2.2.0.25falsefalse00500 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash FlowstruefalseIn 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$3falsefalseUSDfalsefalse1/1/2008 - 12/31/2008 USD ($) USD ($) / shares $Duration_1_1_2008_To_12_31_2008http://www.sec.gov/CIK0001027664duration2008-01-01T00:00:002008-12-31T00:00:00Unit12Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170Unit1Standardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0Unit13Dividehttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso4217http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$3true0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringThe net cash from (used in) all of the entity's operating activities, including those of discontinued operations, of the reporting entity. Operating activities include all transactions and events that are not defined as investing or financing activities. Operating activities generally involve producing and delivering goods and providing services. Cash flows from operating activities are generally the cash effects of transactions and other events that enter into the determination of net income.falsefalseCASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES4false0us-gaap_ProfitLossus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse194667000194667falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse228513000228513falsetruefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse266548000266548falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe consolidated profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, including the portion attributable to the noncontrolling interest.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A1, A4, A5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph b Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 29 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph a Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 38 -Subparagraph c(1) falsefalseNet income5true0us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseAdjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:6false0us-gaap_DepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalselabel1truefalsefalse132141000132141falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse123473000123473falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse129437000129437falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets, intangible assets, or depleting assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseDepreciation and amortization7false0us-gaap_AssetImpairmentChargesus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse12840001284falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse30170003017falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse1051400010514falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe charge against earnings resulting from the aggregate write down of all assets from their carrying value to their fair value.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 144 -Paragraph 45, 46, 47 falsefalseWrite-off impairment8false0us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentInProcessus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse10000001000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of purchased research and development assets that are acquired in a business combination have no alternative future use and are therefore written off in the period of acquisition.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 141 -Paragraph 51 -Subparagraph g Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Interpretation (FIN) -Number 4 -Paragraph 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 2 -Paragraph 13 falsefalseAcquired IPR&D9false0eslt_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentOfAvailableForSaleMarketableSecuritiesesltfalsedebitdurationOther Than Temporary Impairment Of Available For Sale Marketable Securitiesfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse1788500017885falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther Than Temporary Impairment Of Available For Sale Marketable SecuritiesNo authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther-than-temporary impairment of available for sale marketable securities10false0us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensationus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse52110005211falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse51340005134falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse50670005067falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate amount of noncash, equity-based employee remuneration. This may include the value of stock options, amortization of restricted stock, and adjustment for officers compensation. As noncash, this element is an add back when calculating net cash generated by operating activities using the indirect method.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 falsefalseStock-based compensation11false0us-gaap_AmortizationOfDebtDiscountPremiumus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-258000-258falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe component of interest income or expense representing the periodic increase in or charge against earnings to reflect amortization of debt discounts and premiums over the life of the related debt instruments, which are liabilities of the entity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 21 -Paragraph 16 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 8 -Article 5 falsefalseAmortization of Series A Notes discount and related issuance costs12false0us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse-28162000-28162falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse76060007606falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-8488000-8488falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe component of income tax expense for the period representing the net change in the entity's deferred tax assets and liabilities pertaining to continuing operations.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB) -Number Topic 6 -Section I -Subsection 7 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 45 -Subparagraph b Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 289 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 08 -Paragraph h -Article 4 falsefalseDeferred income taxes and reserve, net13false0us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfPropertyPlantEquipmentus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-2600000-2600falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-723000-723falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-1000-1falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe difference between the sale price or salvage price and the book value of a property, plant, and equipment asset that was sold or retired during the reporting period. This element refers to the gain (loss).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 falsefalseGain on sale of property, plant and equipment14false0us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfInvestmentsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalselabel1truefalsefalse-19151000-19151falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-2734000-2734falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-100031000-100031falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net realized gain or loss on investments sold during the period, which, for cash flow reporting, is a component of proceeds from investing activities.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 falsefalseGain on sale of investment15false0us-gaap_IncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestmentsNetOfDividendsOrDistributionsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-8418000-8418falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-1824000-1824falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-1866000-1866falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents the undistributed income (or loss) of equity method investments, net of dividends or other distributions received from unconsolidated subsidiaries, certain corporate joint ventures, and certain noncontrolled corporations; such investments are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. This element excludes distributions that constitute a return of investment, which are classified as investing activities.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 falsefalseEquity in net earnings of affiliated companies and partnership, net of dividend received(*)16true0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapitalAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseChanges in operating assets and liabilities, net of amounts acquired:17false0eslt_IncreaseInShortAndLongtermTradeReceivablesAndPrepaidExpensesesltfalsedebitdurationThe net change during the reporting period in amount due from customers for the sale of goods and services and in prepaid ...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-84708000-84708falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-136224000-136224falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-39698000-39698falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net change during the reporting period in amount due from customers for the sale of goods and services and in prepaid expenses.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseIncrease in short and long-term trade receivables, and prepaid expenses18false0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventoriesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-49724000-49724falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse7543100075431falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-169482000-169482falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net change during the reporting period in the aggregate value of all inventory held by the reporting entity, associated with underlying transactions that are classified as operating activities.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 falsefalseDecrease (increase) in inventories, net19false0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse7680800076808falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2022300020223falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse120734000120734falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net change during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of obligations and expenses incurred but not paid.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 falsefalseIncrease in trade payables, other payables and accrued expenses20false0us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanBenefitObligationPeriodIncreaseDecreaseus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse41600004160falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-16773000-16773falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse1521100015211falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryNet increase or decrease in the plan benefit obligation during the reporting period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 132R -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph a falsefalseSeverance, pension and termination indemnities, net21false0us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInCustomerAdvancesus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse-36396000-36396falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-95397000-95397falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-37402000-37402falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net change during the reporting period in the amount of prepayments by customers for goods or services to be provided at a later date.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 falsefalseDecrease in advances received from customers22false0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse184854000184854falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse209722000209722falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse209428000209428falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net cash from (used in) all of the entity's operating activities, including those of discontinued operations, of the reporting entity. Operating activities generally involve producing and delivering goods and providing services. Operating activity cash flows include transactions, adjustments, and changes in value that are not defined as investing or financing activities.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 28 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 truefalseNet cash provided by operating activities23true0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseCASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES24false0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipmentus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-138644000-138644falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-107893000-107893falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-129241000-129241falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow associated with the acquisition of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale; includes cash outflows to pay for construction of self-constructed assets.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 17 -Subparagraph c falsefalsePurchase of property, plant and equipment25false0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquiredus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-229556000-229556falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-48234000-48234falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-20637000-20637falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow associated with the acquisition of a business, net of the cash acquired from the purchase.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15, 17 falsefalseAcquisitions of subsidiaries and business operations (Schedule A)26false0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireInvestmentsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-4956000-4956falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-19415000-19415falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-4001000-4001falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow associated with the purchase of all investments (debt, security, other) during the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15, 17 falsefalseInvestments in affiliated companies and other companies27false0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipmentus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalselabel1truefalsefalse1184100011841falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse90550009055falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse87790008779falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash inflow from the sale of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 16 -Subparagraph c falsefalseProceed from sale of property, plant and equipment28false0eslt_ProceedFromSaleOfInvestmentsesltfalsedebitdurationThe cash inflow associated with the sale, maturity and collection of all investments such as debt, security and so forth...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse2794100027941falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse3302600033026falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse5025400050254falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash inflow associated with the sale, maturity and collection of all investments such as debt, security and so forth during the period.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseProceed from sale of investments29false0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireHeldToMaturitySecuritiesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-14484000-14484falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-24004000-24004falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-19166000-19166falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow to acquire a debt financial instrument for which the entity has the ability and intent to hold until maturity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 17 -Subparagraph a falsefalseInvestments in long-term deposits30false0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfHeldToMaturitySecuritiesus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse3024000030240falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1299400012994falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse939000939falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash inflow associated with the sale or maturity of securities for which the entity has both the ability and intent to hold the instrument until maturity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 16 -Subparagraph a falsefalseProceeds from sale of long-term deposits31false0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireShortTermInvestmentsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-189345000-189345falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-152457000-152457falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-62518000-62518falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow for securities or other assets acquired with excess cash, having ready marketability, which qualify for treatment as an investing activity based on management's intention and intended by management to be liquidated, if necessary, within the current operating cycle. Includes cash flows from securities classified as trading securities that were acquired for reasons other than sale in the short-term.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15, 17 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Section Appendix C -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph c falsefalseInvestment in short-term deposits and available for sale securities32false0us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfShortTermInvestmentsus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse252550000252550falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse9962500099625falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse38840003884falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash inflow from securities or other assets sold, having ready marketability and intended by management to be liquidated, if necessary, within the current operating cycle. Includes cash flows from securities classified as trading securities that were acquired for reasons other than sale in the short-term.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Section Appendix C -Paragraph 5 -Subparagraph c Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 15, 16 falsefalseProceeds from sale of short-term deposits and available for sale securities33false0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse-254413000-254413falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-197303000-197303falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-171707000-171707falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net cash inflow (outflow) from investing activity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 truefalseNet cash used in investing activities34true0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseCASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES35false0us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercisedus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseverboselabel1truefalsefalse35900003590falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse98710009871falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse188000188falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash inflow associated with the amount received from holders exercising their stock options.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph i Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 19 -Subparagraph a falsefalseProceeds from exercise of options36false0us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAdditionalInterestInSubsidiariesus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-110250000-110250falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow associated with the purchase of noncontrolling interest during the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 17 -Subparagraph b falsefalsePurchase of non-controlling interests37false0us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebtus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-488657000-488657falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-148652000-148652falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-333590000-333590falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow for debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph b falsefalseRepayment of long-term bank loans38false0us-gaap_ProceedsFromIssuanceOfLongTermDebtus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalselabel1truefalsefalse387692000387692falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse256354000256354falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse183211000183211falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash inflow from a debt initially having maturity due after one year or beyond the operating cycle, if longer.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 19 -Subparagraph b falsefalseProceeds from long-term bank loans39false0eslt_ProceedsFromSeniorNotesNetOfIssuanceCostsesltfalsedebitdurationProceeds From Senior Notes Net Of Issuance Costsfalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse283213000283213falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryProceeds From Senior Notes Net Of Issuance CostsNo authoritative reference available.falsefalseProceeds from issuance of Series A Notes40false0us-gaap_PaymentsOfDebtIssuanceCostsus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-2530000-2530falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow paid to third parties in connection with debt origination, which will be amortized over the remaining maturity period of the associated long-term debt.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 95-13 falsefalseSeries A Notes issuance costs41false0us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividendsCommonStockus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-63137000-63137falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-76172000-76172falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-32770000-32770falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cash outflow from the distribution of an entity's earnings in the form of dividends to common shareholders.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 20 -Subparagraph a falsefalseDividends paid42false0us-gaap_ExcessTaxBenefitFromShareBasedCompensationFinancingActivitiesus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse710000710falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse116000116falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryReductions in the entity's income taxes that arise when compensation cost (from non-qualified share-based compensation) recognized on the entity's tax return exceeds compensation cost from share-based compensation recognized in financial statements. This element represents the cash inflow reported in the enterprise's financing activities.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 123R -Paragraph A240 -Subparagraph i Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) -Number 00-15 -Paragraph 3 falsefalseTax benefit in respect of options exercised43false0us-gaap_ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebtus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalselabel1truefalsefalse-40972000-40972falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-7531000-7531falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-13008000-13008falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net cash inflow (outflow) for borrowing having initial term of repayment within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 18 falsefalseChange in short-term bank credit and loans, net44false0us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesus-gaaptruedebitdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse7990900079909falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-76380000-76380falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-195853000-195853falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net cash inflow (outflow) from financing activity for the period.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 26 truefalseNet cash provided by (used in) financing activities45false0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecreaseus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse1035000010350falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-63961000-63961falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-158132000-158132falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net change between the beginning and ending balance of 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 26 truefalseNET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS46false0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalsefalseperiodstartlabel1truefalsefalse140709000140709falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse204670000204670falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse362802000362802falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli: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 EQUIVALENTS AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR47false0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruefalseperiodendlabel1truefalsefalse151059000151059falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse140709000140709falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse204670000204670falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli: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 EQUIVALENTS AT THE END OF THE YEAR48false0us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeDividendus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1092500010925falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1746800017468falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse1256900012569falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncome derived from investments in equity securities representing a distribution of earnings to shareholders by the investee companies.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 14 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 7 -Article 5 falsefalse(*) Dividend received from affiliated companies and partnership49true0us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseSUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW ACTIVITIES:50false0us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaidus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse6075900060759falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse4794600047946falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse3082700030827falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of cash paid during the current period to foreign, federal, state, and local authorities as taxes on income.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 27 -Subparagraph f falsefalseIncome taxes51false0us-gaap_InterestPaidus-gaaptruecreditdurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse1352400013524falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1166500011665falsetruefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse2135600021356falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount of cash paid during the current period for interest owed on money borrowed; includes amount of interest capitalizedReference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 29 falsefalseInterest349Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)ThousandsUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue