INCOME TAXES - Summarized Activity Related to Unrecognized Tax Benefits (Detail) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified |
12 Months Ended | ||
---|---|---|---|
Dec. 31, 2014
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Dec. 31, 2013
|
Dec. 31, 2012
|
|
Tax | |||
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward] | |||
Beginning Balance |
$ 191us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitMember |
$ 232us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitMember |
$ 252us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitMember |
Additions for tax positions of the current year |
15us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromCurrentPeriodTaxPositions / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitMember |
15us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromCurrentPeriodTaxPositions / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitMember |
13us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromCurrentPeriodTaxPositions / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitMember |
Additions for tax positions of prior years |
51us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitMember |
20us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitMember |
7us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitMember |
Reductions for tax positions of prior years for: | |||
Changes based on facts and circumstances |
(74)ups_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsReductionsResultingFromChangesBasedOnFactsAndCircumstances / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitMember |
(67)ups_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsReductionsResultingFromChangesBasedOnFactsAndCircumstances / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitMember |
(22)ups_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsReductionsResultingFromChangesBasedOnFactsAndCircumstances / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitMember |
Settlements during the period |
(10)us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromSettlementsWithTaxingAuthorities / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitMember |
(8)us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromSettlementsWithTaxingAuthorities / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitMember |
(3)us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromSettlementsWithTaxingAuthorities / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitMember |
Lapses of applicable statute of limitations |
(1)us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsReductionsResultingFromLapseOfApplicableStatuteOfLimitations / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitMember |
(1)us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsReductionsResultingFromLapseOfApplicableStatuteOfLimitations / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitMember |
(15)us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsReductionsResultingFromLapseOfApplicableStatuteOfLimitations / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitMember |
Ending Balance |
172us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitMember |
191us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitMember |
232us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitMember |
Interest | |||
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward] | |||
Beginning Balance |
40us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember |
53us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember |
73us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember |
Additions for tax positions of the current year |
0us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromCurrentPeriodTaxPositions / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember |
0us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromCurrentPeriodTaxPositions / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember |
0us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromCurrentPeriodTaxPositions / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember |
Additions for tax positions of prior years |
13us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember |
9us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember |
9us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember |
Reductions for tax positions of prior years for: | |||
Changes based on facts and circumstances |
(8)ups_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsReductionsResultingFromChangesBasedOnFactsAndCircumstances / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember |
(23)ups_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsReductionsResultingFromChangesBasedOnFactsAndCircumstances / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember |
(18)ups_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsReductionsResultingFromChangesBasedOnFactsAndCircumstances / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember |
Settlements during the period |
(2)us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromSettlementsWithTaxingAuthorities / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember |
1us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromSettlementsWithTaxingAuthorities / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember |
(7)us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromSettlementsWithTaxingAuthorities / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember |
Lapses of applicable statute of limitations |
(1)us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsReductionsResultingFromLapseOfApplicableStatuteOfLimitations / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember |
0us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsReductionsResultingFromLapseOfApplicableStatuteOfLimitations / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember |
(4)us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsReductionsResultingFromLapseOfApplicableStatuteOfLimitations / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember |
Ending Balance |
42us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember |
40us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember |
53us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = us-gaap_InterestExpenseMember |
Penalties | |||
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward] | |||
Beginning Balance |
4us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_PenaltiesMember |
4us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_PenaltiesMember |
3us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_PenaltiesMember |
Additions for tax positions of the current year |
0us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromCurrentPeriodTaxPositions / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_PenaltiesMember |
0us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromCurrentPeriodTaxPositions / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_PenaltiesMember |
0us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromCurrentPeriodTaxPositions / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_PenaltiesMember |
Additions for tax positions of prior years |
0us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_PenaltiesMember |
2us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_PenaltiesMember |
1us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_PenaltiesMember |
Reductions for tax positions of prior years for: | |||
Changes based on facts and circumstances |
0ups_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsReductionsResultingFromChangesBasedOnFactsAndCircumstances / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_PenaltiesMember |
(1)ups_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsReductionsResultingFromChangesBasedOnFactsAndCircumstances / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_PenaltiesMember |
0ups_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsReductionsResultingFromChangesBasedOnFactsAndCircumstances / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_PenaltiesMember |
Settlements during the period |
0us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromSettlementsWithTaxingAuthorities / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_PenaltiesMember |
0us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromSettlementsWithTaxingAuthorities / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_PenaltiesMember |
0us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromSettlementsWithTaxingAuthorities / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_PenaltiesMember |
Lapses of applicable statute of limitations |
(1)us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsReductionsResultingFromLapseOfApplicableStatuteOfLimitations / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_PenaltiesMember |
(1)us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsReductionsResultingFromLapseOfApplicableStatuteOfLimitations / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_PenaltiesMember |
0us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsReductionsResultingFromLapseOfApplicableStatuteOfLimitations / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_PenaltiesMember |
Ending Balance |
$ 3us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_PenaltiesMember |
$ 4us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_PenaltiesMember |
$ 4us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits / us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis = ups_PenaltiesMember |
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- Definition
Unrecognized Tax Benefits Reductions Resulting From Changes Based On Facts And Circumstances No definition available.
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- Definition
Amount of unrecognized tax benefits pertaining to uncertain tax positions taken in tax returns. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Amount of decrease in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from settlements with taxing authorities. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Amount of increase in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from tax positions that have been or will be taken in current period tax return. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Amount of increase in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from tax positions taken in prior period tax returns. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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- Definition
Amount of decrease in unrecognized tax benefits resulting from lapses of applicable statutes of limitations. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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