Accrual For Loss Contingencies, Including Environmental Loss Contingencies

No definition available.

Name:	nsc_AccrualForLossContingenciesIncludingEnvironmentalLossContingencies
Namespace Prefix:	nsc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Deferred Tax Asset, Expenses Deductible For Tax Purposed In Future Periods Or Offset With Insurance Recoveries

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nsc_DeferredTaxAssetExpensesDeductibleForTaxPurposedInFuturePeriodsOrOffsetWithInsuranceRecoveries
Namespace Prefix:	nsc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Litigation Settlement, Consent Decree Provisions Enforcement Period

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nsc_LitigationSettlementConsentDecreeProvisionsEnforcementPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	nsc_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Litigation Settlement, Non-Environmental Legal Actions, Mile Radius Of All Class Action Claims

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nsc_LitigationSettlementNonEnvironmentalLegalActionsMileRadiusOfAllClassActionClaims
Namespace Prefix:	nsc_
Data Type:	dtr-types1:lengthItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Litigation Settlement, Non-Environmental Legal Actions, Mile Radius Of Personal Injury Claims

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nsc_LitigationSettlementNonEnvironmentalLegalActionsMileRadiusOfPersonalInjuryClaims
Namespace Prefix:	nsc_
Data Type:	dtr-types1:lengthItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Loss Contingency, Non-Environmental Legal Actions, Mile Radius Of Class Area

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nsc_LossContingencyNonEnvironmentalLegalActionsMileRadiusOfClassArea
Namespace Prefix:	nsc_
Data Type:	dtr-types:lengthItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number Of Non-Company-Owned Tank Cars Contained Hazardous Materials

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nsc_NumberOfNonCompanyOwnedTankCarsContainedHazardousMaterials
Namespace Prefix:	nsc_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number Of Railcar Derailed

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nsc_NumberOfRailcarDerailed
Namespace Prefix:	nsc_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number Of Safety Recommendations Issued

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nsc_NumberOfSafetyRecommendationsIssued
Namespace Prefix:	nsc_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Number Of Tank Cars With Risk Of Catastrophic Explosion

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	nsc_NumberOfTankCarsWithRiskOfCatastrophicExplosion
Namespace Prefix:	nsc_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Total costs accrued as of the balance sheet date for environmental loss contingencies.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483076/450-20-50-1

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/recommendedDisclosureRef
-Topic 410
-SubTopic 30
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-Subparagraph (d)(1)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481931/410-30-50-10

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/recommendedDisclosureRef
-Topic 410
-SubTopic 30
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-Subparagraph (d)(3)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481931/410-30-50-10

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Topic 410
-SubTopic 30
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 55
-Paragraph 16
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481899/410-30-55-16

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SAB Topic 5.Y.Q1)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147480102/450-20-S99-1

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 410
-SubTopic 30
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 7
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481931/410-30-50-7

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingencies
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount, before recovery, of expense for known and estimated future costs arising from requirement to perform environmental remediation.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Topic 410
-SubTopic 30
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 55
-Paragraph 11
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481899/410-30-55-11

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/recommendedDisclosureRef
-Topic 410
-SubTopic 30
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 4
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481960/410-30-45-4

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/recommendedDisclosureRef
-Topic 410
-SubTopic 30
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 12
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147481931/410-30-50-12

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Aggregate carrying amount of the estimated litigation liability for known or estimated probable loss from litigation, which may include attorneys' fees and other litigation costs.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LitigationReserve
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount awarded to other party in judgment or settlement of litigation.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedToOtherParty
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- 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

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483076/450-20-50-4

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-Subparagraph (a)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483076/450-20-50-9

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 720
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483359/720-20-50-1

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/exampleRef
-Topic 460
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 55
-Paragraph 27
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482395/460-10-55-27

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 9
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483076/450-20-50-9

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 4
-Subparagraph (b)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483076/450-20-50-4

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 460
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482425/460-10-50-3

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 450
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483076/450-20-50-1

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of plaintiffs that have filed claims pertaining to a loss contingency.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LossContingencyNumberOfPlaintiffs
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Number of pending claims pertaining to a loss contingency.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Cash outflows made during the period for environmental remediation activities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 17
-Subparagraph (f)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482740/230-10-45-17

