Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 83,654	$ 79,986
Commercial Airplanes [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	40,872	35,458
Boeing Military Aircraft [Member] | Total Defense, Space & Security [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	6,317	7,390
Network & Space Systems [Member] | Total Defense, Space & Security [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	6,735	7,018
Global Services & Support [Member] | Total Defense, Space & Security [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	3,538	3,582
Total Defense, Space & Security [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	16,590	17,990
Boeing Capital [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	4,155	4,626
Other Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	1,168	1,112
Unallocated Items And Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 20,869	$ 20,800