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Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Unaudited) Fair Value of Financial Instruments #3 (Unaudited) (Details) (Pension Plan [Member], USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2015
Mar. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer $ 525us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer $ 21us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
Voluntary Contributions [Member]    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer $ 500us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanContributionsByEmployer
/ us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis
= us-gaap_PensionPlansDefinedBenefitMember
/ us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis
= noc_VoluntaryContributionsMember