United Parcel Service, Inc. Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

Amount and Location in the Income Statement for Derivatives Designated as Fair Value Hedges (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended				3 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012 Interest Rate Contracts	Jun. 30, 2011 Interest Rate Contracts	Jun. 30, 2012 Fixed-Rate Debt and Capital Leases	Jun. 30, 2011 Fixed-Rate Debt and Capital Leases	Jun. 30, 2012 Fair Value Hedging Interest Rate Contracts Interest Expense	Jun. 30, 2011 Fair Value Hedging Interest Rate Contracts Interest Expense	Jun. 30, 2012 Fair Value Hedging Fixed-Rate Debt and Capital Leases Interest Expense	Jun. 30, 2011 Fair Value Hedging Fixed-Rate Debt and Capital Leases Interest Expense
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income	$ 36	$ 113			$ 72	$ 140
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income			$ (36)	$ (113)			$ (72)	$ (140)