United Parcel Service, Inc. Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Carrying Value of Debt Obligations (Parenthetical) (Detail)	Dec. 31, 2011 4.50% senior notes	Jan. 31, 2008 4.50% senior notes	Dec. 31, 2011 3.875% senior notes	Mar. 31, 2009 3.875% senior notes	Dec. 31, 2011 5.50% senior notes	Jan. 31, 2008 5.50% senior notes	Dec. 31, 2011 5.125% senior notes	Mar. 31, 2009 5.125% senior notes	Dec. 31, 2011 8.375% debentures Due 2020	Jan. 31, 1998 8.375% debentures Due 2020	Dec. 31, 2011 3.125% senior notes	Nov. 30, 2010 3.125% senior notes	Dec. 31, 2011 8.375% debentures Due 2030	Dec. 31, 2011 6.20% senior notes	Jan. 31, 2008 6.20% senior notes	Dec. 31, 2011 4.875% senior notes	Nov. 30, 2010 4.875% senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest rate	4.50%	4.50%	3.875%	3.875%	5.50%	5.50%	5.125%	5.125%	8.375%	8.375%	3.125%	3.125%	8.375%	6.20%	6.20%	4.875%	4.875%