Reconciliation of Liabilities from Segment to Consolidated (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Liabilities	$ 75,972	$ 76,378
Commercial Airplanes [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Liabilities	23,022	21,757
Boeing Military Aircraft [Member] | Total Defense, Space & Security [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Liabilities	2,715	3,050
Network & Space Systems [Member] | Total Defense, Space & Security [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Liabilities	846	1,096
Global Services & Support [Member] | Total Defense, Space & Security [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Liabilities	1,775	1,612
Total Defense, Space & Security [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Liabilities	5,336	5,758
Boeing Capital [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Liabilities	2,789	3,719
Other Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Liabilities	879	969
Unallocated Items And Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Liabilities	$ 43,946	$ 44,175