Acquisitions, Divestitures, Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Changes In Amount Of Goodwill (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning of period	$ 13,576		$ 12,649
Goodwill impairment	(1,994)		0		0
Acquisitions	379	[1]	988	[1]
Other	87	[2]	(61)	[2]
Goodwill, end of period	12,048		13,576		12,649
Aerospace
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning of period	2,644		2,650
Goodwill impairment	0
Acquisitions	11	[1]	0	[1]
Other	42	[2]	(6)	[2]
Goodwill, end of period	2,697		2,644
Combat Systems
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning of period	2,839		2,828
Goodwill impairment	0
Acquisitions	86	[1]	60	[1]
Other	36	[2]	(49)	[2]
Goodwill, end of period	2,961		2,839
Marine Systems
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning of period	229		198
Goodwill impairment	0
Acquisitions	61	[1]	31	[1]
Other	0	[2]	0	[2]
Goodwill, end of period	290		229
Information Systems and Technology
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning of period	7,864		6,973
Goodwill impairment	(1,994)
Acquisitions	221	[1]	897	[1]
Other	9	[2]	(6)	[2]
Goodwill, end of period	$ 6,100		$ 7,864

[1] Includes adjustments during the purchase price allocation period.

[2] Consists primarily of adjustments for foreign currency translation.