Arrangements with Off-Balance Sheet Risk (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011
Delta launch program inventories included in contributed assets	$ 1,360
Delta launch program inventories subject to an inventory supply agreement	1,860
Inventories consumed by ULA	1,209
Inventory supply agreement, inventories included in long-term contracts in progress inventories, payments received	660
Costs partially indemnified not recoverable under government contracts	271
Revenues and cost of sales recorded under the inventory supply agreement	374
Credit guarantees expiration period, in years	9
Residual value guarantees expiration period, years	7
Additional contract losses incurred by ULA	226
Indemnification Agreement [Member] | Contract Pricing [Member]
Maximum exposure to loss	282
Indemnification payment	261
Additional contract losses incurred by ULA	21
Contingent Repurchase Commitments [Member]
Agreement to repurchase a Sale Aircraft at specified price number of years, minimum	10
Agreement to repurchase a Sale Aircraft at specified price number of years, maximum	15
Discontinued Operations [Member]
Maximum potential amount of future payments under indemnities agreement	$ 0