RTX (RTX) 10-K 11 Feb 09 2008 FY Annual report Financial data

Statement of Financial Position

Statement of Financial Position, Classified (USD $)
Share data in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2007
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value [Abstract]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Total	$4,327,000,000	$2,904,000,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents	4,327,000,000	2,904,000,000
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current [Abstract]
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current	332,000,000	298,000,000
Accounts Receivable, Net	9,112,000,000	8,844,000,000
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Inventories and Contracts in Progress, Net	8,340,000,000	8,101,000,000
Future Income Tax Benefits	1,551,000,000	1,267,000,000
Other Current Assets	769,000,000	955,000,000
Total Current Assets	24,099,000,000	22,071,000,000
Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract]
Customer Financing Assets	1,002,000,000	963,000,000
Future Income Tax Benefits	3,633,000,000	1,126,000,000
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Net Fixed Assets	6,348,000,000	6,296,000,000
Goodwill	15,363,000,000	16,120,000,000
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	3,443,000,000	3,757,000,000
Other Assets	2,581,000,000	4,242,000,000
Total Assets	56,469,000,000	54,575,000,000
Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Short-Term Borrowings	1,023,000,000	1,085,000,000
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accounts Payable	5,226,000,000	5,059,000,000
Accrued Liabilities	12,069,000,000	11,277,000,000
Debt, Current [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt Currently Due	1,116,000,000	48,000,000
Total Current Liabilities	19,434,000,000	17,469,000,000
Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt	9,337,000,000	8,015,000,000
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Noncurrent Liabilities [Abstract]
Future Penion and Postretirement Benefit Obligations	6,574,000,000	2,562,000,000
Other Long-Term Liabilities	4,198,000,000	4,262,000,000
Total Liabilities	39,543,000,000	32,308,000,000
Minority Interest [Abstract]
Minority Interests in Subsidiary Companies	1,009,000,000	912,000,000
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Common Stock	11,179,000,000	10,572,000,000
Preferred Stock, Value	0	0
Treasury Stock	14,316,000,000	11,338,000,000
Retained Earnings	25,159,000,000	21,751,000,000
Unearned ESOP Shares	200,000,000	214,000,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax	(612,000,000)	1,355,000,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Net of Tax	5,293,000,000	771,000,000
Accumulated Other Non-Shareowners' Changes in Equity	(5,905,000,000)	584,000,000
Total Shareowners' Equity	15,917,000,000	21,355,000,000
Preferred Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	1	1
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	250,000	250,000
Preferred Stock, Shares, Outstanding	0	0
Common Stock, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	1	1
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	4,000,000	4,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	1,370,054	1,364,791
Treasury Stock, Number of Shares and Restriction Disclosures [Abstract]
Treasury Stock, Shares	426,113	381,244
Total Liabilities and Shareowners' Equity	$56,469,000,000	$54,575,000,000

Statement of Income (Excluding

Statement of Income (Excluding Gross Margin Alternative) (USD $)
	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2007	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2006
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net [Abstract]
Product Sales	$42,175,000,000	$39,240,000,000	$34,271,000,000
Sales Revenue, Services, Net [Abstract]
Service Sales	15,868,000,000	14,679,000,000	12,847,000,000
Financial Services Revenue [Abstract]
Other Income, Net	638,000,000	840,000,000	711,000,000
Total Revenues	58,681,000,000	54,759,000,000	47,829,000,000
Cost of Goods Sold [Abstract]
Cost of Products Sold	31,774,000,000	29,927,000,000	26,089,000,000
Cost of Services [Abstract]
Cost of Services Sold	10,787,000,000	9,995,000,000	8,651,000,000
Research and Development Expense [Abstract]
Research and Development	1,771,000,000	1,678,000,000	1,529,000,000
Selling, General and Administrative Expense [Abstract]
Selling, General and Administrative	6,724,000,000	6,109,000,000	5,462,000,000
Operating Profit	7,625,000,000	7,050,000,000	6,098,000,000
Interest Expense [Abstract]
Interest	689,000,000	666,000,000	606,000,000
Income Before Income Taxes and Minority Interests	6,936,000,000	6,384,000,000	5,492,000,000
Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Abstract]
Income Taxes	1,883,000,000	1,836,000,000	1,494,000,000
Minority Interest in Net Income (Loss) of Consolidated Entities [Abstract]
Minority Interests in Subsidiaries' Earnings	364,000,000	324,000,000	266,000,000
Net Income	$4,689,000,000	$4,224,000,000	$3,732,000,000
Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock - Basic	$5	4.38	3.81
Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock - Diluted	4.9	4.27	3.71
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	1.35	1.17	1.02

Statement of Shareholders' Equi

Statement of Shareholders' Equity and Other Comprehensive Income (USD $)
	Common Stock Including Additional Paid in Capital [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]		Total
Stockholders' Equity, Beginning Balance at Dec. 31, 2005	$8,793,000,000	($7,418,000,000)	$16,051,000,000	($194,000,000)	($241,000,000)	$16,991,000,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Ownership Plan	738,000,000	14,000,000	(34,000,000)		14,000,000
Common Stock Contributed to Defined Benefit Pension Plans	91,000,000	59,000,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value		(2,068,000,000)
Other Comprehensive Income, Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income, Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease), Total				6,000,000
Other Comprehensive Income, Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income, Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease), Total				(53,000,000)
Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease), Total				613,000,000
Other Comprehensive Income, Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income, Minimum Pension Liability Net Adjustment, Net of Tax				20,000,000
Cumulative Effect of Initial Adoption of New Accounting Principle [Abstract]
Cumulative Effect of Initial Adoption of SFAS 158				(1,831,000,000)
Dividends on ESOP Common Stock			(44,000,000)
Net Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net Income			3,732,000,000			3,732,000,000
Dividends, Common Stock			(951,000,000)
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Dividend, Per Share, Declared, Common Stock, Parenthetical Disclosure [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity, Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2006	9,622,000,000	(9,413,000,000)	18,754,000,000	(1,439,000,000)	(227,000,000)	17,297,000,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Ownership Plan	863,000,000	13,000,000	(36,000,000)		13,000,000
Common Stock Contributed to Defined Benefit Pension Plans	87,000,000	63,000,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value		(2,001,000,000)
Effect on Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Due to Change in Measurement Date, Net of Tax				470,000,000
Other Comprehensive Income, Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income, Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease), Total				(84,000,000)
Other Comprehensive Income, Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income, Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease), Total				139,000,000
Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease), Total				722,000,000
Other Comprehensive Income, Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income, Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease), Total				776,000,000
Cumulative Effect of Initial Adoption of New Accounting Principle [Abstract]
Cumulative Effect of Initial Adoption of FIN 48			(19,000,000)
Effect on Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Due to Change in Measurement Date, Net of Tax			(45,000,000)
Dividends on ESOP Common Stock			(47,000,000)
Net Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net Income			4,224,000,000			4,224,000,000
Dividends, Common Stock			(1,080,000,000)
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Dividend, Per Share, Declared, Common Stock, Parenthetical Disclosure [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity, Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2007	10,572,000,000	(11,338,000,000)	21,751,000,000	584,000,000	(214,000,000)	21,355,000,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Employee Stock Ownership Plan	525,000,000	14,000,000	(19,000,000)		14,000,000
Common Stock Contributed to Defined Benefit Pension Plans	82,000,000	168,000,000
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value		(3,160,000,000)
Other Comprehensive Income, Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income, Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease), Total				(59,000,000)
Other Comprehensive Income, Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income, Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease), Total				(310,000,000)
Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income, Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease), Total				(1,967,000,000)
Other Comprehensive Income, Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease) [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income, Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment, Net of Tax, Period Increase (Decrease), Total				(4,153,000,000)
Cumulative Effect of Initial Adoption of New Accounting Principle [Abstract]
Dividends on ESOP Common Stock			(52,000,000)
Net Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Net Income			4,689,000,000			4,689,000,000
Dividends, Common Stock			(1,210,000,000)
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit), Dividend, Per Share, Declared, Common Stock, Parenthetical Disclosure [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity, Ending Balance at Dec. 31, 2008	$11,179,000,000	($14,316,000,000)	$25,159,000,000	($5,905,000,000)	($200,000,000)	$15,917,000,000

