XML 55 R44.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.19.3.a.u2

SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions | 3 Months Ended | 12 Months Ended |  |
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Dec. 31, 2019 | Sep. 30, 2019 | Jun. 30, 2019 | Mar. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Sep. 30, 2018 | Jun. 30, 2018 | Mar. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2020 | Dec. 31, 2019 | Dec. 31, 2018 | Dec. 31, 2017 | Jan. 01, 2019 | Jan. 01, 2018
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Investments and Restricted Cash | $ 24 |  |  |  | $ 170 |  |  |  |  | $ 24 | $ 170 |  |  |
Provision for doubtful accounts expense |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 194 | 118 |  |  |
Inventories | 511 |  |  |  | 421 |  |  |  |  | 511 | 421 |  |  |
Capitalized interest |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 91 | 97 |  |  |
Net actuarial gains or losses in excess of market-related value of plan assets or the plans' projected benefit obligations |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 10.00% |  |  |  |
Net currency transaction gains and (losses), pre-tax |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ (6) | (19) | $ 3 |  |
Income tax benefit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (1,212) | (1,228) | (2,232) |  |
Decrease in other financing activities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,727 | 5,692 | (3,287) |  |
Increase in operating activities |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 8,639 | 12,711 | 1,479 |  |
Operating lease, future minimal payments |  |  |  |  | 2,967 |  |  |  |  |  | 2,967 |  |  |
Revenues | (20,568) | $ (18,318) | $ (18,048) | $ (17,160) | (19,848) | $ (17,444) | $ (17,456) | $ (17,113) |  | (74,094) | (71,861) | (66,585) |  |
Costs and Expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 66,296 | 64,837 | 59,056 |  |
Retained earnings | 9,105 |  |  |  | 8,006 |  |  |  |  | 9,105 | 8,006 |  |  |
Decrease to AOCI | 5,997 |  |  |  | 4,994 |  |  |  |  | 5,997 | 4,994 | 4,867 |  |
Net Income | (106) | $ 1,750 | $ 1,685 | $ 1,111 | 453 | $ 1,508 | $ 1,485 | $ 1,345 |  | $ 4,440 | 4,791 | 4,905 |  |
Nominal vesting period |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3 years |  |  |  |
Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset | 2,856 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 2,856 |  |  | $ 2,650 |
Operating lease liability | 2,929 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2,929 |  |  | $ 2,700 |
Licenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Indefinite-lived intangible assets | 4 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 4 |  |  |  |
Trade Names |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Indefinite-lived intangible assets | 200 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 200 |  |  |  |
Self Insurance Assumptions |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Costs and Expenses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (94) |  |  |  |
Net Income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 72 |  |  |  |
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 0.08 |  |  |  |
Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Employee share-based awards, Vesting Period |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1 year |  |  |  |
Minimum | Other Intangible Assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Finite-lived intangible assets, estimated useful lives range, Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2 years |  |  |  |
Minimum | Capitalized software |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Finite-lived intangible assets, estimated useful lives range, Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 7 years |  |  |  |
Minimum | Vehicles |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives range |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 6 years |  |  |  |
Minimum | Aircraft |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives range |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 12 years |  |  |  |
Minimum | Buildings |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives range |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 20 years |  |  |  |
Minimum | Plant Equipment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives range |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3 years |  |  |  |
Minimum | Technology equipment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives range |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3 years |  |  |  |
Maximum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Employee share-based awards, Vesting Period |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5 years |  |  |  |
Maximum | Other Intangible Assets |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Finite-lived intangible assets, estimated useful lives range, Minimum |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 22 years |  |  |  |
Maximum | Vehicles |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives range |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 15 years |  |  |  |  |
Maximum | Aircraft |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives range |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 40 years |  |  |  |
Maximum | Buildings |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives range |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 40 years |  |  |  |
Maximum | Plant Equipment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives range |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 20 years |  |  |  |
Maximum | Technology equipment |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful lives range |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 5 years |  |  |  |
Self-insurance requirements [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Investments and Restricted Cash | 0 |  |  |  | 142 |  |  |  |  | $ 0 | 142 |  |  |
cash held in escrow [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent | $ 3 |  |  |  | $ 9 |  |  |  |  | 3 | 9 |  |  |
Adjustments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Income tax benefit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 71 |  |
Adjustments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Retained earnings |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 735
Decrease to AOCI |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 735
Net Income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ (120) | $ 23 |  |  |
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ (0.14) | $ 0.03 |  |  |

X
- Definition Maximum Percentage of Actuarial Gain or Loss in Excess of Greater of Projected Benefit Obligation or Market Related Value of Plan Assets + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ups_MaximumPercentageOfActuarialGainOrLossInExcessOfGreaterOfProjectedBenefitObligationOrMarketRelatedValueOfPlanAssets
Namespace Prefix: | ups_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Nominal Vesting Period + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ups_SharebasedCompensationArrangementbySharebasedPaymentAwardAwardNominalVestingPeriod
Namespace Prefix: | ups_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items] + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | ups_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | ups_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at period end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses related to factors other than credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities that an entity does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis, as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 11 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118930883&loc=d3e637-108580 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 14A -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118930883&loc=SL7669686-108580 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 14 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118930883&loc=d3e681-108580 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Total costs of sales and operating expenses for the period. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116634182&loc=SL114868664-224227 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CostsAndExpenses
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The amount of net income or loss for the period per each share in instances when basic and diluted earnings per share are the same amount and reported as a single line item on the face of the financial statements. Basic earnings per share is the amount of net income or loss for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share includes the amount of net income or loss for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 7 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=117326831&loc=d3e1337-109256 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasicAndDiluted
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | num:perShareItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Useful life of finite-lived intangible assets, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetUsefulLife
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount before tax of foreign currency transaction realized and unrealized gain (loss) recognized in the income statement. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 830 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450222&loc=d3e30840-110895 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 830 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109240200&loc=d3e30700-110894 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 830 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109240200&loc=d3e30690-110894 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of current income tax expense (benefit) and deferred income tax expense (benefit) pertaining to continuing operations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 280 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 22 -Subparagraph (h) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=115929826&loc=d3e8736-108599 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08(h)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=26873400&loc=d3e23780-122690 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 740 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109238882&loc=d3e38679-109324 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of assets, excluding financial assets and goodwill, lacking physical substance and having a projected indefinite period of benefit. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 350 -SubTopic 30 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=66006027&loc=d3e16323-109275 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsExcludingGoodwill
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of interest capitalized during the period. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 835 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450988&loc=d3e26243-108391 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InterestCostsCapitalized
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount after valuation and LIFO reserves of inventory expected to be sold, or consumed within one year or operating cycle, if longer. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118951113&loc=d3e6676-107765 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 330 -SubTopic 10 -Section 35 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116846819&loc=d3e3927-108312 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.6(a)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InventoryNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of cash inflow (outflow) from financing activities, including discontinued operations. Financing activity cash flows include obtaining resources from owners and providing them with a return on, and a return of, their investment; borrowing money and repaying amounts borrowed, or settling the obligation; and obtaining and paying for other resources obtained from creditors on long-term credit. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 24 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3521-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of cash inflow (outflow) from operating activities, including discontinued operations. Operating activity cash flows include transactions, adjustments, and changes in value not defined as investing or financing activities. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 25 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3536-108585 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 24 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3521-108585 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3602-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118930883&loc=SL7669619-108580 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 942 -SubTopic 220 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04(22)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116637391&loc=SL114874048-224260 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1B -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118930883&loc=SL7669625-108580 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 220 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(18)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116637232&loc=SL114874131-224263 Reference 5: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(20)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116634182&loc=SL114868664-224227 Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 7: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 260 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Present value of lessee's discounted obligation for lease payments from operating lease. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 842 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77888419&loc=SL77918627-209977 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OperatingLeaseLiability
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of lessee's right to use underlying asset under operating lease. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 842 -SubTopic 20 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77888419&loc=SL77918627-209977 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAsset
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of required minimum rental payments for leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/otherTransitionRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 840 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=77902758&loc=d3e41502-112717 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/otherTransitionRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 840 -SubTopic 10 -Section 55 -Paragraph 40 -Subparagraph (Note 3) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82846649&loc=d3e38371-112697 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsDue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Useful life of long lived, physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Examples include, but not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentUsefulLife
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of expense (reversal of expense) for expected credit loss on accounts receivable. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 326 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=119407570&loc=SL82919249-210447 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 220 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03(5)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116634182&loc=SL114868664-224227 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProvisionForDoubtfulAccounts
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of cash and cash equivalents restricted as to withdrawal or usage, classified as noncurrent. Cash includes, but is not limited to, currency on hand, demand deposits with banks or financial institutions, and other accounts with general characteristics of demand deposits. Cash equivalents include, but are not limited to, short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118951113&loc=d3e6812-107765 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(17)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=98513485&loc=SL98516268-108586 Reference 4: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118932676&loc=d3e3044-108585 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 954 -SubTopic 210 -Section 45 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116631420&loc=SL116631458-115580 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The noncurrent cash, cash equivalents and investments that is restricted as to withdrawal or usage. Restrictions may include legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or entity statements of intention with regard to particular deposits classified as long-term; that is not expected to be released from such existing restrictions within one year of the balance sheet date or operating cycle, whichever is longer. Excludes compensating balance arrangements that are not agreements which legally restrict the use of cash amounts shown on the balance sheet. Includes noncurrent cash equivalents and investments that are similarly restricted as to withdrawal, usage or disposal. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndInvestmentsNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The cumulative amount of the reporting entity's undistributed earnings or deficit. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(30)(a)(3)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(23)(a)(4)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=119400593&loc=d3e572229-122910 Reference 3: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 505 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.3-04) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27012166&loc=d3e187085-122770 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount, excluding tax collected from customer, of revenue from satisfaction of performance obligation by transferring promised good or service to customer. Tax collected from customer is tax assessed by governmental authority that is both imposed on and concurrent with specific revenue-producing transaction, including, but not limited to, sales, use, value added and excise. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118956577&loc=SL49130543-203045 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=118956577&loc=SL49130545-203045 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerExcludingAssessedTax
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Period over which grantee's right to exercise award under share-based payment arrangement is no longer contingent on satisfaction of service or performance condition, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days. Includes, but is not limited to, combination of market, performance or service condition. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (a)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=116856206&loc=d3e5070-113901 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis=us-gaap_LicensingAgreementsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis=us-gaap_TradeNamesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingEstimateByTypeAxis=ups_SelfInsuranceAssumptionsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_RangeAxis=srt_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis=us-gaap_OtherIntangibleAssetsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis=us-gaap_ComputerSoftwareIntangibleAssetMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=us-gaap_VehiclesMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=us-gaap_FlightEquipmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=us-gaap_BuildingMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=us-gaap_OtherMachineryAndEquipmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentByTypeAxis=us-gaap_TechnologyEquipmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_RangeAxis=srt_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsAxis=ups_SelfInsuranceRequirementsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsCashAndCashEquivalentsAxis=ups_CashheldinescrowMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_RestatementAxis=srt_RestatementAdjustmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | srt_StatementScenarioAxis=us-gaap_ScenarioAdjustmentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |