Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Concession Duty. Under KCSM’s 50-year railroad concession from the Mexican government (the “Concession”), the Mexican government has the right to receive a payment from the Company equivalent to 0.5% of the gross revenue during the first 15 years of the Concession period and, beginning on June 24, 2012, 1.25% of the gross revenue for the remaining years of the Concession period. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, the concession duty expense, which is recorded within operating expenses, was $1.3 million and $3.7 million, respectively, compared to $1.0 million and $3.1 million for the same periods in 2010. Litigation. The Company is a party to various legal proceedings and administrative actions, all of which, except as set forth below, are of an ordinary, routine nature and incidental to its operations. KCSM aggressively defends these matters and has established liability provisions, which management believes are adequate to cover expected costs. Although it is not possible to predict the outcome of any legal proceeding, in the opinion of management, other than those proceedings described in detail below, such proceedings and actions should not, individually, or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and liquidity. Environmental Liabilities. The Company’s operations are subject to Mexican federal and state laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment through the establishment of standards for water discharge, water supply, emissions, noise pollution, hazardous substances and transportation and handling of hazardous and solid waste. The Mexican government may bring administrative and criminal proceedings and impose economic sanctions against companies that violate environmental laws, and temporarily or even permanently close non-complying facilities. The risk of incurring environmental liability is inherent in the railroad industry. As part of serving the petroleum and chemicals industry, the Company transports hazardous materials and has a professional team available to respond and handle environmental issues that might occur in the transport of such materials. Additionally, the Company has initiated environmental, health and safety management system programs to reduce the Company’s potential liability. The Company performs ongoing reviews and evaluations of the various environmental programs and issues within the Company’s operations, and, as necessary, takes actions intended to limit the Company’s exposure to potential liability. Although these costs cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that the ultimate outcome of identified matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or cash flows. Settlement Agreement. On February 9, 2010, (i) KCSM and (ii) Ferrocarril Mexicano, S.A. de C.V. (“Ferromex”), Ferrosur, S.A. de C.V. (“Ferrosur”), Minera México, S.A. de C.V., Infraestructura y Transportes Ferroviarios, S.A. de C.V., Infraestructura y Transportes México, S.A. de C.V., Líneas Ferroviarias de México, S.A. de C.V., Grupo Ferroviario Mexicano, S.A. de C.V., and Grupo México, S.A.B. de C.V. (jointly, the “Ferromex Parties”) entered into a Settlement Agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”). Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, the parties agreed to completely, definitively and irrevocably terminate (i) certain disputes, procedures and controversies among KCSM and the Ferromex Parties, in connection with the merger between Ferromex and Ferrosur, including KCSM’s involvement in such procedures as an interested party; and (ii) the lawsuit filed against KCSM and the Mexican Government in connection with several disputes, procedures and controversies before judicial authorities with respect to the acquisition of the shares of Ferrocarril del Noreste, S.A. de C.V. (now KCSM) by Grupo Transportación Ferroviaria Mexicana, S.A. de C.V., in 1997 (the “Settlement Procedures”). The parties waived their rights to any future actions derived from or related to the Settlement Procedures. Further, the parties did not settle or agree to settle any disputes, controversies or procedures other than the Settlement Procedures. Under the Settlement Agreement, Ferrosur agreed to grant KCSM certain trackage and switching rights within Veracruz, México, and switching rights in the Puebla-Tlaxcala zone. In a related agreement, the parties further agreed to amend the FTVM by-laws to, among other changes, grant certain veto and voting rights to KCSM at the shareholders’ and the board of directors’ levels. In November 2005, Ferromex acquired control of and merged with Ferrosur creating Mexico’s largest railway, though such merger had been previously rejected by the Comisión Federal de Competencia (Mexican Antitrust Commission or “COFECO”). The Settlement Agreement provides that if COFECO does not authorize the merger of Ferromex and Ferrosur, the Settlement Agreement shall be terminated twelve months after the relevant resolution of the Governmental Authority is issued or when the unwinding is effective, whichever is later. On May 12, 2010, the Administrative and Fiscal Federal Court annulled the decision of COFECO and approved the merger between Ferromex and Ferrosur. On October 21, 2010, COFECO filed an appeal with the Collegiate Circuit Federal Court and on March 25, 2011, the Collegiate Circuit Federal Court dismissed the appeal and the merger between Ferromex and Ferrosur is considered final. Certain Disputes with Ferromex. KCSM and Ferromex use certain trackage rights, haulage rights, and interline services (the “Services”) provided by each other. The rates to be charged after January 1, 2009, were agreed to pursuant to the Trackage Rights Agreement, dated February 9, 2010 (the “Trackage Rights Agreement”), between KCSM and Ferromex. The rates payable for these Services for the period beginning in 1998 through December 31, 2008, are still not resolved. If KCSM cannot reach an agreement with Ferromex for rates applicable for Services prior to January 1, 2009, which are not subject to the Trackage Rights Agreement, the Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes (“Secretary of Communications and Transportation”) (“SCT”) is entitled to set the rates in accordance with Mexican law and regulations. KCSM and Ferromex both initiated administrative proceedings seeking a determination by the SCT of the rates that KCSM and Ferromex should pay each other in connection with the Services. The SCT issued rulings in 2002 and 2008 setting the rates for the Services and both KCSM and Ferromex challenged these rulings. In addition, KCSM is currently involved in negotiations with Ferromex regarding the rates payable to each other for the Services for the periods prior to January 1, 2009. Although KCSM and Ferromex have challenged these matters based on different grounds and these cases continue to evolve, management believes the amounts recorded related to these matters are adequate. While the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not believe, when finally resolved, that these disputes will have a material effect on its results of operations or financial condition. SCT Sanction Proceedings. In April 2006, the SCT initiated proceedings against KCSM, claiming that KCSM had failed to make certain minimum capital investments projected for 2004 and 2005 under its five-year business plan filed with the SCT prior to its April 2005 acquisition by KCS (collectively, the “Capital Investment Proceedings”). KCSM responded to the SCT by providing evidence in support of its investments and explaining why it believes sanctions were not appropriate. On March 24, 2011, the Company received a favorable resolution from the Tax and Administration Court and the Company considers this matter resolved. On July 23, 2008, the SCT delivered notice to KCSM of proceedings against KCSM, claiming, among other things, that KCSM refused to grant Ferromex access to certain trackage over which Ferromex alleges it has trackage rights on six different occasions and, thus denied Ferromex the ability to provide service to a Mexican subsidiary of a large U.S. Auto Manufacturer at this location. On August 13, 2008, KCSM filed a response to the SCT. On July 15, 2010, the SCT resolved to consolidate these six sanction proceedings into a single proceeding, determining that the actions that motivated the underlying claims constitute a single occasion. On August 19, 2010, Ferromex filed an appeal which KCSM considers to be without merit. Management believes that even if KCSM were to be found liable, a single sanction would be imposed and could be challenged in the Administrative and Fiscal Federal Court. A single sanction makes it more likely that any unfavorable resolution will not have a material impact on KCSM’s results of operations. However, if KCSM is ultimately sanctioned by the SCT for “generic” sanctions on five occasions over the term of the Concession, KCSM could be subject to possible future SCT action seeking revocation of the Concession. Contractual Agreements. In the normal course of business, the Company enters into various contractual agreements related to commercial arrangements and the use of other railroads’ or governmental entities’ infrastructure needed for the operations of the business. The Company is involved or may become involved in certain disputes involving transportation rates, product loss or damage, charges, and interpretations related to these agreements. While the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not believe, when finally resolved, that these disputes will have a material effect on its results of operations or financial condition. Credit Risk. The Company continually monitors risks related to economic changes and certain customer receivables concentrations. Significant changes in customer concentration or payment terms, deterioration of customer credit-worthiness or further weakening in economic trends could have a significant impact on the collectability of KCSM’s receivables and operating results. If the financial condition of KCSM’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. The Company has recorded provisions for uncollectability based on its best estimate at September 30, 2011. Income Tax. Tax returns filed by the Company from 2004 through the current year remain open to examination by the taxing authorities. The 2004 and 2005 tax returns are currently under examination. The Company believes that no provision is required as it expects to resolve these audits without a material adjustment.

Commitments and Contingencies

Concession Duty. Under KCSM’s 50-year railroad concession from the Mexican government (the “Concession”), the Mexican government has the right to receive a payment from the Company equivalent to 0.5% of the gross revenue during the first 15 years of the Concession period and, beginning on June 24, 2012, 1.25% of the gross revenue for the remaining years of the Concession period. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, the concession duty expense, which is recorded within operating expenses, was $1.3 million and $3.7 million, respectively, compared to $1.0 million and $3.1 million for the same periods in 2010.

Litigation. The Company is a party to various legal proceedings and administrative actions, all of which, except as set forth below, are of an ordinary, routine nature and incidental to its operations. KCSM aggressively defends these matters and has established liability provisions, which management believes are adequate to cover expected costs. Although it is not possible to predict the outcome of any legal proceeding, in the opinion of management, other than those proceedings described in detail below, such proceedings and actions should not, individually, or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition and liquidity.

Environmental Liabilities. The Company’s operations are subject to Mexican federal and state laws and regulations relating to the protection of the environment through the establishment of standards for water discharge, water supply, emissions, noise pollution, hazardous substances and transportation and handling of hazardous and solid waste. The Mexican government may bring administrative and criminal proceedings and impose economic sanctions against companies that violate environmental laws, and temporarily or even permanently close non-complying facilities.

The risk of incurring environmental liability is inherent in the railroad industry. As part of serving the petroleum and chemicals industry, the Company transports hazardous materials and has a professional team available to respond and handle environmental issues that might occur in the transport of such materials. Additionally, the Company has initiated environmental, health and safety management system programs to reduce the Company’s potential liability. The Company performs ongoing reviews and evaluations of the various environmental programs and issues within the Company’s operations, and, as necessary, takes actions intended to limit the Company’s exposure to potential liability. Although these costs cannot be predicted with certainty, management believes that the ultimate outcome of identified matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or cash flows.

Settlement Agreement. On February 9, 2010, (i) KCSM and (ii) Ferrocarril Mexicano, S.A. de C.V. (“Ferromex”), Ferrosur, S.A. de C.V. (“Ferrosur”), Minera México, S.A. de C.V., Infraestructura y Transportes Ferroviarios, S.A. de C.V., Infraestructura y Transportes México, S.A. de C.V., Líneas Ferroviarias de México, S.A. de C.V., Grupo Ferroviario Mexicano, S.A. de C.V., and Grupo México, S.A.B. de C.V. (jointly, the “Ferromex Parties”) entered into a Settlement Agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”).

Pursuant to the Settlement Agreement, the parties agreed to completely, definitively and irrevocably terminate (i) certain disputes, procedures and controversies among KCSM and the Ferromex Parties, in connection with the merger between Ferromex and Ferrosur, including KCSM’s involvement in such procedures as an interested party; and (ii) the lawsuit filed against KCSM and the Mexican Government in connection with several disputes, procedures and controversies before judicial authorities with respect to the acquisition of the shares of Ferrocarril del Noreste, S.A. de C.V. (now KCSM) by Grupo Transportación Ferroviaria Mexicana, S.A. de C.V., in 1997 (the “Settlement Procedures”). The parties waived their rights to any future actions derived from or related to the Settlement Procedures. Further, the parties did not settle or agree to settle any disputes, controversies or procedures other than the Settlement Procedures.

Under the Settlement Agreement, Ferrosur agreed to grant KCSM certain trackage and switching rights within Veracruz, México, and switching rights in the Puebla-Tlaxcala zone. In a related agreement, the parties further agreed to amend the FTVM by-laws to, among other changes, grant certain veto and voting rights to KCSM at the shareholders’ and the board of directors’ levels.

In November 2005, Ferromex acquired control of and merged with Ferrosur creating Mexico’s largest railway, though such merger had been previously rejected by the Comisión Federal de Competencia (Mexican Antitrust Commission or “COFECO”). The Settlement Agreement provides that if COFECO does not authorize the merger of Ferromex and Ferrosur, the Settlement Agreement shall be terminated twelve months after the relevant resolution of the Governmental Authority is issued or when the unwinding is effective, whichever is later. On May 12, 2010, the Administrative and Fiscal Federal Court annulled the decision of COFECO and approved the merger between Ferromex and Ferrosur. On October 21, 2010, COFECO filed an appeal with the Collegiate Circuit Federal Court and on March 25, 2011, the Collegiate Circuit Federal Court dismissed the appeal and the merger between Ferromex and Ferrosur is considered final.

Certain Disputes with Ferromex. KCSM and Ferromex use certain trackage rights, haulage rights, and interline services (the “Services”) provided by each other. The rates to be charged after January 1, 2009, were agreed to pursuant to the Trackage Rights Agreement, dated February 9, 2010 (the “Trackage Rights Agreement”), between KCSM and Ferromex. The rates payable for these Services for the period beginning in 1998 through December 31, 2008, are still not resolved. If KCSM cannot reach an agreement with Ferromex for rates applicable for Services prior to January 1, 2009, which are not subject to the Trackage Rights Agreement, the Secretaría de Comunicaciones y Transportes (“Secretary of Communications and Transportation”) (“SCT”) is entitled to set the rates in accordance with Mexican law and regulations. KCSM and Ferromex both initiated administrative proceedings seeking a determination by the SCT of the rates that KCSM and Ferromex should pay each other in connection with the Services. The SCT issued rulings in 2002 and 2008 setting the rates for the Services and both KCSM and Ferromex challenged these rulings.

In addition, KCSM is currently involved in negotiations with Ferromex regarding the rates payable to each other for the Services for the periods prior to January 1, 2009. Although KCSM and Ferromex have challenged these matters based on different grounds and these cases continue to evolve, management believes the amounts recorded related to these matters are adequate.

While the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not believe, when finally resolved, that these disputes will have a material effect on its results of operations or financial condition.

SCT Sanction Proceedings. In April 2006, the SCT initiated proceedings against KCSM, claiming that KCSM had failed to make certain minimum capital investments projected for 2004 and 2005 under its five-year business plan filed with the SCT prior to its April 2005 acquisition by KCS (collectively, the “Capital Investment Proceedings”). KCSM responded to the SCT by providing evidence in support of its investments and explaining why it believes sanctions were not appropriate. On March 24, 2011, the Company received a favorable resolution from the Tax and Administration Court and the Company considers this matter resolved.

On July 23, 2008, the SCT delivered notice to KCSM of proceedings against KCSM, claiming, among other things, that KCSM refused to grant Ferromex access to certain trackage over which Ferromex alleges it has trackage rights on six different occasions and, thus denied Ferromex the ability to provide service to a Mexican subsidiary of a large U.S. Auto Manufacturer at this location. On August 13, 2008, KCSM filed a response to the SCT. On July 15, 2010, the SCT resolved to consolidate these six sanction proceedings into a single proceeding, determining that the actions that motivated the underlying claims constitute a single occasion. On August 19, 2010, Ferromex filed an appeal which KCSM considers to be without merit. Management believes that even if KCSM were to be found liable, a single sanction would be imposed and could be challenged in the Administrative and Fiscal Federal Court. A single sanction makes it more likely that any unfavorable resolution will not have a material impact on KCSM’s results of operations. However, if KCSM is ultimately sanctioned by the SCT for “generic” sanctions on five occasions over the term of the Concession, KCSM could be subject to possible future SCT action seeking revocation of the Concession.

Contractual Agreements. In the normal course of business, the Company enters into various contractual agreements related to commercial arrangements and the use of other railroads’ or governmental entities’ infrastructure needed for the operations of the business. The Company is involved or may become involved in certain disputes involving transportation rates, product loss or damage, charges, and interpretations related to these agreements. While the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not believe, when finally resolved, that these disputes will have a material effect on its results of operations or financial condition.

Credit Risk. The Company continually monitors risks related to economic changes and certain customer receivables concentrations. Significant changes in customer concentration or payment terms, deterioration of customer credit-worthiness or further weakening in economic trends could have a significant impact on the collectability of KCSM’s receivables and operating results. If the financial condition of KCSM’s customers were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of their ability to make payments, additional allowances may be required. The Company has recorded provisions for uncollectability based on its best estimate at September 30, 2011.

Income Tax. Tax returns filed by the Company from 2004 through the current year remain open to examination by the taxing authorities. The 2004 and 2005 tax returns are currently under examination. The Company believes that no provision is required as it expects to resolve these audits without a material adjustment.