XML 25 R1.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.22.0.1
Cover Page - USD ($)
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2021
Jan. 31, 2022
Jun. 30, 2021
Cover [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Document Annual Report true    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2021    
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31    
Document Transition Report false    
Entity File Number 1-8339    
Entity Registrant Name NORFOLK SOUTHERN CORPORATION    
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code VA    
Entity Tax Identification Number 52-1188014    
Entity Address, Address Line One 650 West Peachtree Street NW    
Entity Address, City or Town Atlanta,    
Entity Address, State or Province GA    
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 30308-1925    
City Area Code (855)    
Local Phone Number 667-3655    
Title of 12(b) Security Norfolk Southern Corporation Common Stock (Par Value $1.00)    
Trading Symbol NSC    
Security Exchange Name NYSE    
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Yes    
Entity Voluntary Filers No    
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes    
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes    
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer    
Entity Small Business false    
Entity Emerging Growth Company false    
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag true    
Entity Shell Company false    
Title of each class     $ 65,486,012,788
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   239,777,444  
Documents Incorporated by Reference [Text Block] Portions of the Registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed electronically pursuant to Regulation 14A not later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year, are incorporated herein by reference in Part III.    
Entity Central Index Key 0000702165    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2021    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Amendment Flag false