Customer Financing (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Customer Financing [Line Items]
Operating lease equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation	$ 2,038	$ 1,991
Individually evaluated for impairment	616	854
Impaired financing receivables	446	485
Average recorded investment in impaired receivables	466	517	88
Interest income recognized on financing receivables	6	0	9
American Airlines [Member]
Customer Financing [Line Items]
Individually evaluated for impairment	524
Internally Assigned Grade [Member] | CCC Credit Rating [Member]
Customer Financing [Line Items]
Percentage of internal credit default rates applied for receivables	46.00%
Commercial Airplanes [Member]
Customer Financing [Line Items]
Used aircraft under operating leases and notes receivable at carrying amount	223	357
Equipment [Member] | Assets Held-for-sale [Member]
Customer Financing [Line Items]
Operating lease equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation	354	521
Equipment [Member] | Assets Held-for-sale [Member] | Firm Lease Commitments [Member]
Customer Financing [Line Items]
Operating lease equipment, at cost, less accumulated depreciation	$ 266	$ 476