Basis Of Presentation (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Increase in Earnings from operations due to net favorable cumulative catch-up adjustments	$ 105	$ 112
Increase in diluted earnings per share due to net favorable cumulative catch-up adjustments	$ 0.11	$ 0.09

Amount recognized in Earnings from operations due to change in accounting estimate.

No definition available.

Name:	ba_AmountRecognizedInOperatingEarningsChangeInAccountingEstimate
Namespace Prefix:	ba_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration