Inventories (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Inventory supply agreement, inventories included in long-term contracts in progress	$ 1,085	$ 1,385
Long-term contracts in progress inventory related to inventory supply agreement, unsold launches	897
Reduction in earnings in the event ULA is unable to sell additional Delta II inventory	62
Capitalized precontract costs	1,279	527
Cash or other credits	2,585	1,970
A-12 Program [Member]
Claims or other uncertainties included in inventories	236	236
Airplane Program 787 [Member]
Inventory, Work in Process	14,423	9,461
Deferred production costs	9,699
Supplier advances	1,775	1,956
Unamortized tooling	1,770	1,447
Deferred production, unamortized tooling and other nonrecurring costs to be recovered from future orders	3,223
Deferred production, unamortized tooling and other nonrecurring costs to be recovered from firm orders at the balance sheet date	8,246
Airplane Program 747 [Member]
Deferred production costs	98
Unamortized tooling	903	879
Reclassification of previously recorded reach forward losses from accrued liabilities to inventories	$ 1,934