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	9 Months Ended				3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012 Interest Rate Contracts	Sep. 30, 2011 Interest Rate Contracts	Sep. 30, 2012 Fixed-Rate Debt and Capital Leases	Sep. 30, 2011 Fixed-Rate Debt and Capital Leases	Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value Hedging Interest Rate Contracts Interest Expense	Sep. 30, 2011 Fair Value Hedging Interest Rate Contracts Interest Expense	Sep. 30, 2012 Fair Value Hedging Fixed-Rate Debt and Capital Leases Interest Expense	Sep. 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	$ 55	$ 350			$ 19	$ 237
Amount of Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income			$ (55)	$ (350)			$ (19)	$ (237)