XML 50 R30.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.24.0.1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy) | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Dec. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Description of Business | Description of Business Norfolk Southern Corporation is a Georgia-based holding company engaged principally in the rail transportation business, operating 19,100 route miles primarily in the Southeast, East, and Midwest. These consolidated financial statements include Norfolk Southern and its majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries (collectively, NS, we, us, and our). Norfolk Southern’s major subsidiary is NSR. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. NSR and its railroad subsidiaries transport raw materials, intermediate products, and finished goods classified in the following commodity groups (percent of total railway operating revenues in 2023): intermodal (25%); agriculture, forest and consumer products (21%); chemicals (17%); coal (14%); metals and construction (14%); and automotive (9%). Although most of our customers are domestic, ultimate points of origination or destination for some of the products transported (particularly coal bound for export and some intermodal shipments) may be outside the U.S. Approximately 80% of our railroad employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements with various labor unions.
Use of Estimates | Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. We periodically review our estimates, including those related to the recoverability and useful lives of assets, as well as liabilities for litigation, environmental remediation, casualty claims, income taxes and pension and other postretirement benefits. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates.
Revenue Recognition | Revenue Recognition Transportation revenues are recognized proportionally as a shipment moves from origin to destination, and related expenses are recognized as incurred. Certain of our contract refunds (which are primarily volume-based incentives) are recorded as a reduction to revenues on the basis of our best estimate of projected liability, which is based on historical activity, current shipment counts and expectation of future activity. Certain ancillary services, such as switching, demurrage and other incidental activities, may be provided to customers under their transportation contracts. The revenues associated with these distinct performance obligations are recognized when the services are performed or as contractual obligations are met.
Cash Equivalents | Cash Equivalents “Cash equivalents” are highly liquid investments purchased three months or less from maturity.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts | Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Our allowance for doubtful accounts was $7 million and $9 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. To determine our allowance for doubtful accounts, we evaluate historical loss experience (which has not been significant), the characteristics of current accounts, and general economic conditions and trends.
Materials and Supplies | Materials and Supplies “Materials and supplies,” consisting mainly of items for maintenance of property and equipment, are stated at the lower of average cost or net realizable value. The cost of materials and supplies expected to be used in property additions or improvements is included in “Properties.”
Investments | Investments Investments in entities over which we have the ability to exercise significant influence but do not control the entity are accounted for using the equity method, whereby the investment is carried at the cost of the acquisition plus our equity in undistributed earnings or losses since acquisition.
Properties | Properties “Properties” are stated principally at cost and are depreciated using the group method whereby assets with similar characteristics, use, and expected lives are grouped together in asset classes and depreciated using a composite depreciation rate. This methodology treats each asset class as a pool of resources, not as singular items. We use approximately 75 depreciable asset classes. Depreciation expense is based on our assumptions concerning expected service lives of our properties as well as the expected net salvage that will be received upon their retirement. In developing these assumptions, we utilize periodic depreciation studies that are performed by an independent outside firm of consulting engineers and approved by the STB. Our depreciation studies are conducted about every three years for equipment and every six years for track assets and other roadway property. The frequency of these studies is consistent with guidelines established by the STB. We adjust our rates based on the results of these studies and implement the changes prospectively. The studies may also indicate that the recorded amount of accumulated depreciation is deficient (or in excess) of the amount indicated by the study. Any such deficiency (or excess) is amortized as a component of depreciation expense over the remaining service lives of the affected class of property, as determined by the study. Key factors that are considered in developing average service life and salvage estimates include: •statistical analysis of historical retirement data and surviving asset records, •review of historical salvage received and current market rates, •review of our operations including expected changes in technology, customer demand, maintenance practices and asset management strategies, •review of accounting policies and assumptions, and •industry review and analysis. The composite depreciation rate for rail in high density corridors is derived based on consideration of annual gross tons as compared to the total or ultimate capacity of rail in these corridors. Our experience has shown that traffic density is a leading factor in the determination of the expected service life of rail in high density corridors. In developing the respective depreciation rate, consideration is also given to several rail characteristics including age, weight, condition (new or second-hand) and type (curved or straight). We capitalize interest on major projects during the period of their construction. Expenditures, including those on leased assets, that extend an asset’s useful life or increase its utility are capitalized. Expenditures capitalized include those that are directly related to a capital project and may include materials, labor, and other direct costs, in addition to an allocable portion of indirect costs that relate to a capital project. A significant portion of our annual capital spending relates to self-constructed assets. Removal activities occur in conjunction with replacement and are estimated based on the average percentage of time employees replacing assets spend on removal functions. Costs related to repairs and maintenance activities that, in our judgment, do not extend an asset’s useful life or increase its utility are expensed when such repairs are performed. When depreciable operating road and equipment assets are sold or retired in the ordinary course of business, the cost of the assets, net of sales proceeds or salvage, is charged to accumulated depreciation, and no gain or loss is recognized in earnings. Actual historical cost values are retired when available, such as with most equipment assets. The use of estimates in recording the retirement of certain roadway assets is necessary based on the impracticality of tracking individual asset costs. When retiring rail, ties and ballast, we use statistical curves that indicate the relative distribution of the age of the assets retired. The historical cost of other roadway assets is estimated using a combination of inflation indices specific to the rail industry and those published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The indices are applied to the replacement value based on the age of the retired assets. These indices are used because they closely correlate with the costs of roadway assets. Gains and losses on disposal of operating land are included in “Materials and other” expenses. Gains and losses on disposal of non-operating land and non-rail assets are included in “Other income – net” since such income is not a product of our railroad operations. A retirement is considered abnormal if it does not occur in the ordinary course of business, if it relates to disposition of a large segment of an asset class and if the retirement varies significantly from the retirement profile identified through our depreciation studies, which inherently consider the impact of normal retirements on expected service lives and depreciation rates. Gains or losses from abnormal retirements are recognized in income from railway operations. We review the carrying amount of properties whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such carrying amount may not be recoverable based on future undiscounted cash flows. Assets that are deemed impaired as a result of such review are recorded at the lower of carrying amount or fair value.
New Accounting Pronouncements | New Accounting Pronouncements In November 2021, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2021-10, “Government Assistance (Topic 832): Disclosures by Business Entities about Government Assistance,” which requires annual disclosures when an entity has received government assistance. Entities are required to disclose the types of government assistance received, the accounting treatment for that government assistance, and the effect of the government assistance on the financial statements. We adopted the new standard on January 1, 2022 and there was no material impact to the financial statements upon adoption. In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures.” This update requires additional reportable segment disclosures, primarily through enhanced disclosures about significant segment expenses and information used to assess performance. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023 and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. We will not early adopt the standard and are currently evaluating the effect on our financial statements. In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures.” This update requires additional disclosures including greater disaggregation of information in the reconciliation of the statutory rate to the effective rate and income taxes paid disaggregated by jurisdiction. The ASU is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2024. We will not early adopt the standard and are currently evaluating the effect on our financial statements.

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Disclosure of accounting policy for basis of accounting, or basis of presentation, used to prepare the financial statements (for example, US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Other Comprehensive Basis of Accounting, IFRS). + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_BasisOfAccountingPolicyPolicyTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | dtr-types:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Disclosure of accounting policy for cash and cash equivalents, including the policy for determining which items are treated as cash equivalents. Other information that may be disclosed includes (1) the nature of any restrictions on the entity's use of its cash and cash equivalents, (2) whether the entity's cash and cash equivalents are insured or expose the entity to credit risk, (3) the classification of any negative balance accounts (overdrafts), and (4) the carrying basis of cash equivalents (for example, at cost) and whether the carrying amount of cash equivalents approximates fair value. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482913/230-10-50-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPolicyTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | dtr-types:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Disclosure of inventory accounting policy for inventory classes, including, but not limited to, basis for determining inventory amounts, methods by which amounts are added and removed from inventory classes, loss recognition on impairment of inventories, and situations in which inventories are stated above cost. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483489/210-10-50-1 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02(6)(b)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480566/210-10-S99-1 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (d) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483426/235-10-50-4 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 912 -SubTopic 330 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482105/912-330-50-1 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 330 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//330/tableOfContent Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 330 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483080/330-10-50-1 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 330 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483080/330-10-50-4 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 45 -Paragraph 6 -Subparagraph (a) -SubTopic 10 -Topic 270 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482989/270-10-45-6 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InventoryPolicyTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | dtr-types:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Disclosure of accounting policy for investment in financial asset. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 944 -SubTopic 220 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04(3)(b)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483586/944-220-S99-1 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (SX 210.6-03(d)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479886/946-10-S99-3 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (SX 210.6-03(f)(1)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479886/946-10-S99-3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (SX 210.6-03(f)(2)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479886/946-10-S99-3 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (SX 210.6-03(f)(3)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479886/946-10-S99-3 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 320 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph (i) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480032/946-320-S99-12 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 946 -SubTopic 320 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 19 -Subparagraph (2) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480032/946-320-S99-19 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_InvestmentPolicyTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | dtr-types:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Disclosure of accounting policy pertaining to new accounting pronouncements that may impact the entity's financial reporting. Includes, but is not limited to, quantification of the expected or actual impact. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsPolicyPolicyTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | dtr-types:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Disclosure of accounting policy for long-lived, physical asset used in normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Includes, but is not limited to, work of art, historical treasure, and similar asset classified as collections. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -SubTopic 10 -Topic 360 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482099/360-10-50-1 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 944 -SubTopic 210 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03(a)(8)(a)) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479440/944-210-S99-1 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -SubTopic 360 -Topic 958 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480321/958-360-50-6 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (d) -SubTopic 360 -Topic 958 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147480321/958-360-50-1 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentPolicyTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | dtr-types:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Disclosure of accounting policy for determining the allowance for doubtful accounts for trade and other accounts receivable balances, and when impairments, charge-offs or recoveries are recognized. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 310 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147481962/310-10-50-9 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ReceivablesTradeAndOtherAccountsReceivableAllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsPolicy
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | dtr-types:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Disclosure of accounting policy for revenue from contract with customer. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 17 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479806/606-10-50-17 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 19 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479806/606-10-50-19 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 18 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479806/606-10-50-18 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 18 -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479806/606-10-50-18 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph (a) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479806/606-10-50-20 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph (b) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479806/606-10-50-20 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph (c) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479806/606-10-50-20 Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Topic 606 -SubTopic 10 -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph (d) -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147479806/606-10-50-20 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (e) -SubTopic 10 -Topic 235 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147483426/235-10-50-4 Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 606 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//606/tableOfContent + Details
Name: | us-gaap_RevenueFromContractWithCustomerPolicyTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | dtr-types:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Disclosure of accounting policy for the use of estimates in the preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. + References Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 275 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482861/275-10-50-9 Reference 2: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 275 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482861/275-10-50-4 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (b) -SubTopic 10 -Topic 275 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482861/275-10-50-1 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (c) -SubTopic 10 -Topic 275 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482861/275-10-50-1 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 11 -SubTopic 10 -Topic 275 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482861/275-10-50-11 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 12 -SubTopic 10 -Topic 275 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482861/275-10-50-12 Reference 7: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 275 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 8 -Publisher FASB -URI https://asc.fasb.org//1943274/2147482861/275-10-50-8 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_UseOfEstimates
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | dtr-types:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration