Document and Entity Information Document (USD $) In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Apr. 19, 2013	Jun. 29, 2012
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORP /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	0001133421
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2013
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Public Float			$ 15.80
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		235,168,928