Statement of Cash Flows

Statement of Cash Flows (USD $)
	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008		12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2007		12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2006
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Net Income	$4,689,000,000		$4,224,000,000		$3,732,000,000
Depreciation and Amortization [Abstract]
Depreciation and Amortization	1,321,000,000		1,173,000,000		1,033,000,000
Minority Interests in Subsidiaries' Earnings	364,000,000		324,000,000		266,000,000
Employee Benefits and Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock Compensation Cost	211,000,000		198,000,000		180,000,000
Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits [Abstract]
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	45,000,000		58,000,000		(214,000,000)
Increase (Decrease) in Receivables [Abstract]
Change in Accounts Receivable	(491,000,000)		(462,000,000)		(35,000,000)
Increase (Decrease) in Inventories [Abstract]
Change in Inventories and Contracts in Progress	(562,000,000)		(1,111,000,000)		(789,000,000)
Change in Other Current Assets	35,000,000		44,000,000		25,000,000
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Change in Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	788,000,000		1,561,000,000		990,000,000
Other, Net	(239,000,000)		(679,000,000)		(385,000,000)
Net Cash Flows Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	6,161,000,000		5,330,000,000		4,803,000,000
Payments for (Proceeds from) Productive Assets [Abstract]
Capital Expenditures	1,216,000,000		1,153,000,000		954,000,000
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired [Abstract]
Investments in Businesses	1,252,000,000		2,037,000,000		911,000,000
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses and Interests in Affiliates [Abstract]
Dispositions of Businesses	337,000,000		298,000,000		451,000,000
Increase in Customer Financing Assets	(285,000,000)		(411,000,000)		(314,000,000)
Decrease in Customer Financing Assets	138,000,000		272,000,000		382,000,000
Other, Net	58,000,000		151,000,000		(85,000,000)
Net Cash Flows Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	(2,336,000,000)		(3,182,000,000)		(1,261,000,000)
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt [Abstract]
Increase (Decrease) in Short-Term Borrowings, Net	91,000,000		191,000,000		(817,000,000)
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt, Total	2,248,000,000		1,032,000,000		1,109,000,000
Repayments of Long-term Debt [Abstract]
Repayments of Long-term Debt, Total	48,000,000		330,000,000		825,000,000
Payment of Financing and Stock Issuance Costs [Abstract]
Common Stock Issued Under Employee Stock Plans	(163,000,000)	[1]	(415,000,000)	[1]	(346,000,000)	[1]
Dividends Paid on Common Stock	1,210,000,000		1,080,000,000		951,000,000
Payments for Repurchase of Equity [Abstract]
Repurchase of Common Stock	3,160,000,000		2,001,000,000		2,068,000,000
Other, Net	(322,000,000)		(182,000,000)		(136,000,000)
Net Cash Flows Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	(2,238,000,000)		(1,955,000,000)		(3,342,000,000)
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Effect of Foreign Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	(164,000,000)		165,000,000		99,000,000
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	1,423,000,000		358,000,000		299,000,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Beginning Balance	2,904,000,000		2,546,000,000		2,247,000,000
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value, Ending Balance	4,327,000,000		2,904,000,000		2,546,000,000
Interest Paid, Net, Total	659,000,000		629,000,000		575,000,000
Income Taxes Paid	$1,912,000,000		$1,818,000,000		$1,347,000,000
[1]Non-cash investing and financing activities include:Contributions of UTC common stock of $250 during 2008 and $150 each in 2007 and 2006 to domestic defined benefit pension plans

Accounting Policies

Accounting Policies
	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008 USD / shares
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]
Consolidation, Policy [Text Block]	CONSOLIDATION. The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of UTC and our controlled subsidiaries. Intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
Use of Estimates	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements [note 1] Summary of Accounting Principles The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Text Block]	CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS. Cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, demand deposits and short-term cash investments that are highly liquid in nature and have original maturities of three months or less. On occasion, we are required to maintain cash deposits with certain banks in respect to contractual obligations related to acquisitions or divestitures or other legal obligations. As of December 31, 2008, the amount of restricted cash was approximately $310 million, of which approximately $35 million is included in current assets and $275 million is included in long-term assets. Restricted cash as of December 31, 2007 was not significant.
Receivables, Policy [Text Block]	ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE. Current and long-term accounts receivable include retainage of $154 million and $121 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively, and unbilled receivables of $852 million and $643 million in 2008 and 2007, respectively. Retainage represents amounts that, pursuant to the applicable contract, are not due until project completion and acceptance by the customer. Unbilled receivables represent revenues that are not currently billable to the customer under the terms of the contract. These items are expected to be collected in the normal course of business. Long-term accounts receivable are included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Investment, Policy [Text Block]
Marketable Securities, Policy	MARKETABLE EQUITY SECURITIES. Equity securities that have a readily determinable fair value and that we do not intend to trade are classified as available for sale and carried at fair value. Unrealized holding gains and losses are recorded as a separate component of shareowners' equity, net of deferred income taxes.
Derivatives, Policy [Text Block]	We have used derivative instruments, including swaps, forward contracts and options, to manage certain foreign currency, interest rate and commodity price exposures. Derivative instruments are viewed as risk management tools by us and are not used for trading or speculative purposes. Derivatives used for hedging purposes may be designated and effective as a hedge of the identified risk exposure at the inception of the contract. All derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Derivatives used to hedge foreign-currency-denominated balance sheet items are reported directly in earnings along with offsetting transaction gains and losses on the items being hedged. Derivatives used to hedge forecasted cash flows associated with foreign currency commitments or forecasted commodity purchases may be accounted for as cash flow hedges, as deemed appropriate. Gains and losses on derivatives designated as cash flow hedges are recorded in other comprehensive income and reclassified to earnings in a manner that matches the timing of the earnings impact of the hedged transactions. The ineffective portion of all hedges, if any, is recognized currently in earnings.
Inventory, Policy [Text Block]	INVENTORIES AND CONTRACTS IN PROGRESS. Inventories and contracts in progress are stated at the lower of cost or estimated realizable value and are primarily based on first-in, first-out (FIFO) or average cost methods; however, certain subsidiaries use the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method. If inventories that were valued using the LIFO method had been valued under the FIFO method, they would have been higher by $176 million and $173 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Costs accumulated against specific contracts or orders are at actual cost. Inventory in excess of requirements for contracts and current or anticipated orders have been reserved as appropriate. Manufacturing costs are allocated to current production and firm contracts.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Text Block]	FIXED ASSETS. Fixed assets are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed over the assets useful lives using the straight-line method, except for aerospace assets acquired prior to January1, 1999, which are depreciated using accelerated methods.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Text Block]
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Intangible Assets, Impairment, Policy	OTHER LONG-LIVED ASSETS. We evaluate the potential impairment of other long-lived assets when appropriate. If the carrying value of assets exceeds the sum of the undiscounted expected future cash flows, the carrying value of the asset is written down to fair value.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Policy [Text Block]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS. Goodwill represents costs in excess of fair values assigned to the underlying net assets of acquired businesses. Goodwill and intangible assets deemed to have indefinite lives are not amortized. Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are subject to annual impairment testing using the guidance and criteria described in Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets." This testing compares carrying values to fair values and, when appropriate, the carrying value of these assets is reduced to fair value. During 2008, we were not required to record any impairment on goodwill or indefinite-lived intangibles.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy	Intangible assets other than goodwill consist of service portfolios, patents and trademarks, customer relationships and other intangible assets. Useful lives of finite lived intangible assets are estimated based upon the nature of the intangible asset and the industry in which the intangible asset is used. Estimated useful lives of service portfolios generally range from 5 to 30 years. Estimated useful lives of patents and finite-lived trademarks range from 3 to 40 years. Estimated useful lives of customer relationships and other assets range from 2 to 32 years. These intangible assets are amortized based on the pattern in which the economic benefits of the intangible assets are consumed. If a pattern of economic benefit cannot be reliably determined, a straight-line amortization method is used.
Asset Retirement Obligations and Environmental Cost, Policy [Text Block]
Asset Retirement Obligations, Policy	ASSET RETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS. We record the fair value of legal obligations associated with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets in the period in which it is determined to exist, if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. Upon initial recognition of a liability, we capitalize the cost of the asset retirement obligation by increasing the carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is increased for changes in its present value and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. We have determined that conditional legal obligations exist for certain of our worldwide owned and leased facilities related primarily to building materials. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, the outstanding liability for asset retirement obligations was $163 million and $171 million, respectively.
Environmental Costs, Policy	ENVIRONMENTAL. Environmental investigatory, remediation, operating and maintenance costs are accrued when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The most likely cost to be incurred is accrued based on an evaluation of currently available facts with respect to each individual site, including existing technology, current laws and regulations and prior remediation experience. Where no amount within a range of estimates is more likely, the minimum is accrued. For sites with multiple responsible parties, we consider our likely proportionate share of the anticipated remediation costs and the ability of the other parties to fulfill their obligations in establishing a provision for those costs. Liabilities with fixed or reliably determinable future cash payments are discounted. Accrued environmental liabilities are not reduced by potential insurance reimbursements.
