The amount payable per Performance Award at the end of three-year performance period (per unit)

No definition available.

Name:	ba_AmountPayableAtEndOfThreeYearPerformancePeriod
Namespace Prefix:	ba_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Required percentage rate of return before appreciation in value is returned to ShareValue Trust shareholders.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ba_AnnumThresholdRate
Namespace Prefix:	ba_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Common stock shares returned to the Company at termination of the ShareValue Trust on July 1, 2010.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ba_CommonStockSharesHeldInEmployeeTrustSharesTerminated
Namespace Prefix:	ba_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Initial value of performance awards.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ba_InitialValueOfPerformanceAwards
Namespace Prefix:	ba_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The aggregate amount to be paid out under the Performance Award plan.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ba_PerformanceAwardPayoutAmountAggregate
Namespace Prefix:	ba_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The number of years after grant until option awards expire.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ba_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExpirationTerm
Namespace Prefix:	ba_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Vesting Percentage Year One

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ba_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestingPercentageYearOne
Namespace Prefix:	ba_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Vesting Percentage Year Three

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ba_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestingPercentageYearThree
Namespace Prefix:	ba_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Vesting Percentage Year Two

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	ba_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsVestingPercentageYearTwo
Namespace Prefix:	ba_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The compensation expense recognized during the period pertaining to the deferred compensation arrangement.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 12

-Paragraph 6, 7

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5047-113901

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph 64, 65

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 710

-SubTopic 10

-Section 30

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6409875&loc=d3e20015-108363

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredCompensationArrangementWithIndividualCompensationExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Aggregate carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the liabilities for all deferred compensation arrangements. Represents currently earned compensation under compensation arrangements that is not actually paid until a later date.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredCompensationLiabilityCurrentAndNoncurrent
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Aggregate proceeds received by the entity during the annual period from exercises of stock or unit options and conversion of similar instruments granted under equity-based payment arrangements.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationCashReceivedFromExerciseOfStockOptions
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

As of the balance sheet date, the aggregate unrecognized cost of equity-based awards made to employees under equity-based compensation awards that have yet to vest.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognized
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Weighted average period over which unrecognized compensation is expected to be recognized for equity-based compensation plans, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationNonvestedAwardsTotalCompensationCostNotYetRecognizedPeriodForRecognition1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Disclosure of the aggregate tax benefit realized from the exercise of stock options and the conversion of similar instruments during the annual period.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitRealizedFromExerciseOfStockOptions
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Period which an employee's right to exercise an award is no longer contingent on satisfaction of either a service condition, market condition or a performance condition, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardAwardVestingPeriod1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The number of grants made during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan).

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The weighted average fair value at grant date for nonvested equity-based awards issued during the period on other than stock (or unit) option plans (for example, phantom stock or unit plan, stock or unit appreciation rights plan, performance target plan).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (c)(2)(iii)(1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph c(1)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph b(2)(c)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsGrantsInPeriodWeightedAverageGrantDateFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The total fair value of equity-based awards for which the grantee gained the right during the reporting period, by satisfying service and performance requirements, to receive or retain shares or units, other instruments, or cash in accordance with the terms of the arrangement.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardEquityInstrumentsOtherThanOptionsVestedInPeriodTotalFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The maximum number of shares (or other type of equity) originally approved (usually by shareholders and board of directors), net of any subsequent amendments and adjustments, for awards under the equity-based compensation plan. As stock or unit options and equity instruments other than options are awarded to participants, the shares or units remain authorized and become reserved for issuance under outstanding awards (not necessarily vested).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph A240

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (a)(3)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAuthorized
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The total accumulated difference between fair values of underlying shares on dates of exercise and exercise price on options which were exercised (or share units converted) into shares during the reporting period under the plan.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsExercisesInPeriodTotalIntrinsicValue
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Net number of share options (or share units) granted during the period.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsGrantsInPeriod
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

Share-Based Compensation And Other Compensation Arrangements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 27, 2012	Feb. 28, 2011	Feb. 28, 2010	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Feb. 22, 2011	Feb. 22, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate number of shares of stock available for issuance				80,000,000
Number of options granted	6,114,922	5,426,910	5,932,806
Share-based payment award options expiration term (in years)	10 years	10 years	10 years
Stock options vesting percentage after the first year	34.00%
Stock options vesting percentage after the second year	33.00%
Stock options vesting percentage after the third year	33.00%
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Total Intrinsic Value				$ 89,000,000	$ 67,000,000	$ 59,000,000
Cash received from options exercised				120,000,000	114,000,000	87,000,000
Tax benefit realized from exercise of stock options				29,000,000	23,000,000	20,000,000
Grant date fair value of stock options vested				83,000,000	92,000,000	103,000,000
Initial Value Of Performance Awards	$ 100						$ 100	$ 100
Total expense/(income) related to deferred compensation				75,000,000	59,000,000	112,000,000
Deferred compensation liability which is being marked to market				1,104,000,000	1,093,000,000
Annum threshold rate				3.00%
Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Amount payable at end of three-year performance period	$ 0						$ 0	$ 0
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Amount payable at end of three-year performance period	$ 200						$ 200	$ 200
Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based payment award vesting period (in years)	3 years	3 years	3 years
Total unrecognized compensation cost				94,000,000
Weighted average period (in years) over which the unrecognized compensation cost related to stock options is expected to be recognized				1 year 10 months
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Aggregate number of shares of stock available for issuance				16,000,000
Share-based payment award vesting period (in years)	3 years	3 years	3 years
Restricted stock units (RSUs) granted	1,369,810	1,364,440	1,459,256
Restricted stock units (RSUs) granted (fair value per share)	$ 75.40	71.44	63.83
Performance Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based payment award vesting period (in years)	3 years
Performance Awards [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| 2012 Performance Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance Awards payout				0
Performance Awards [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| 2011 Performance Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance Awards payout							0
Performance Awards [Member] \| Minimum [Member] \| 2010 Performance Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance Awards payout								0
Performance Awards [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| 2012 Performance Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance Awards payout				270,000,000
Performance Awards [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| 2011 Performance Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance Awards payout				253,000,000
Performance Awards [Member] \| Maximum [Member] \| 2010 Performance Award [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Performance Awards payout				$ 241,000,000
ShareValue Trust [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Undistributed shares returned by ShareValue trust				29,948,920