| Allocation of Goodwill by Reportable Segment (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 6 Months Ended | 
|---|---|
| Jun. 30, 2014 | |
| Goodwill [Roll Forward] | |
| Beginning balance | $ 2,190 | 
| Acquired | 11 | 
| Currency / Other | 1 | 
| Ending balance | 2,202 | 
| U.S. Domestic Package | |
| Goodwill [Roll Forward] | |
| Beginning balance | 0 | 
| Acquired | 0 | 
| Currency / Other | 0 | 
| Ending balance | 0 | 
| International Package | |
| Goodwill [Roll Forward] | |
| Beginning balance | 420 | 
| Acquired | 0 | 
| Currency / Other | 3 | 
| Ending balance | 423 | 
| Supply Chain & Freight | |
| Goodwill [Roll Forward] | |
| Beginning balance | 1,770 | 
| Acquired | 11 | 
| Currency / Other | (2) | 
| Ending balance | $ 1,779 | 
| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition Amount after accumulated impairment loss of an asset representing future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef 
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition Amount of increase in asset representing future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized resulting from a business combination. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef 
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Details 
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| X | ||||||||||
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- Definition Amount of increase (decrease) from foreign currency translation adjustments of an asset representing future economic benefits arising from other assets acquired in a business combination that are not individually identified and separately recognized. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef 
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