2.2.0.25falsefalse00100 - Statement - Consolidated Balance SheetstruefalseIn Thousandsfalse1falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2010 - 12/31/2010 USD ($) USD ($) / shares $Duration_1_1_2010_To_12_31_2010http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001027664duration2010-01-01T00:00:002010-12-31T00:00:00Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit13Dividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$2falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2009 - 12/31/2009 USD ($) USD ($) / shares $Duration_1_1_2009_To_12_31_2009http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001027664duration2009-01-01T00:00:002009-12-31T00:00:00Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170Unit13Dividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$3true0us-gaap_AssetsCurrentAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseCURRENT ASSETS:4false0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalselabel1truefalsefalse151059000151059falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse140709000140709falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncludes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits should not be reported as cash and cash equivalents.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7, 26 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 8, 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 1 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 falsefalseCash and cash equivalents5false0us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse6266200062662falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse115924000115924falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryInvestments which are intended to be sold in the short term (usually less than one year or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer) including trading securities, available-for-sale securities, held-to-maturity securities, and other short-term investments not otherwise listed in the existing taxonomy.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph g -Article 7 falsefalseShort-term bank deposits6false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesCurrentus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse824000824falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2363900023639falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryInvestments in debt and equity securities which are categorized neither as trading securities nor held-to-maturity securities and which are intended be sold or mature within one year from the balance sheet date or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer. Such securities are reported at fair value; unrealized gains and losses related to Available-for-sale securities are excluded from earnings and reported in a separate component of shareholders' equity (other comprehensive income), unless the Available-for-sale security is designated as a hedge or is determined to have had an other than temporary decline in fair value below its amortized cost basis. All or a portion of the unrealized holding gain or loss of an Available-for-sale Security that is designated as being hedged in a fair value hedge shall be recognized in earnings during the period of the hedge, as should other than temporary declines in fair value below costs basis.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 43 -Chapter 3 -Section A -Paragraph 4, 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13, 17 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph b Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 16 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 22 falsefalseAvailable for sale and trading marketable securities7false0us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetCurrentus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse702364000702364falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse652524000652524falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount due from customers or clients, within one year of the balance sheet date (or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer), for goods or services (including trade receivables) that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business, reduced to the estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance established by the entity of the amount it deems uncertain of collection.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph a(1) -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 4 -Article 5 falsefalseTrade and unbilled receivables, net8false0eslt_OtherReceivablesAndPrepaidExpensesCurrentesltfalsedebitinstantOther Receivables And Prepaid Expensesfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse166124000166124falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse115856000115856falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther Receivables And Prepaid ExpensesNo authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther receivables and prepaid expenses9false0us-gaap_InventoryNetus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse665270000665270falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse569848000569848falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying amount (lower of cost or market) as of the balance sheet date of inventories less all valuation and other allowances. Excludes noncurrent inventory balances (expected to remain on hand past one year or one operating cycle, if longer).No authoritative reference available.falsefalseInventories, net of customer advances10false0us-gaap_AssetsCurrentus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse17483030001748303falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse16185000001618500falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are expected to be realized in cash, sold, or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 9 -Article 5 truefalseTotal current assets11true0us-gaap_LongTermInvestmentsAndReceivablesNetAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseLONG-TERM INVESTMENTS AND RECEIVABLES:12false0us-gaap_InvestmentsInAffiliatesSubsidiariesAssociatesAndJointVenturesus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse8811600088116falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse8875900088759falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal investments in (A) an entity in which the entity has significant influence, but does not have control, (B) subsidiaries that are not required to be consolidated and are accounted for using the equity and or cost method, and (C) an entity in which the reporting entity shares control of the entity with another party or group. Includes long-term advances receivable form a party that is affiliated with the reporting entity by means of direct or indirect ownership.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseInvestments in affiliated companies, partnership and other companies13false0us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesNoncurrentus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse71790007179falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1294100012941falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryInvestments in debt and equity securities which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading and which are intended to be sold or mature more than one year from the balance sheet date or operating cycle, if longer.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph b Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 17 falsefalseAvailable for sale marketable securities14false0us-gaap_AccountsReceivableNetNoncurrentus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse9034300090343falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1694900016949falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAmount due from customers or clients, more than one year from the balance sheet date, for goods or services that have been delivered or sold in the normal course of business, reduced to the estimated net realizable fair value by an allowance established by the entity of the amount it deems uncertain of collection.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 3 -Article 5 falsefalseLong-term trade and unbilled receivables15false0eslt_LongTermBankDepositsAndOtherReceivablesesltfalsedebitinstantLong Term Bank Deposits And Other Receivablesfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse4440100044401falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse3123000031230falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryLong Term Bank Deposits And Other ReceivablesNo authoritative reference available.falsefalseLong-term bank deposits and other receivables16false0us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetNoncurrentus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalselabel1truefalsefalse2989200029892falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse79920007992falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe noncurrent portion as of the balance sheet date of the aggregate carrying amount of all future tax deductions arising from temporary differences between tax basis and generally accepted accounting principles basis recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when permitted under enacted tax laws; after the valuation allowance, if any, to reduce such amount to net realizable value. Deferred tax liabilities and assets shall be classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, shall be classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 41, 42, 43 falsefalseDeferred income taxes, net17false0eslt_SeverancePayFundesltfalsedebitinstantThe aggregate carrying amount of employer contribution to severance pay policies.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse302351000302351falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse274136000274136falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate carrying amount of employer contribution to severance pay policies.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSeverance pay fund18false0us-gaap_LongTermInvestmentsAndReceivablesNetus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse562282000562282falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse432007000432007falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe total amount of investments that are intended to be held for an extended period of time (longer than one operating cycle) and amount due to the Entity from outside sources, including trade accounts receivable, notes and loans receivable, as well as any other types of receivables, net of allowances established for the purpose of reducing such investments and receivables to an amount that approximates their net realizable value.No authoritative reference available.truefalseTotal long-term investments and receivables19false0us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNetus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse503851000503851falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse404675000404675falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTangible assets that are held by an entity for use in the production or supply of goods and services, for rental to others, or for administrative purposes and that are expected to provide economic benefit for more than one year; net of accumulated depreciation. Examples include land, buildings, and production equipment.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph a -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 12 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph b, c Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 8 -Article 7 falsefalsePROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, NET20false0us-gaap_Goodwillus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse483071000483071falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse337312000337312falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to adoption of FAS 142 and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 142 -Paragraph 43 falsefalseGOODWILL21false0us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwillus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalselabel1truefalsefalse313593000313593falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse261183000261183falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of the carrying amounts of all intangible assets, excluding goodwill, as of the balance sheet date, net of accumulated amortization and impairment charges.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 142 -Paragraph 42, 45 falsefalseOTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET22false0us-gaap_Assetsus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse36111000003611100falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse30536770003053677falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts (CON) -Number 6 -Paragraph 25 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 18 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 12 -Article 7 truefalseTotal assets23true0us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseCURRENT LIABILITIES:24false0us-gaap_ShortTermBankLoansAndNotesPayableus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse1511500015115falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00 falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying amount at the balance sheet date of borrowings from a bank, not elsewhere enumerated in the taxonomy, with a maturity within one year (or within one operating cycle if longer) from the date of borrowing.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 19 -Subparagraph a -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 16 -Article 7 falsefalseShort-term bank credit and loans25false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrentus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalselabel1truefalsefalse4309300043093falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse26630002663falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal of the portions of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of long-term debt, which may include notes payable, bonds payable, debentures, mortgage loans, and commercial paper, which are scheduled to be repaid within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 20 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 19 -Article 5 falsefalseCurrent maturities of long-term loans and Series A Notes26false0us-gaap_AccountsPayableCurrentus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse360736000360736falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse299238000299238falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value as of the balance sheet date of liabilities incurred (and for which invoices have typically been received) and payable to vendors for goods and services received that are used in an entity's business. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 19 -Subparagraph a -Article 5 falsefalseTrade payables27false0eslt_OtherPayablesAndAccruedExpensesesltfalsecreditinstantCarrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations, incurred through that date and due within one year (or in the...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse645146000645146falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse557601000557601falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations, incurred through that date and due within one year (or in the operating cycle if longer) arising from transactions not otherwise specified in the taxonomy.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther payables and accrued expenses28false0eslt_BillingsInExcessOfCostCurrentesltfalsecreditinstantThe current portion, due within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, of prepayments received from customers...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse302691000302691falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse367137000367137falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe current portion, due within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer, of prepayments received from customers for goods or services to be provided in the future and liabilities due to billings on long term contracts that exceed the income recorded under the percentage of completion contract accounting method, or that exceed the accumulated costs under the completed contract accounting method.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseCustomer advances in excess of costs incurred on contracts in progress29false0us-gaap_LiabilitiesCurrentus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse13667810001366781falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse12266390001226639falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal obligations incurred as part of normal operations that are expected to be paid during the following twelve months or within one business cycle, if longer.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 21 -Article 5 truefalseTotal current liabilities30true0us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseLONG-TERM LIABILITIES:31false0us-gaap_LongTermDebtNoncurrentus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalselabel1truefalsefalse292039000292039falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse389222000389222falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of the carrying values as of the balance sheet date of all long-term debt, which is debt initially having maturities due after one year from the balance sheet date or beyond the operating cycle, if longer, but excluding the portions thereof scheduled to be repaid within one year (current maturities) or the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22 -Article 5 falsefalseLong-term loans, net of current maturities32false0us-gaap_LongTermNotesPayableus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse273357000273357falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value as of the balance sheet date of notes payable (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22 -Article 5 falsefalseSeries A Notes and convertible debentures, net of current maturities33false0eslt_AccruedTerminationLiabilityesltfalsecreditinstantThe aggregate carrying amount of liabilities due after one year pertaining to employees, regarding retirement and...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse395303000395303falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse350240000350240falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate carrying amount of liabilities due after one year pertaining to employees, regarding retirement and postretirement obligations.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseAccrued termination liabilities34false0us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNoncurrentus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse5593600055936falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse5960200059602falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryRepresents the noncurrent portion of deferred tax liabilities, which result from applying the applicable tax rate to net taxable temporary differences pertaining to each jurisdiction to which the entity is obligated to pay income tax. A noncurrent taxable temporary difference is a difference between the tax basis and the carrying amount of a noncurrent asset or liability in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. In a classified statement of financial position, an enterprise shall separate deferred tax liabilities and assets into a current amount and a noncurrent amount. Deferred tax liabilities and assets shall be classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, shall be classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 41, 42 falsefalseDeferred income taxes and tax liabilities, net35false0eslt_BillingsInExcessOfCostNonCurrentesltfalsecreditinstantThe non-current portion, of prepayments received from customers for goods or services to be provided in the future and...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse177191000177191falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse142566000142566falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe non-current portion, of prepayments received from customers for goods or services to be provided in the future and liabilities due to billings on long term contracts that exceed the income recorded under the percentage of completion contract accounting method, or that exceed the accumulated costs under the completed contract accounting method.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseCustomer advances in excess of costs incurred on contracts in progress36false0us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesNoncurrentus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse4504200045042falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2821400028214falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent obligations not separately disclosed in the balance sheet due to materiality considerations. Noncurrent liabilities are expected to be paid after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 24 -Article 5 falsefalseOther long term liabilities37false0us-gaap_LiabilitiesNoncurrentus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse12388680001238868falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse969844000969844falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal obligations incurred as part of normal operations that is expected to be repaid beyond the following twelve months or one business cycle.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 -Article 5 truefalseTotal long-term Liabilities38false0us-gaap_CommitmentsAndContingencies2009us-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00  falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00  falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringRepresents the caption on the face of the balance sheet to indicate that the entity has entered into (1) purchase or supply arrangements that will require expending a portion of its resources to meet the terms thereof, and (2) is exposed to potential losses or, less frequently, gains, arising from (a) possible claims against a company's resources due to future performance under contract terms, and (b) possible losses or likely gains from uncertainties that will ultimately be resolved when one or more future events that are deemed likely to occur do occur or fail to occur. This caption alerts the reader that one or more notes to the financial statements disclose pertinent information about the entity's commitments and contingencies.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 19 -Article 7 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 5 -Paragraph 8, 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 25 -Article 5 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 17 -Article 9 falsefalseCOMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES39true0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseSHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:40false0us-gaap_CommonStockValueus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse1205000012050falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1200600012006falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryDollar value of issued common stock whether issued at par value, no par or stated value. This item includes treasury stock repurchased by the entity. Note: elements for number of common shares, par value and other disclosure concepts are in another section within stockholders' equity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 30 -Article 5 falsefalseOrdinary shares of New Israeli Shekels ("NIS") 1 par value each; Authorized - 80,000,000 shares as of December 31, 2010 and 2009; Issued 43,102,261 and 42, 939,816 shares as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively; Outstanding 42,693,340 and 42,530,895 shares as of December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively41false0us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalCommonStockus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse281594000281594falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse272127000272127falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue received from shareholders in common stock-related transactions that are in excess of par value or stated value and amounts received from other stock-related transactions. Includes only common stock transactions (excludes preferred stock transactions). May be called contributed capital, capital in excess of par, capital surplus, or paid-in capital.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 falsefalseAdditional paid-in capital42false0us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-4321000-4321falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-4321000-4321falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue of common and preferred shares of an entity that were issued, repurchased by the entity, and are held in its treasury. Treasury stock is issued but is not outstanding. This stock has no voting rights and receives no dividends. Note that treasury stock may be recorded at its total cost or separately as par (or stated) value and additional paid in capital. Note: number of treasury shares concept is in another section within stockholders' equity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Technical Bulletin (FTB) -Number 85-6 -Paragraph 3 falsefalseTreasury shares - 408,921 shares as of December 31, 2010 and 200943false0us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalselabel1truefalsefalse-18460000-18460falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-22413000-22413falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAccumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, net of tax effect, at fiscal year-end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, and unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 14, 17, 26 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 falsefalseAccumulated other comprehensive loss net of tax44false0us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficitus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalselabel1truefalsefalse695830000695830falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse575469000575469falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cumulative amount of the reporting entity's undistributed earnings or deficit.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 falsefalseRetained earnings45false0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse966693000966693falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse832868000832868falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal of all Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of the entity which are attributable to the parent. The amount of the economic entity's stockholders' equity attributable to the parent excludes the amount of stockholders' equity which is allocable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (noncontrolling interest, minority interest). This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A3 -Appendix A Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) -Number Topic 4 -Section E Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29, 30, 31 -Article 5 truefalseTotal Elbit Systems Ltd. shareholders' equity46false0us-gaap_MinorityInterestus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse3875800038758falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2432600024326falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal of all Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of the entity which is directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent (noncontrolling interest, minority interest).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 27 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 20 -Article 7 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 26 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A3 -Appendix A falsefalseNon-controlling interests47false0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse10054510001005451falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse857194000857194falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal of Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of the entity including portions attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interest), if any. The entity including portions attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interests is sometimes referred to as the economic entity. This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 25 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 26 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A3 -Appendix A truefalseTotal shareholders' equity48false0us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse36111000003611100falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse30536770003053677falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal of all Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity items.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 32 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 25 -Article 7 truefalseTotal liabilities and shareholders' equity246Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)ThousandsUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue