Minimum Payments due Before Interest Total
Less: Imputed interest on capital leases at rates ranging from approximately 1.8% to 4.3%
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments
Present value of minimum lease payments included in debt (Note 11)
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Present Value of Net Minimum Payments
Imputed interest rate on capital leases
Capital Leases of Lessee, Imputed Interest Rate
Imputed interest rate on capital leases.
Rent expense for operating leases
Operating Leases, Rent Expense
Track and Roadway [Member]
Track and Roadway [Member]
Long-lived depreciable assets such as tracks and ties as well as land assets, used for the primary purpose of rail transportation.
Right-of-Way Access [Member]
Right-of-Way Access [Member]
Rolling stock [Member]
Rolling Stock [Member]
Long lived depreciable railroad cars and locomotives used for the primary purpose of rail transportation.
Buildings [Member]
Building [Member]
Information Technology [Member]
Technology Equipment [Member]
Software Development [Member]
Software Development [Member]
Other [Member]
Other Capitalized Property Plant and Equipment [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Properties including capital leases
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, Including and Excluding Capital Leased Asset [Abstract]
Depreciation rate (in hundredths)
Annual Rate of Depreciation
The percent by which an asset loses value on an annual basis.
Cost
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross
Accumulated Depreciation
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment
Net
Capital leases included in properties
Capital Leases, Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Net [Abstract]
Cost
Capital Leased Assets, Gross
Accumulated depreciation
Capital Leases, Lessee Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Accumulated Depreciation
Capital Leases, Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Net
Capital Leases, Balance Sheet, Assets by Major Class, Net
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility, Tranche One [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility Tranche One [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility Tranche for $420 million maturing on May 5, 2019
Revolving Credit Facility, Tranche Two [Member]
RevolvingCreditFacilityTrancheTwo [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility Tranche for $880 Million maturing on May 5, 2021
Revolving Credit Facility, Accordion Feature [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility, Accordion Feature [Member]
Revolving Credit Facility, Accordion Feature [Member]
Revolving credit facility, current borrowing capacity
Line of Credit Facility, Current Borrowing Capacity
Revolving credit facility, maximum borrowing capacity
Revolving credit facility, expiration date
Outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility
Long-term Line of Credit
Line of credit facility, draws during period
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Amount Outstanding During Period
Other liabilities and deferred credits
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]
Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table]
Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table]
Maturity Less Than Ninety Days [Member]
Maturity Less Than Ninety Days [Member]
Maturity Less Than Ninety Days [Member]
Maturity Greater than 90 Days [Member]
Maturity Greater than 90 Days [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Commercial Paper
Commercial Paper [Abstract]
Commercial paper, maximum borrowing capacity
Commercial Paper Borrowing Program
Maximum borrowing capacity that the Company is enabling to issue under the commercial paper program.
Commercial paper, outstanding
Commercial paper, weighted average interest rate
Commercial Paper, Weighted Average Interest Rate
Weighted average interest rate of commercial paper outstanding.
Commercial paper, maturity
Commercial Paper, Term
Period of time between issuance and maturity of commercial paper, in PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.
Issuances and repayments of commercial paper
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Commercial Paper [Abstract]
Issuance of commercial paper
Proceeds from Issuance of Commercial Paper
Repayment of commercial paper
Repayments of Commercial Paper
Change in commercial paper, net
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Commercial Paper
Schedule of allocation of plan assets
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]
Fair value of plan assets by class
Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table Text Block]
Reconciliation of the fair value of investments categorized as Level 3
Schedule of Effect of Significant Unobservable Inputs, Changes in Plan Assets [Table Text Block]
Schedule of obligations and funded status
Schedule of Net Funded Status [Table Text Block]
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block]
Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]
Information for the pension plans with an accumulated benefit obligation in excess of plan assets
Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]
Information for the pension plans with a projected benefit obligation in excess of plan assets
Schedule of Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block]
Components of net periodic benefit cost (income)
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]
Weighted-average assumptions used in accounting for pensions and other postretirement benefits
Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block]
Estimated future benefit payments
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block]
Intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net
Investments
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures
Deferred costs
Nontrade Receivables, Noncurrent
Long-term receivables
Other Assets, Miscellaneous
Other long-term assets
Other Assets, Noncurrent
Total intangible and other assets
Investments
Investments in and Advance to Affiliates, Subsidiaries, Associates, and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Investments accounted for under the equity method
Equity Method Investments
Cost Method Investments
Cost Method Investments
Maximum percentage of gross salary eligible employees can subscribe to purchase shares of Company's common stock on the open market
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Maximum Employee Subscription Rate
Maximum percentage of additional contribution made by the Company of amount invested by employee
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Maximum Employer Matching Rate
The Company will invest, on the employee's behalf, this percentage of the amount invested by the employees, up to 6 % of the employee's gross salary.
Maximum percentage of gross salary employer can contribute toward purchase of Company's common stock
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Maximum Employer Subscription Rate
The highest percentage of annual salary that the employer will contribute toward purchase with respect to the plan.
Number of participants holding shares
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Employee Participants Number
The number of employees participating in the plan and holding shares at the balance sheet date.
Number of shares purchased on behalf of employees (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Purchased for Award
Tax Reform [Table]
Tax Reform [Table]
Tax Reform [Axis]
Tax Reform [Axis]
Tax Reform Name [Domain]
Tax Reform Name [Domain]
U.S. Tax Reform [Member]
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act [Member]
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("U.S. Tax Reform") signed into the law by the President of the United States on December 22, 2017.
Tax Reform [Line Items]
Tax Reform [Line Items]
Current corporate income tax rate
Enacted Tax Rate, before Reform, Percent
Currently enacted corporate income tax rate.
Corporate income tax rate when reform is in effect
Enacted Tax Rate, after Reform, Percent
Enacted corporate income tax rate after the reform commences.
Effective date of tax reform
Tax Reform Effective Date
Effective date of tax reform, in CCYY-MM-DD format.
Decrease of net deferred income tax liability
Tax Reform, Effect on Net Deferred Income Tax Liability
The effect on net deferred income tax liability due to effect of the new tax reform.
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Operating activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Deferred income taxes
Gain on disposal of property
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract]
Accounts receivable
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable
Material and supplies
Increase (Decrease) in Materials and Supplies
Accounts payable and other
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities
Other current assets
Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets
Pensions and other, net
Increase Decrease Other Net
The net cash inflow (outflow) from other operating activities. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element in the taxonomy.
Net cash provided by operating activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
Investing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Property additions
Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment
Disposal of property
Other, net
Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
Financing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Issuance of debt
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt
Repayment of debt
Repayments of Long-term Debt
Change in commercial paper, net
Settlement of foreign exchange forward contracts on debt
Proceeds From (Payments For) Settlement Of Foreign Exchange Forward Contracts On Long Term Debt, Financing Activities
Issuance of common shares for stock options exercised
Withholding taxes remitted on the net settlement of equity settled awards
Repurchase of common shares
Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock
Purchase of common shares for settlement of equity settled awards
Payments for Repurchase of Other Equity
Purchase of common shares by Share Trusts
Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities
Dividends paid
Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock
Net cash used in financing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
Effect of foreign exchange fluctuations on cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents, Continuing Operations
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents, beginning of year
Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents
Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, and restricted cash equivalents, end of year
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
Restricted cash and cash equivalents, end of year
Supplemental cash flow information
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Interest paid
Interest Paid, Excluding Capitalized Interest, Operating Activities
Income taxes paid
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts receivable
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block]
Accounts payable and other
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]
Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table]
Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table]
Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis]
Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis]
Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain]
Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain]
Fair Value Guarantee [Member]
Fair Value Guarantee [Member]
Performance Guarantee [Member]
Performance Guarantee [Member]
Other Employee Benefit Liabilities and Workers' Compensation [Member]
Performance Guarantee Related to Workers' Compensation and Other Employee Benefits [Member]
Represents the maximum potential liability under guarantees (letter of credit) for workers' compensation and other employee benefits programs.
Other Liabilities [Member]
Equipment Under Leases and Other [Member]
Represents the maximum potential liability under guarantees (letter of credit) for equipment leases and other programs.
Guarantee Obligations [Member]
Guarantee Obligations [Member]
Surety and Other Bond [Member]
Surety Bond [Member]
Indemnification Agreement [Member]
Indemnification Agreement [Member]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantor Obligations [Line Items]
Guarantees and indemnifications
Guarantees And Indemnifications [Abstract]
Maturity of guarantee instruments
Guarantor Obligations, Term
Maximum potential liability under guarantees
Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted
Guarantee obligations, recourse provisions
Guarantor Obligations, Recourse Provisions
Liability current carrying value
Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value
Currency [Axis]
Currency [Axis]
All Currencies [Domain]
All Currencies [Domain]
US Dollar-Denominated [Member]
United States of America, Dollars
Debt outstanding
Schedule of Multiemployer Plans [Table]
Schedule of Multiemployer Plans [Table]
Multiemployer Plan Name [Axis]
Multiemployer Plan Name [Axis]
Multiemployer Plan Name [Domain]
Multiemployer Plan Name [Domain]
Railroad Employees National Early Retirement Major Medical Benefit Plan [Member]
Railroad Employees National Early Retirement Major Medical Benefit Plan [Member]
Multiemployer plan name.
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Multiemployer Plans [Line Items]
Contributions to multi-employer plan
Multiemployer Plan, Contributions by Employer
Multiemployer plan employer contribution rate per month
Multiemployer Plan Employer Contribution Rate Per Month
Monthly contribution rate per employee for the multi-employer plan.
Number of retirees covered
Multiemployer Plan Number Of Retirees Covered
Number of retirees covered under multiemployer plan.
Share Trusts
Employee Trust [Abstract]
Maximum number of common shares available for purchase in next fiscal year (in shares)
Maximum Number of Common Shares Available for Purchase in Next Fiscal Year
Maximum Number of Common Shares Available for Purchase in Next Fiscal Year
Share purchases by Share Trusts
Share Purchases by Share Trusts [Abstract]
Share purchases by Share Trusts (in shares)
Weighted-average price per share (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Per Share Weighted Average Price of Shares Purchased
Amount of purchase
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value
Share settlements by Share Trusts
Share Settlements by Share Trusts [Abstract]
Number of common shares (in shares)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Shares Disbursed for Award
Number of shares settled by Share trusts
Weighted-average price per share (in dollars per share)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Per Share Weighted Average Price of Shares Settled
Weighted-average price per share disbursed Share Trusts.
Share settlements by Share Trusts
Stock Settled During Period, value
Amount of common shares settled by Share Trusts (value)
Segmented Information [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract]
Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table]
Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table]
Concentration Risk Type [Axis]
Concentration Risk Type [Axis]
Concentration Risk Type [Domain]
Concentration Risk Type [Domain]
Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Number of operating segments
Number of Operating Segments
Approximate percentage of the Company's freight revenues from national accounts
Percentage Freight Revenues From National Accounts
Approximate percentage of company's freight revenues from national accounts.
Concentration of risk
Concentration Risk, Percentage
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table]
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table]
Antidilutive Securities [Axis]
Antidilutive Securities [Axis]
Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain]
Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain]
Stock Options [Member]
Performance Share Units [Member]
Performance Shares [Member]
Units excluded from the calculation as their inclusion would not have a dilutive effect
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings per share:
Earnings Per Share Reconciliation [Abstract]
Weighted-average basic shares outstanding (in shares)
Dilutive effect of stock-based compensation (in shares)
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding (in shares)
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)
Units excluded from the calculation as their inclusion would not have a dilutive effect (in shares)
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount
Intangible and other assets
Intangible And Other Assets Non Current Disclosure [Text Block]
This block of text may be used to disclose all or part of the information related to noncurrent intangible and other assets.
Income taxes
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]
Schedule of Intangible and other assets by major class
Schedule Of Intangible And Other Assets [Table Text Block]
Tabular disclosure of the carrying value of intangibles and other assets in total and by major class. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of the company.
Statement [Table]
Statement [Table]
Common shares in Share Trusts [Member]
Trust for Benefit of Employees [Member]
Accumulated other comprehensive loss [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Statement [Line Items]
Statement [Line Items]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shareholders' equity, beginning balance (in shares)
Common Stock, Shares, Issued
Shareholders' equity, beginning balance
Stock options exercised (in shares)
Stock options exercised
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Stock Options Exercised
Settlement of equity settled awards (in shares)
Settlement of equity settled awards
Settlement of other equity settled awards
Settlement of other equity settled awards
Stock-based compensation expense and other
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation and Exercise of Stock Options
Repurchase of common shares (in shares)
Repurchase of common shares
Share purchases by Share Trusts
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent
Dividends
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash
Shareholders' equity, ending balance (in shares)
Shareholders' equity, ending balance
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table]
Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table]
Freight [Member]
Freight [Member]
Non-freight [Member]
Non-freight [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract]
Gross accounts receivable
Accounts Receivable, Gross, Current
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current
Net accounts receivable
Issued and outstanding common shares
Stock Issued or Granted During Period, Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Issued common shares (in shares)
Common shares in Share Trusts (in shares)
Common Stock, Shares Held in Employee Trust, Shares
Outstanding common shares (in shares)
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding
Equipment Leases [Member]
Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member]
Leases, Capital [Abstract]
Leases, Capital [Abstract]
Capital lease assets acquired in period
Property, Plant and Equipment, Additions
Net carrying amount of properties which secures the capital lease obligations
Debt Instrument, Collateral Amount
Interest rate for capital lease obligations
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage
Capital lease obligations maturity start year
Debt Instrument, Maturity Year Range, Start
Debt Instrument, Maturity Year Range, Start
Capital lease obligations maturity end year
Debt Instrument, Maturity Year Range, End
Debt Instrument, Maturity Year Range, End
Interest imputed on capital leases
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table]
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member]
Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Pension and other postretirement benefit plans [Member]
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), before tax, beginning balance
AOCI before Tax, Attributable to Parent
Income tax recovery (expense), beginning balance
AOCI Tax, Attributable to Parent
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, beginning balance
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Reclassifications [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Before Reclassifications [Abstract]
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on translation of net investment in foreign operations, before tax
Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) on Translation of Net Investment in Foreign Operations, Before Reclassification and Tax
Amount before tax and reclassification adjustments of gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions designated and effective as economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity.
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on translation of net investment in foreign operations, income tax recovery (expense)
Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) on Translation of Net Investment in Foreign Operations, Tax
Amount of tax expense (benefit) allocated to other comprehensive income (loss) arising from gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions designated and effective as economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity.
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on translation of net investment in foreign operations, net of tax
Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) on Translation of Net Investment in Foreign Operations, Net of Tax
Amount after tax, and before reclassification adjustments of gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions designated and effective as economic hedges of a net investment in a foreign entity.
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on translation of US dollar-denominated debt designated as a hedge of the net investment in foreign operations, before tax
Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) on Translation of Foreign Currency Denominated Long-term Debt Designated as a Hedge of Net Investment in Foreign Subsidiaries, Before Reclassification and Tax
Amount before tax and reclassification adjustments of gain (loss) on translation of foreign currency denominated long-term debt designated as a hedge of net investment in foreign subsidiaries.
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on translation of US dollar-denominated debt designated as a hedge of the net investment in foreign operations, income tax recovery (expense)
Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) on Translation of Foreign Currency Denominated Long-term Debt Designated as a Hedge of Net Investment in Foreign Subsidiaries, Tax
Amount of tax expense (benefit) allocated to other comprehensive income (loss) arising from gain (loss) on translation of foreign currency denominated long-term debt designated as a hedge of net investment in foreign subsidiaries.
Foreign exchange gain (loss) on translation of US dollar-denominated debt designated as a hedge of the net investment in foreign operations, net of tax
Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Gain (Loss) on Translation of Foreign Currency Denominated Long-term Debt Designated as a Hedge of Net Investment in Foreign Subsidiaries, Net of Tax
Amount after tax, and before reclassification adjustments of gain (loss) on translation of foreign currency denominated long-term debt designated as a hedge of net investment in foreign subsidiaries.
Actuarial gain (loss) arising during the year, before tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax
Actuarial gain (loss) arising during the year, income tax recovery (expense)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Tax
Actuarial gain (loss) arising during the year, net of tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, after Tax
Prior service credit arising during the year, before tax
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax
Prior service credit arising during the year, income tax recovery (expense)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), Tax
Prior service credit arising during the year, net of tax
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), after Tax
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Amounts Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Amortization of net actuarial loss, before tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax
Amortization of net actuarial loss, income tax recovery (expense)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Tax
Amortization of net actuarial loss, net of tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Plan, Gain (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, after Tax
Amortization of prior service cost - pre-tax
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax
Amortization of prior service cost, income tax recovery (expense)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Tax
Amortization of prior service cost, net of tax
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Prior Service Cost (Credit), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, after Tax
Settlement loss arising during the year, before tax
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, before Tax
Settlement loss arising during the year, income tax recovery (expense)
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Tax
Settlement loss arising during the year, net of tax
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, after Tax
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent
Income tax recovery (expense)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), before tax, ending balance
Income tax recovery (expense), ending balance
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax, ending balance
Schedule Of Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income) [Table]
Schedule Of Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Income) [Table]
Disclosure regarding the components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for pension and other post retirement benefits.
Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Amounts That Will Be Amortized From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss In Next Fiscal Year [Line Items]
Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Amounts That Will Be Amortized From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss In Next Fiscal Year [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts That Will Be Amortized From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) In Next Fiscal Year [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) [Abstract]
Settlement loss
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Gain (Loss) Due to Settlement
Expected return on plan assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets
Amortization of prior service cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)
Amortization of net actuarial loss (gain)
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss)
Total Other components of net periodic benefit cost (income)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit)
2016 Grant [Member]
Granted Year 2016 [Member]
Represents the share-based compensation granted in 2016.
Number of years in the plan period over which the units will vest
Pensions and other postretirement benefits
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]
Actual return relating to assets still held at the reporting date
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase (Decrease) for Actual Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Still Held
Purchases
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Increase for Purchase
Sales
Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets Level 3 Reconciliation, Decrease for Sale
Disbursements
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Settlements
Reconciliation of income tax expense
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]
Tax information on a domestic and foreign basis
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]
Significant components of deferred income tax assets and liabilities
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Reconciliation for unrecognized tax benefits for domestic and foreign tax positions
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block]
Other liabilities and deferred credits
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Table Text Block]
Accounts receivable
Accounts Receivable [Text Block]
Includes disclosure of amounts due from customers and others. This also provides for the disclosures pertaining to a transferor's continuing involvement in financial assets that it has transferred in a securitization arrangement.
Basis of presentation
Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Principles of consolidation
Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Use of estimates
Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Revenues
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Policy Text Block]
Income taxes
Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Earnings per share
Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Foreign currency
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block]
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Accounts receivable
Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Material and supplies
Inventory Supplies, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Properties
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Intangible assets
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Accounts receivable securitization
Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets, Transfers of Financial Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Pensions
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Pensions, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Postretirement benifits other than pensions
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Nonpension Benefits, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Stock-based compensation
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block]
Personal injury and other claims
Personal Injury And Other Claims Contingency Policy [Policy Text Block]
Description of the accrual policy for personal injury and other claims loss contingencies (general and professional liability) which may include the method for calculating incurred but not reported (IBNR) claims, the use of actuarial and individual case-based assumptions, whether the accrual has been discounted, the types of costs included in the accrual (for example, legal costs) and other significant estimates used to determine the accrued liability.
Environmental expenditures
Environmental Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Derivative financial instruments
Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Recent accounting pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Schedule of common stock outstanding roll forward
Schedule of Common Stock Outstanding Roll Forward [Table Text Block]
Schedule of activity under share repurchase programs
Schedule of Activity Under Share Repurchase Programs [Table Text Block]
Tabular disclosure of the information related to the share repurchase programs.
Schedule of activity of purchases and settlements by Share Trusts
Schedule of Activity, Share Trust [Table Text Block]
Tabular disclosure of the information related to the share trusts common share purchase.
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Net gain (loss) on foreign currency translation
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, before Tax
Net change in pension and other postretirement benefit plans
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax
Other comprehensive loss before income taxes
Other comprehensive loss
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent
Capital leases
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2019
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months
2020
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Two Years
2021
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Three Years
2022
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Four Years
2023
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due in Five Years
2024 and thereafter
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Thereafter
Total
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due
Debt
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2019
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months
2020
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two
2021
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three
2022
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four
2023
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five
2024 and thereafter
Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five
Total
Long-term Debt
Total
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities [Abstract]
2019
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months
2020
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two
2021
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three
2022
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four
2023
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five
2024 and thereafter
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five
Tax Credit Carryforward [Table]
Tax Credit Carryforward [Table]
Tax credit carryforward
Tax Credit Carryforward [Line Items]
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Components of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred income tax assets
Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract]
Pension liability
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Pensions
Personal injury and legal claims
Deferred Tax Assets Claims And Other Reserves
The tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of the estimated future tax deductions arising from estimated losses from personal injury claims and other reserves, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when actual losses are incurred, and which can only be realized if sufficient tax-basis income is generated in future periods to enable the deduction to be taken.
Compensation reserves
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Compensation
Other postretirement benefits liability
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Postretirement Benefits
Unrealized foreign exchange losses
Deferred Tax Assets, Unrealized Currency Losses
Net operating losses and tax credit carryforwards
Deferred Tax Assets Losses And Tax Credit Carryforwards
The tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of future tax deductions arising from losses and unused tax credit carryforwards. A tax credit carryforward is the amount by which tax credits available for utilization exceeded statutory limits on inclusion in historical filings. They can only be utilized if sufficient tax-basis income is generated in future periods and providing tax laws continue to allow such utilization.
Other
Deferred Tax Assets, Other
Total deferred income tax assets
Deferred Tax Assets, Gross
Deferred income tax liabilities
Components of Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract]
Properties
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment
Pension asset
Deferred Tax Liabilities Prepaid Pension Costs
The amount as of the balance sheet date of the estimated future tax effects attributable to the difference between the tax basis of pension liabilities funded in advance and the basis of a prepaid pension asset determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The difference in basis of such costs will increase future taxable income when such basis difference reverses. Prepaid pension costs represented the cumulative employer's contributions in excess of net pension cost recognized, before the adoption of the recognition provisions of FAS 158. Under FAS 158, prepaid pension costs are no longer recognized in the statement of financial position.
Unrealized foreign exchange gains
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Unrealized Currency Transaction Gains
Other
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other
Total deferred income tax liabilities
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross
Total net deferred income tax liability
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net
Total net deferred income tax liability
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Classification [Abstract]
Domestic
Deferred Tax Assets Liabilities Domestic Net
For entities that net deferred tax assets and tax liabilities, represents the unclassified net amount of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of the balance sheet date for Canadian or domestic operations, which result from applying the applicable enacted tax rate to net temporary differences and carryforwards pertaining to assets or liabilities.
Foreign
Deferred Tax Assets Liabilities Foreign Net
For entities that net deferred tax assets and tax liabilities, represents the unclassified net amount of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of the balance sheet date for US and other foreign operations, which result from applying the applicable enacted tax rate to net temporary differences and carryforwards pertaining to assets or liabilities.
Tax credit carryforward expiration year
Tax Credit Carryforward, Expiration Date, Year
Expiration date of the tax credit carryforward, in CCYY format.