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsForEnvironmentalLiabilities
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount of cash paid for the settlement of litigation or for other legal issues during the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 25
-Subparagraph (g)
-SubTopic 10
-Topic 230
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482740/230-10-45-25

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_PaymentsForLegalSettlements
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of insurance proceeds for an event or transaction that is unusual in nature or infrequent in occurrence, or both.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483613/220-20-50-1

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemInsuranceProceeds
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Amount of (gain) loss for an event or transaction that is unusual in nature or occurs infrequently, or both.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 270
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (i)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482964/270-10-50-1

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 32
-Subparagraph (ee)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-32

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 740
-SubTopic 270
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 3
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147477349/740-270-45-3

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/disclosureRef
-Topic 280
-SubTopic 10
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 22
-Subparagraph (f)
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147482810/280-10-50-22

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 45
-Paragraph 1
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483614/220-20-45-1

Reference 6: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Topic 220
-SubTopic 20
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Publisher FASB
-URI https://asc.fasb.org/1943274/2147483613/220-20-50-1

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemNetGainLoss
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_EnvironmentalRemediationContingencyAxis=nsc_EasternOhioIncidentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis=us-gaap_PendingLitigationMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_RangeAxis=srt_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_LitigationCaseAxis=nsc_OversightCostsMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_LitigationCaseAxis=nsc_CivilPenaltyMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_UnusualOrInfrequentItemAxis=nsc_EasternOhioIncidentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=nsc_NationalTransportationSafetyBoardMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	srt_CounterpartyNameAxis=nsc_NorfolkSouthernCorporationMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis=us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Commitments and Contingencies - Eastern Ohio Incident (Details) $ in Millions					3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		20 Months Ended
	Oct. 11, 2024 USD ($)	May 23, 2024 USD ($)	Apr. 09, 2024 USD ($)	Aug. 22, 2023 schoolDistrict	Sep. 30, 2024 USD ($) complaint mi	Sep. 30, 2023 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2024 USD ($) complaint mi	Sep. 30, 2023 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2024 USD ($) complaint mi	Jun. 25, 2024 safetyRecommendation	Dec. 31, 2023 USD ($)	Feb. 03, 2023 railcar
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Eastern Ohio incident expenses					$ (159)	$ 163	$ 368	$ 966
Eastern Ohio Incident
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Environmental matters liabilities					264		264		$ 264		$ 319
Environmental remediation expense					51	118	164	699	1,000
Payments for environmental liabilities					52	164	219	372	736
Eastern Ohio Incident \| Pending Litigation \| Minimum
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Consent Decree provisions enforcement period		5 years
Eastern Ohio Incident \| Pending Litigation \| Maximum
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Consent Decree provisions enforcement period		20 years
Eastern Ohio Incident \| Pending Litigation \| Oversight Costs
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Litigation settlement, amount agreed and awarded to other party		$ 57
Eastern Ohio Incident \| Pending Litigation \| Civil Penalty
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Litigation settlement, amount agreed and awarded to other party		$ 15
Eastern Ohio Incident
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of railcars derailed \| railcar												38
Number of non-Company-owned tank cars contained hazardous materials \| railcar												11
Number of tank cars with risk of catastrophic explosion \| railcar												5
Accrual for loss contingencies associated with environmental matters and legal proceedings					800		800		800		464
Eastern Ohio incident expenses									1,500
Insurance recoveries					288	$ 25	552	$ 25	653
Deferred tax asset, expenses deductible for tax purposed in future periods or offset with insurance recoveries					$ 197		$ 197		$ 197		249
Litigation settlement, amount agreed and awarded to other party			$ 600
Non-environmental legal actions, mile radius of class area \| mi					30		30		30
Litigation settlement, non-environmental legal actions, mile radius of all class action claims \| mi					20		20		20
Litigation settlement, non-environmental legal actions, mile radius of personal injury claims \| mi					10		10		10
Number of school districts as plaintiffs \| schoolDistrict				6
Estimated litigation liability					$ 688		$ 688		$ 688		$ 82
Loss contingency, number of pending claims \| complaint					6		6		6
Eastern Ohio Incident \| NTSB
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of safety recommendations issued \| safetyRecommendation										30
Eastern Ohio Incident \| NTSB \| Norfolk Southern
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of safety recommendations issued \| safetyRecommendation										4
Eastern Ohio Incident \| Subsequent Event
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Settlement payment	$ 310