XML 82 R66.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.3.1.900

DEBT AND FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS - Additional Information (Detail) £ in Millions | 1 Months Ended | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |  |  |  |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) | May. 31, 2007 | Jan. 31, 1998 | Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) Credit_Agreements | Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) Tranches Credit_Agreements | Dec. 31, 2015 GBP (£) Tranches | Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2001 | Dec. 31, 2015 GBP (£) Credit_Agreements | Dec. 31, 2015 EUR (€) Credit_Agreements | Nov. 30, 2015 USD ($) | Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) | Apr. 01, 2014 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, face amount |  |  |  | $ 14,167,000,000 | $ 14,167,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of tranches in debt instrument | Tranches |  |  |  |  | 2 | 2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Rent expense related to operating leases |  |  |  |  | $ 669,000,000 |  | $ 676,000,000 | $ 575,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |
Outstanding letters of credit |  |  |  | 1,808,000,000 | 1,808,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Surety bonds written |  |  |  | $ 623,000,000 | $ 623,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of credit agreements | Credit_Agreements |  |  |  | 2 | 2 |  |  |  |  | 2 | 2 |  |  |
Covenants limit the amount of secured indebtedness that we may incur, and limit the amount of attributable debt in sale-leaseback transactions, to percentage of net tangible assets |  |  |  | 10.00% | 10.00% |  |  |  |  | 10.00% | 10.00% |  |  |
Covenants limit the amount of secured indebtedness that we may incur, and limit the amount of attributable debt in sale-leaseback transactions, net tangible assets amount |  |  |  | $ 2,265,000,000 | $ 2,265,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term debt fair value | $ 12,257,000,000 |  |  | 15,524,000,000 | 15,524,000,000 |  | $ 12,257,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term Debt |  |  |  | $ 13,692,000,000 | $ 13,692,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Operating leases, expiration year |  |  |  |  | 2038 | 2038 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
8.375% Debentures |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate |  |  |  | 837.50% | 837.50% |  |  |  |  | 837.50% | 837.50% |  |  |
8.375% debentures Due 2030 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Original debt amount |  |  |  |  | $ 276,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate |  |  |  | 8.375% | 8.375% |  |  |  |  | 8.375% | 8.375% |  |  |
Debt instrument redemption price |  |  |  | 100.00% | 100.00% |  |  |  |  | 100.00% | 100.00% |  |  |
Maturity - Maximum Date |  |  |  |  | Jan. 01, 2030 | Jan. 01, 2030 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maturity date of newly converted debentures |  |  | Apr. 01, 2030 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
8.375% debentures Due 2030 | Until April 1, 2020 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate |  |  |  | 8.375% | 8.375% |  |  |  |  | 8.375% | 8.375% |  |  |
8.375% debentures Due 2030 | After April 1, 2020 for the Final 10 Years |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate |  |  |  | 7.62% | 7.62% |  |  |  |  | 7.62% | 7.62% |  |  |
Debt instrument, period that interest rate is reduced to 7.62% |  |  |  |  | 10 years | 10 years |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
8.375% debentures Due 2020 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate |  |  |  | 8.375% | 8.375% |  |  |  |  | 8.375% | 8.375% |  |  |
Debt not subject to early redemption |  |  |  | $ 424,000,000 | $ 424,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative, average swaption interest rate | 4.99% |  |  | 5.04% | 5.04% |  | 4.99% |  |  | 5.04% | 5.04% |  |  |
Maturity - Maximum Date |  |  |  |  | Jan. 01, 2020 | Jan. 01, 2020 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Floating rate senior notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Average interest rate |  |  |  |  | 0.01% | 0.01% | 0.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior notes earliest callable period |  |  |  |  | 30 years | 30 years |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior notes earliest putable period |  |  |  |  | 10 years | 10 years |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal value of redeemed notes | $ 1,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal Balance | $ 90,000,000 |  |  | $ 40,000,000 | $ 40,000,000 |  | $ 90,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  | $ 104,000,000 |
Applicable margin rates |  |  |  | 0.45% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maturity - Minimum Date |  |  |  |  | Jan. 01, 2049 | Jan. 01, 2049 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maturity - Maximum Date |  |  |  |  | Jan. 01, 2053 | Jan. 01, 2053 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Floating rate senior notes | LIBOR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Applicable margin rates | 3000.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Floating rate senior notes | Maximum | LIBOR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Applicable margin rates |  |  |  |  | 4500.00% | 4500.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Floating rate senior notes | Minimum | LIBOR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Applicable margin rates |  |  |  |  | 3000.00% | 3000.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Capital lease obligations |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maturity - Minimum Date |  |  |  |  | Jan. 01, 2014 | Jan. 01, 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maturity - Maximum Date |  |  |  |  | Jan. 01, 3004 | Jan. 01, 3004 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Facility Notes and Bonds Worldport Louisville |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Average interest rate |  |  |  |  | 0.03% | 0.03% | 0.05% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal Balance |  |  |  | $ 149,000,000 | $ 149,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maturity |  |  |  |  | Jan. 31, 2029 | Jan. 31, 2029 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Facility Notes and Bonds Airfreight Louisville |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Average interest rate |  |  |  |  | 0.02% | 0.02% | 0.05% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal Balance |  |  |  | 42,000,000 | $ 42,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maturity |  |  |  |  | Nov. 30, 2036 | Nov. 30, 2036 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Facility Notes and Bonds International Airport Dallas Fort Worth |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal Balance |  |  |  | $ 29,000,000 | $ 29,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fixed interest rate |  |  |  | 5.11% | 5.11% |  |  |  |  | 5.11% | 5.11% |  |  |
Maturity |  |  |  |  | May 31, 2032 | May 31, 2032 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Facility Notes and Bonds Delaware Airport Philadelphia |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Average interest rate |  |  |  |  | 0.02% | 0.02% | 0.04% |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal Balance |  |  |  | $ 100,000,000 | $ 100,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maturity |  |  |  |  | Dec. 31, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2015 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Facility Notes and Bonds, Delaware County, Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority, Due September 2045 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Average interest rate |  |  |  |  | 0.00% | 0.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Principal Balance |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 100,000,000 |
Facility notes and bonds |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maturity - Minimum Date |  |  |  |  | Jan. 01, 2015 | Jan. 01, 2015 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maturity - Maximum Date |  |  |  |  | Jan. 01, 2036 | Jan. 01, 2036 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
5.50% Pound Sterling Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of tranches in debt instrument | Tranches |  |  |  |  | 2 | 2 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Pound Sterling notes not exchanged | £ |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | £ 66 |  |  |  |
Maturity |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | Feb. 12, 2031 |  |  |  |  |
5.50% senior notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate |  |  |  | 5.50% | 5.50% |  |  |  |  | 5.50% | 5.50% |  |  |
5.13% Pound Sterling Notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Average interest rate |  |  |  |  | 5.125% | 5.125% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Exchanged Pound Sterling notes principal amount | £ |  |  |  |  |  | £ 455 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Redemption price description |  |  |  |  | These notes are callable at our option at a redemption price equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount and accrued interest, or the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payout of principal and interest thereon discounted to the date of redemption at a benchmark U.K. government bond yield plus 15 basis points and accrued interest. | These notes are callable at our option at a redemption price equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount and accrued interest, or the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payout of principal and interest thereon discounted to the date of redemption at a benchmark U.K. government bond yield plus 15 basis points and accrued interest. |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maturity |  | Feb. 28, 2050 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revolving credit facility expiring in 2012 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maturity |  |  |  |  | Mar. 28, 2014 | Mar. 28, 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revolving credit facility expiring in 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revolving credit facilities |  |  |  | $ 1,500,000,000.0 | $ 1,500,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maturity |  |  |  |  | Mar. 26, 2016 | Mar. 26, 2016 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revolving credit facility expiring in 2014 | Federal funds effective rate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Applicable margin rates |  |  |  |  | 0.50% | 0.50% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revolving credit facility expiring in 2014 | LIBOR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Applicable margin rates |  |  |  |  | 1.00% | 1.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revolving credit facility expiring In 2015 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maturity |  |  |  |  | Mar. 29, 2018 | Mar. 29, 2018 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revolving credit facility expiring in 2018 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revolving credit facilities |  |  |  | $ 3,000,000,000.0 | $ 3,000,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Maturity |  |  |  |  | Mar. 27, 2020 | Mar. 27, 2020 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Applicable margin for base rate below LIBOR |  |  |  | 1.00% | 1.00% |  |  |  |  | 1.00% | 1.00% |  |  |
Revolving credit facility expiring in 2018 | Federal funds effective rate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Applicable margin rates |  |  |  |  | 0.50% | 0.50% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revolving credit facility expiring in 2018 | LIBOR |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Applicable margin rates |  |  |  |  | 1.00% | 1.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Revolving credit facility expiring in 2018 | Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Applicable margin for base rate below LIBOR |  |  |  | 0.00% | 0.00% |  |  |  |  | 0.00% | 0.00% |  |  |
LIBOR [Member] | Revolving credit facility expiring in 2014 | Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Applicable margin rates |  |  |  | 0.75% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
LIBOR [Member] | Revolving credit facility expiring in 2014 | Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument, Credit Default Swap Spread, Term |  |  |  |  | 1 year | 1 year |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Applicable margin rates |  |  |  | 0.10% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
LIBOR [Member] | Revolving credit facility expiring in 2018 | Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Applicable margin rates |  |  |  | 0.10% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Citibank base rate [Member] | Revolving credit facility expiring in 2014 | Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Applicable margin rates |  |  |  | 1.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Citibank base rate [Member] | Revolving credit facility expiring in 2014 | Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Applicable margin rates |  |  |  | 0.00% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Citibank base rate [Member] | Revolving credit facility expiring in 2018 | Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Applicable margin rates |  |  |  | 0.75% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial paper |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, face amount |  |  |  | $ 2,965,000,000 | $ 2,965,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term Debt | $ 772,000,000 |  |  | 2,965,000,000 | 2,965,000,000 |  | $ 772,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial paper | U.S. Commercial Paper Program |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial paper program, authorized to borrow |  |  |  | 10,000,000,000.0 | 10,000,000,000.0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term Debt |  |  |  | 2,618,000,000 | 2,618,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial paper | Foreign Commercial Paper Program |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Commercial paper program, authorized to borrow | € |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | € 5,000,000,000.0 |  |  |
Long-term Debt |  |  |  | $ 347,000,000 | $ 347,000,000 |  |  |  |  | £ 234 |  |  |  |
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate |  |  |  | 0.50% | 0.50% |  |  |  |  | 0.50% | 0.50% |  |  |
Commercial Paper, Euro Denominated | U.S. Commercial Paper Program |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term Debt |  |  |  | $ 339,000,000 | $ 339,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  | € 310,000,000 |  |  |
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate |  |  |  | 0.12% | 0.12% |  |  |  |  | 0.12% | 0.12% |  |  |
Commercial Paper, U.S. Dollar Denominated | U.S. Commercial Paper Program |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate |  |  |  | 0.21% | 0.21% |  |  |  |  | 0.21% | 0.21% |  |  |
Senior notes | 5.50% senior notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, face amount |  |  |  | $ 750,000,000 | $ 750,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate |  |  |  | 5.50% | 5.50% |  |  |  |  | 5.50% | 5.50% |  |  |
Maturity - Maximum Date |  |  |  |  | Jan. 01, 2018 | Jan. 01, 2018 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage | 2.49% |  |  | 2.54% | 2.54% |  | 2.49% |  |  | 2.54% | 2.54% |  |  |
Long-term Debt | $ 802,000,000 |  |  | $ 787,000,000 | $ 787,000,000 |  | $ 802,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior notes | 3.875% senior notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, face amount |  |  |  | $ 1,000,000,000 | $ 1,000,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,000,000,000
Interest rate |  |  |  | 3.875% | 3.875% |  |  |  |  | 3.875% | 3.875% |  |  | 3.875%
Maturity - Maximum Date |  |  |  |  | Jan. 01, 2014 | Jan. 01, 2014 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage | 0.94% |  |  | 0.00% | 0.00% |  | 0.94% |  |  | 0.00% | 0.00% |  |  |
Senior notes | 1.125% senior notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, face amount |  |  |  | $ 375,000,000 | $ 375,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate |  |  |  | 1.125% | 1.125% |  |  |  |  | 1.125% | 1.125% |  |  |
Maturity - Maximum Date |  |  |  |  | Jan. 01, 2017 | Jan. 01, 2017 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage | 0.60% |  |  | 0.68% | 0.68% |  | 0.60% |  |  | 0.68% | 0.68% |  |  |
Long-term Debt | $ 369,000,000 |  |  | $ 372,000,000 | $ 372,000,000 |  | $ 369,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior notes | 5.125% senior notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, face amount |  |  |  | $ 1,000,000,000 | $ 1,000,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate |  |  |  | 5.125% | 5.125% |  |  |  |  | 5.125% | 5.125% |  |  |
Maturity - Maximum Date |  |  |  |  | Jan. 01, 2019 | Jan. 01, 2019 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage | 1.97% |  |  | 2.06% | 2.06% |  | 1.97% |  |  | 2.06% | 2.06% |  |  |
Long-term Debt | $ 1,076,000,000 |  |  | $ 1,064,000,000 | $ 1,064,000,000 |  | $ 1,076,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior notes | 3.125% senior notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, face amount |  |  |  | $ 1,500,000,000 | $ 1,500,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate |  |  |  | 3.125% | 3.125% |  |  |  |  | 3.125% | 3.125% |  |  |
Maturity - Maximum Date |  |  |  |  | Jan. 01, 2021 | Jan. 01, 2021 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage | 1.06% |  |  | 1.04% | 1.04% |  | 1.06% |  |  | 1.04% | 1.04% |  |  |
Long-term Debt | $ 1,616,000,000 |  |  | $ 1,613,000,000 | $ 1,613,000,000 |  | $ 1,616,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior notes | 8.375% debentures Due 2030 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, face amount |  |  |  | 276,000,000 | 276,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term Debt | 282,000,000 |  |  | 282,000,000 | 282,000,000 |  | 282,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior notes | 8.375% debentures Due 2020 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, face amount |  |  |  | 424,000,000 | 424,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term Debt | 480,000,000 |  |  | 474,000,000 | 474,000,000 |  | 480,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior notes | Floating rate senior notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, face amount |  |  |  | 606,000,000 | 606,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Long-term Debt | $ 458,000,000 |  |  | 600,000,000 | 600,000,000 |  | $ 458,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Senior notes | Euro Senior Notes Due July 2020 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, face amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 500,000,000 |  |
Senior notes | Euro Senior Notes Due November 2025 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, face amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 700,000,000 |  |
Interest rate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1.625% |  |
Senior notes | 2.45% senior notes |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt instrument, face amount |  |  |  | $ 1,000,000,000 | $ 1,000,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Interest rate |  |  |  | 2.45% | 2.45% |  |  |  |  | 2.45% | 2.45% |  |  |
Maturity - Maximum Date |  |  |  |  | Jan. 01, 2022 | Jan. 01, 2022 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage | 0.82% |  |  | 0.87% | 0.87% |  | 0.82% |  |  | 0.87% | 0.87% |  |  |
Long-term Debt | $ 976,000,000 |  |  | $ 991,000,000 | $ 991,000,000 |  | $ 976,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |

X
- Definition Applicable Margin Rate On Base Rate Below LIBOR + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ups_ApplicableMarginForBaseRateBelowLibor
Namespace Prefix: | ups_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Tangible asset calculation used in debt covenant compliance test. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ups_CovenantsLimitAmountOfSecuredIndebtednessThatWeMayIncurAndLimitAmountOfAttributableDebtInSaleLeasebackTransactionsNetTangibleAssetsAmount
Namespace Prefix: | ups_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Debt Covenant Tangible Asset Percentage + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ups_CovenantsLimitAmountOfSecuredIndebtednessThatWeMayIncurAndLimitAmountOfAttributableDebtInSaleLeasebackTransactionsToPercentageOfNetTangibleAssets
Namespace Prefix: | ups_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Debt Instrument, Credit Default Swap Spread, Term + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ups_DebtInstrumentCreditDefaultSwapSpreadTerm
Namespace Prefix: | ups_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Debt Instrument Earliest Callable Period + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ups_DebtInstrumentEarliestCallablePeriod
Namespace Prefix: | ups_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Debt Instrument Earliest Putable Period + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ups_DebtInstrumentEarliestPutablePeriod
Namespace Prefix: | ups_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Debt Instrument, Maximum Borrowing Capacity, Amount + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ups_DebtInstrumentMaximumBorrowingCapacityAmount
Namespace Prefix: | ups_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Debt Instrument, Period That Interest Rate is Reduced to 7.62% + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ups_DebtInstrumentPeriodThatInterestRateIsReducedTo762
Namespace Prefix: | ups_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Debt Instrument, Principal Amount, Redeemed + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ups_DebtInstrumentPrincipalAmountRedeemed
Namespace Prefix: | ups_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Debt Instrument, Redemption Price + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ups_DebtInstrumentRedemptionPrice
Namespace Prefix: | ups_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Debt Not Subject To Early Redemption + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ups_DebtNotSubjectToEarlyRedemption
Namespace Prefix: | ups_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Debt Redemption Price, Description + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ups_DebtRedemptionPriceDescription
Namespace Prefix: | ups_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Lease Expiration Year + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ups_LeaseExpirationYear
Namespace Prefix: | ups_
Data Type: | xbrli:gYearItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number Of Credit Facilities + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ups_NumberOfCreditAgreements
Namespace Prefix: | ups_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Number of Tranches in Debenture + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ups_NumberOfTranchesInDebenture
Namespace Prefix: | ups_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Principal Amount Not Exchanged + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ups_PrincipalAmountNotExchanged
Namespace Prefix: | ups_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Surety Bonds + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ups_SuretyBonds
Namespace Prefix: | ups_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The value of the financial instrument(s) that the original debt is being converted into in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367179&loc=d3e4304-108586 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367179&loc=d3e4332-108586 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentAmount1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Expiration, mandatory redemption, or due date, in CCYY-MM-DD format, of the financial instrument issued in exchange for the original debt being converted in a noncash or part noncash transaction. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367179&loc=d3e4332-108586 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367179&loc=d3e4304-108586 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtConversionConvertedInstrumentExpirationOrDueDateDayMonthAndYear
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of the original debt being converted in a noncash (or part noncash) transaction. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367179&loc=d3e4304-108586 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367179&loc=d3e4332-108586 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtConversionOriginalDebtAmount1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the debt instrument. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentBasisSpreadOnVariableRate1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of long-term debt before deduction of unamortized discount or premium. Includes, but is not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, with initial maturities beyond one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 20 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 16 -Article 9 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentCarryingAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 55 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34725769&loc=d3e28878-108400 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFaceAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fair value portion of debt instrument payable, including, but not limited to, notes payable and loans payable. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 10 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=49121117&loc=d3e13433-108611 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 12 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=49121117&loc=d3e13476-108611 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentFairValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The average effective interest rate during the reporting period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateDuringPeriod
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Effective interest rate for the funds borrowed under the debt agreement considering interest compounding and original issue discount or premium. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 30 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateEffectivePercentage
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Contractual interest rate for funds borrowed, under the debt agreement. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Date when the debt instrument is scheduled to be fully repaid, in CCYY-MM-DD format. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(2)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Latest date the outstanding debt instruments are required to be repaid, in CCYY-MM-DD format. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(2)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeEnd1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Earliest date the outstanding debt instruments are required to be repaid, in CCYY-MM-DD format. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(2)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentMaturityDateRangeStart1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:dateItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Weighted average interest rate of debt outstanding. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtWeightedAverageInterestRate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Average fixed interest rate that will be received or paid upon exercise of a group of interest rate swaption contracts. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeAverageSwaptionInterestRate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of rent expense incurred for leased assets, including but not limited to, furniture and equipment, that is not directly or indirectly associated with the manufacture, sale or creation of a product or product line. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LeaseAndRentalExpense
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The total amount of the contingent obligation under letters of credit outstanding as of the reporting date. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Maximum borrowing capacity under the credit facility without consideration of any current restrictions on the amount that could be borrowed or the amounts currently outstanding under the facility. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.19(b),22(b)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LineOfCreditFacilityMaximumBorrowingCapacity
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Carrying amount of long-term debt, net of unamortized discount or premium, including current and noncurrent amounts. Includes, but not limited to, notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans and commercial paper. Excludes capital lease obligations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-03.16) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6876686&loc=d3e534808-122878 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.16) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 20, 22 -Article 5 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermDebt
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The interest rate applicable to the portion of the carrying amount of long-term borrowings outstanding as of the balance sheet date, including current maturities, which accrues interest at a set, unchanging rate. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ups_A8.375DebenturesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ups_Debentures8Point375PercentDue2030Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis=ups_Scenario1Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis=ups_Scenario2Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ups_Debentures8Point375PercentDue2020Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ups_FloatingRateSeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=us-gaap_CapitalLeaseObligationsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ups_FacilityNotesAndBondsWorldportLouisvilleMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ups_FacilityNotesAndBondsAirfreightLouisvilleMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ups_FacilityNotesAndBondsInternationalAirportDallasFortWorthMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ups_FacilityNotesAndBondsDelawareAirportPhiladelphiaMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ups_FacilityNotesandBondsDelawareCountyPennsylvaniaIndustrialDevelopmentAuthorityDueSeptember2045Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ups_FacilityNotesAndBondsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ups_PoundSterlingNotes5Point5PercentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ups_SeniorNotes550PercentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ups_PoundSterlingNotes5Point125PercentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ups_RevolvingCreditFacilityExpiringIn2012Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ups_RevolvingCreditFacilityExpiringin2014Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=ups_FederalFundsRateMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ups_RevolvingCreditFacilityExpiringIn2015Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ups_RevolvingCreditFacilityExpiringin2018Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | ups_InterestRateByTypeAxis=ups_LiborMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | ups_InterestRateByTypeAxis=ups_CitibankBaseRateMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_CommercialPaperMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ups_USCommercialPaperProgramMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ups_ForeignCommercialPaperProgramMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=ups_CommercialPaperEuroDenominatedMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=ups_CommercialPaperU.S.DollarDenominatedMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ups_A550SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ups_A3875SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ups_A1125SeniornotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ups_A5125SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ups_A3125SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ups_EuroSeniorNotesDueJuly2020Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ups_EuroSeniorNotesDueNovember2025Member
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis=ups_A245SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |