Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Tax

No definition available.

Name:	eslt_ComponentsOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTax
Namespace Prefix:	eslt_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Cost of Revenue, Change in Estimated Cost at Completion

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	eslt_CostofRevenueChangeinEstimatedCostatCompletion
Namespace Prefix:	eslt_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Cost of Revenue, Change in Estimated Cost at Completion, Percent

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	eslt_CostofRevenueChangeinEstimatedCostatCompletionPercent
Namespace Prefix:	eslt_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Securities (including those issuable pursuant to contingent stock agreements) that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share (EPS).

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	eslt_EarningsNumberOfPotentiallyDilutiveSecuritiesShare
Namespace Prefix:	eslt_
Data Type:	xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Gross Profit, Change in Estimated Cost at Completion, Percent of Gross Profit

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	eslt_GrossProfitChangeinEstimatedCostatCompletionPercentofGrossProfit
Namespace Prefix:	eslt_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Increase (Decrease) to Net Income Due to Change in Estimated Cost at Completion

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	eslt_IncreaseDecreasetoNetIncomeDuetoChangeinEstimatedCostatCompletion
Namespace Prefix:	eslt_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Increase (Decrease) to Net Income Due to Change in Estimated Cost at Completion, Per Share, Diluted

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	eslt_IncreaseDecreasetoNetIncomeDuetoChangeinEstimatedCostatCompletionPerShareDiluted
Namespace Prefix:	eslt_
Data Type:	num:perShareItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Percentage of revenue from service

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	eslt_PercentageOfRevenueFromService
Namespace Prefix:	eslt_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Senior Notes Fair Value

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	eslt_SeniorNotesFairValue
Namespace Prefix:	eslt_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	eslt_SignificantAccountingPoliciesLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	eslt_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Variable Interest Entity, Qualitative or Quantitative Information, Contractual Rights Percentage

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	eslt_VariableInterestEntityQualitativeorQuantitativeInformationContractualRightsPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	eslt_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Aggregate notional amount specified by the derivative(s). Expressed as an absolute value.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Regulation S-X (SX)
-Number 210
-Article 12
-Section 13
-Sentence Column B

+ Details

Name:	invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount
Namespace Prefix:	invest_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount of write-down of assets recognized in the income statement. Includes, but is not limited to, losses from tangible assets, intangible assets and goodwill.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 360
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51824106&loc=d3e2420-110228

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3602-108585

+ Details

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

- Definition

The reference rate for the variable rate of the debt instrument, such as LIBOR or the US Treasury rate and the maturity of the reference rate used, such as three months or six months LIBOR.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

- Definition

Face (par) amount of debt instrument at time of issuance.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 55
-Paragraph 8
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=34725769&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 835
-SubTopic 30
-Section 45
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

+ Details

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

- Definition

The percentage points added to the reference rate to compute the variable rate on the interest rate derivative.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeBasisSpreadOnVariableRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 323
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (a)(1)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6382943&loc=d3e33918-111571

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentOwnershipPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

The aggregate amount of write-downs for impairments recognized during the period for long lived assets held for use (including those held for disposal by means other than sale).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 958
-SubTopic 225
-Section 45
-Paragraph 11
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51659069&loc=d3e92212-112881

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Glossary Impairment
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6515133

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 360
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51719941&loc=d3e2921-110230

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 360
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 4
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51824106&loc=d3e2420-110228

+ Details

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

- Definition

The interest rate applicable to the portion of the carrying amount of long-term borrowings outstanding as of the balance sheet date, including current maturities, which accrues interest at a set, unchanging rate.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22(a)(1))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongTermDebtPercentageBearingFixedInterestRate
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

Amount after tax of other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to parent entity.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1A
-Subparagraph (c)(3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=18733093&loc=SL4573702-111684

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 19
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51664549&loc=SL4569616-111683

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 20
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51664549&loc=SL4569643-111683

+ Details

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

- Definition

Amount of expenses for special or contractual termination benefits provided to current employees involuntarily terminated under a benefit arrangement associated exit or disposal activities pursuant to an authorized plan. Excludes expenses related to one-time termination benefits, a discontinued operation or an asset retirement obligation.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.4(b))
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140904-122747

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.P.3)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=27011515&loc=d3e140864-122747

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=56944662&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 420
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (b)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6394359&loc=d3e17939-110869

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 715
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (a)(10)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=58740216&loc=d3e1928-114920

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher SEC
-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)
-Number Topic 5
-Section P
-Subsection 3, 4

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_SeveranceCosts1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Represents the initial fair value recorded for assets received on transfer of financial assets in a securitization, asset-backed financing arrangement, or a similar transfer which transaction is recognized as a sale of the transferred financial assets.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 860
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (b)(2)(i)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51814546&loc=d3e107207-111719

+ Details

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

- Definition

Percentage of the Variable Interest Entity's (VIE) voting interest owned by (or beneficial interest in) the reporting entity (directly or indirectly).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 810
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 5A
-Subparagraph (d)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=52262685&loc=SL6759159-111685

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityOwnershipPercentage
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=eslt_SubsidiaryAMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=eslt_SubsidiaryDMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	dei_LegalEntityAxis=eslt_SubsidiaryEMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_AuctionMarketPreferredSecuritiesStockSeriesAxis=us-gaap_SeriesAMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_VariableRateAxis=us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis=us-gaap_CrossCurrencyInterestRateContractMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_LongtermDebtTypeAxis=us-gaap_SeniorNotesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands, ₪ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012 ILS (₪)	Jun. 30, 2010 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2014 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2013 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Dec. 31, 2015 ILS (₪)	May. 31, 2012 USD ($)	May. 31, 2012 ILS (₪)	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 ILS (₪)	Jun. 30, 2010 ILS (₪)
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Write-off impairment and discontinued operations, net			$ 0	$ 0	$ 254
Components of accumulated other comprehensive income loss, tax			24,973
Impairment of long-lived assets				900
Severance expenses			47,407	49,243	54,544
Cost of revenue sold, change in estimate			$ 2,600	$ 26,900	$ 5,300
Percentage of cost of revenue sold			0.12%	1.26%	0.25%
Percentage of gross profit			0.29%	3.26%	0.64%
Cost of revenue sold, increase (decrease) to net income			$ 2,100	$ 23,400	$ 4,600
Cost of revenue sold, increase (cecrease) in earnings per share, diluted \| $ / shares			$ 0.05	$ 0.55	$ 0.11
Percentage of revenue from service			10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Issuance amount of Series A Note			$ 269,037	$ 323,991		₪ 440	$ 24,407	₪ 92	$ 217,420	₪ 807	₪ 1,100
Cross currency interest rate swap, amount		$ 287,000									₪ 1,100
Received interest payments semi-annually in NIS		4.84%	3.00%			3.00%	4.84%	4.84%			4.84%
Rights sold to receive payments from the Israeli Ministry of Defense			$ 42,631	$ 162
Outstanding anti-dilutive stock options excluded from the calculations of diluted net earnings per share \| shares			0	400	45,031
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent			$ 24,973	$ (71,364)
Subsidiary A
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Write-off impairment and discontinued operations, net			$ 16,000
Subsidiary D [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Voting rights			51.00%
Subsidiary E [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Voting rights			100.00%
Contractual rights percentage			50.00%
Series A
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Cross currency interest rate swap, amount \| ₪	₪ 900
Senior notes fair value			$ 295,114
Minimum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of equity voting rights			20.00%			20.00%
Maximum
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of equity voting rights			50.00%			50.00%
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Derivative, basis spread on variable rate			1.35%			1.35%
Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps \| London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Debt instrument, description of variable rate basis	LIBOR	LIBOR	LIBOR
Derivative, basis spread on variable rate		1.65%	1.65%			1.65%					1.65%
Cross Currency Interest Rate Swaps \| London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) \| Senior Notes
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Debt instrument, description of variable rate basis			LIBOR
Derivative, basis spread on variable rate			1.84%			1.84%