Revenue Recognition, Policy [Text Block]	REVENUE RECOGNITION. Sales under government and commercial fixed-price contracts and government fixed-price-incentive contracts are recorded at the time deliveries are made or, in some cases, on a percentage-of-completion basis. Sales under cost-reimbursement contracts are recorded as work is performed. Sales under elevator and escalator sales, installation and modernization contracts are accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method. Losses, if any, on contracts are provided for when anticipated. Loss provisions on original equipment contracts are recognized to the extent that estimated inventoriable manufacturing, engineering, product warranty and product performance guarantee costs exceed the projected revenue from the products contemplated under the contractual arrangement. For new commitments, we generally record loss provisions at the earlier of contract announcement or contract signing. For existing commitments, anticipated losses on contracts are recognized in the period in which losses become evident. Products contemplated under contractual arrangement include products purchased under contract and, in the large commercial engine business, future highly probable sales of replacement parts required by regulation that are expected to be purchased subsequently for incorporation into the original equipment. Revenue projections used in determining contract loss provisions are based upon estimates of the quantity, pricing and timing of future product deliveries. Losses are recognized on shipment to the extent that inventoriable manufacturing costs, estimated warranty costs and product performance guarantee costs exceed revenue realized. Contract accounting requires estimates of future costs over the performance period of the contract as well as estimates of award fees and other sources of revenue. These estimates are subject to change and result in adjustments to margins on contracts in progress. The extent of progress toward completion on our long-term commercial aerospace equipment and helicopter contracts is measured using units of delivery. In addition, we use the cost-to-cost method for development contracts in the aerospace businesses and for elevator and escalator sales, installation and modernization contracts in the commercial businesses. For long-term aftermarket contracts, revenue is recognized over the contract period in proportion to the costs expected to be incurred in performing services under the contract. We review our cost estimates on significant contracts on a quarterly basis, and for others, no less frequently than annually or when circumstances change and warrant a modification to a previous estimate. Adjustments to contract loss provisions are recorded in earnings upon identification. Service sales, representing aftermarket repair and maintenance activities, are recognized over the contractual period or as services are performed. In the commercial businesses, revenue is generally recognized on a straight line basis. In the aerospace businesses, revenue is generally recognized in proportion to cost.
Compensation Related Costs, Policy [Text Block]
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy	PENSION AND POSTRETIREMENT OBLIGATIONS. In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 158, "Employers' Accounting for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans - an amendment of FASB Statement Nos. 87, 88, 106 and 132(R)" (SFAS 158). This statement requires balance sheet recognition of the overfunded or underfunded status of pension and postretirement benefit plans. Under SFAS 158, actuarial gains and losses, prior service costs or credits, and any remaining transition assets or obligations that have not been recognized under previous accounting standards must be recognized in Accumulated Other Non-Shareowners' Changes in Equity, net of tax effects, until they are amortized as a component of net periodic benefit cost. SFAS 158 was effective for publicly-held companies for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2006, except for the measurement date provisions, which were effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2008. Based on the funded status of our plans as of December 31, 2006, the adoption of SFAS 158 decreased total assets by approximately $2.4 billion, decreased total liabilities by approximately $549 million and reduced total shareowners' equity by approximately $1.8 billion, net of taxes. SFAS 158 also requires the measurement date (the date at which plan assets and the benefit obligation are measured) to be the company's fiscal year end. We early-adopted the measurement date provisions of SFAS 158 effective January 1, 2007. The majority of our pension and postretirement plans previously used a November 30 measurement date. All plans are now measured as of December 31, consistent with our company's fiscal year end. The non-cash effect of the adoption of the measurement date provisions of SFAS 158 increased shareowners' equity by approximately $425 million and decreased long-term liabilities by approximately $620 million in 2007. The adoption of SFAS 158 did not affect our results of operations.
Research, Development, and Computer Software, Policy [Text Block]	RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT. Research and development costs not specifically covered by contracts and those related to the company sponsored share of research and development activity in connection with cost-sharing arrangements are charged to expense as incurred. Government research and development support, not associated with specific contracts, is recorded as a reduction to research and development expense in the period earned. Repayment, if any, is in the form of future royalties and is conditioned upon the achievement of certain financial targets. Research and development costs incurred under contracts with customers are expensed as incurred and are reported as a component of cost of products sold. Revenue from such contracts is recognized as product sales when earned.
Collaborative Arrangement Disclosure [Text Block]	Revenues from engine programs under collaboration agreements are recorded as earned and the collaborator share of revenue is recorded as a reduction of revenue at that time. The collaborator share of revenues under Pratt& Whitneys engine programs was approximately $1.1 billion, $.9 billion and $.8 billion for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Costs associated with engine programs under collaboration agreements are expensed as incurred. The collaborator share of program costs is recorded as a reduction of the related expense item at that time.
Income Tax, Policy [Text Block]	INCOME TAXES. In the ordinary course of business there is inherent uncertainty in quantifying our income tax positions. We assess our income tax positions and record tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon managements evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date. For those tax positions where it is more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, we have recorded the largest amount of tax benefit with a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. For those income tax positions where it is not more-likely-than-not that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements. Where applicable, associated interest has also been recognized. We adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No.48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, (FIN 48) on January1, 2007. As a result of this adoption, we recognized a charge of approximately $19 million to the January1, 2007 retained earnings balance. We recognize interest accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense. Penalties, if incurred, would be recognized as a component of income tax expense.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Text Block]	FOREIGN EXCHANGE AND HEDGING ACTIVITY. We conduct business in many different currencies and, accordingly, are subject to the inherent risks associated with foreign exchange rate movements. The financial position and results of operations of substantially all of our foreign subsidiaries are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. Foreign currency denominated assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rates existing at the respective balance sheet dates, and income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates during the respective periods. The aggregate effects of translating the balance sheets of these subsidiaries are deferred as a separate component of Shareowners Equity.

Inventory

Inventory (USD $)
In Millions	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]	[note 5] Inventories and Contracts in Progress (in millions of dollars) 2008 2007 Inventories consist of the following: Raw materials $ 1,271 $ 1,281 Work-in-process 3,295 2,783 Finished goods 3,634 3,694 Contracts in progress 5,174 4,753 13,374 12,511 Less: Progress payments, secured by lien, on U.S. government contracts (476) (279) Billings on contracts in progress (4,558) (4,131) $ 8,340 $ 8,101 Raw materials, work-in-process and finished goods are net of valuation reserves of $497 million and $471 million as of December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007, inventory also includes capitalized research and development costs of $833 million and $740 million, respectively, related to certain aerospace programs. These capitalized costs will be liquidated as production units are delivered to the customer. The capitalized contract research and development costs within inventory principally relate to capitalized costs on Sikorskys CH-148 contract with the Canadian government. The CH-148 is a derivative of the H-92, a military variant of the S-92. Contracts in progress principally relate to elevator and escalator contracts and include costs of manufactured components, accumulated installation costs and estimated earnings on incomplete contracts. Our sales contracts in many cases are long-term contracts expected to be performed over periods exceeding twelve months. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, approximately 66% and 63%, respectively, of total inventories and contracts in progress have been acquired or manufactured under such long-term contracts, a portion of which is not scheduled for delivery within the next twelve months.
Inventory, Net [Abstract]
Inventories and Contracts in Progress, Net	$8,340
Inventory, Net, Items Net of Reserve Alternative [Abstract]
Inventories and Contracts in Progress, Net	$8,340

Property, Plant, and Equipment

Property, Plant, and Equipment (USD $)
In Millions	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]	[note 6] Fixed Assets (in millions of dollars) Estimated Useful Lives 2008 2007 Land $ 334 $ 351 Buildings and improvements 20-40 years 4,681 4,561 Machinery, tools and equipment 3-20 years 9,486 9,394 Other, including under construction 605 571 15,106 14,877 Accumulated depreciation (8,758) (8,581) $ 6,348 $ 6,296 Depreciation expense was $865 million in 2008, $770 million in 2007 and $724 million in 2006.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract]
Net Fixed Assets	$6,348
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract]
Net Fixed Assets	$6,348

Intangible Assets, Goodwill and

Intangible Assets, Goodwill and Other (USD $)
In Millions	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]	GOODWILL. The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill, by segment, are as follows: (in millions of dollars) Balance as of January 1, 2008 Goodwill resulting from business combinations Foreign currency translation and other Balance as of December 31, 2008 Otis $ 1,341 $ 36 $ (184) $ 1,193 Carrier 2,916 454 (100) 3,270 UTC Fire & Security 5,922 277 (1,125) 5,074 Pratt & Whitney 1,027 10 - 1,037 Hamilton Sundstrand 4,579 16 (172) 4,423 Sikorsky 235 19 (5) 249 Total Segments 16,020 812 (1,586) 15,246 Eliminations & Other 100 13 4 117 Total $ 16,120 $ 825 $ (1,582) $ 15,363 INTANGIBLE ASSETS. Identifiable intangible assets are comprised of the following: 2008 2007 (in millions of dollars) Gross Amount Accumulated Amortization Gross Amount Accumulated Amortization Amortized: Service portfolios $ 1,625 $ (700) $ 1,559 $ (633) Patents and trademarks 333 (103) 378 (97) Other, principally customer relationships 2,460 (825) 2,445 (654) $ 4,418 $ (1,628) $ 4,382 $ (1,384) Unamortized: Trademarks and other $ 653 $ - $ 759 $ - Amortization of intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 was $363 million and $325 million, respectively. Amortization of these intangible assets for 2009 through 2013 is expected to approximate $280 million per year.
Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]
Goodwill	$15,363
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Intangible Assets	3,443
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance	16,120
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$15,363

Payables and Accruals

Payables and Accruals (USD $)
In Millions	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block]	[note 7] Accrued Liabilities (in millions of dollars) 2008 2007 Advances on sales contracts and service billings $ 5,248 $ 4,934 Accrued salaries, wages and employee benefits 1,877 1,858 Litigation and contract matters 436 538 Service and warranty 526 573 Income taxes payable 307 450 Interest payable 296 265 Accrued property, sales and use taxes 207 209 Accrued restructuring costs 213 88 Accrued workers compensation 177 168 Other 2,782 2,194 $ 12,069 $ 11,277
Accounts Payable [Abstract]
Accounts Payable, Total	$5,226
Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued Liabilities, Total	$12,069

Exit Or Disposal Cost Obligatio

Exit Or Disposal Cost Obligations
	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008 USD / shares
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	[note 11] Restructuring During 2008, we recorded net pre-tax restructuring and related charges totaling $357 million for new and ongoing restructuring actions. We recorded charges in the segments as follows: Otis $21 million, Carrier $140 million, UTC Fire& Security $63 million, Pratt& Whitney $116 million, Hamilton Sundstrand $16 million and Eliminations & Other $1 million. The charges include $148 million in cost of sales, $205 million in selling, general and administrative expenses and $4 million in other income. As described below, these charges relate principally to actions initiated during 2008 and, to a lesser extent, to certain actions initiated in 2007 and 2006. 2008 Actions. During 2008, we initiated restructuring actions relating to ongoing cost reduction efforts, including selling, general and administrative reductions, principally at Carrier, Pratt & Whitney, and UTC Fire & Security, and the consolidation of manufacturing facilities. We recorded net pre-tax restructuring and related charges totaling $327 million, including $119 million in cost of sales, $204 million in selling, general and administrative expenses, and $4 million in other income. At December 31, 2008, net workforce reductions of approximately 3,900 employees of an expected 6,300 employees have been completed. The majority of the remaining workforce reductions and all facility-related cost reduction actions, expected to total 1.2 million net square feet of facilities, are targeted for completion during 2009 and 2010. The following table summarizes the accrual balances and utilization by cost type for the 2008 restructuring actions: (in millions of dollars) Severance Asset Write-Downs Facility Exit and Lease Termination Costs Total Net pre-tax restructuring charges $ 277 $ 24 $ 26 $ 327 Utilization (125) (24) (19) (168) Balance at December 31, 2008 $ 152 $ - $ 7 $ 159 The following table summarizes expected, incurred and remaining costs for the 2008 restructuring actions by type: (in millions of dollars) Severance Asset Write-Downs Facility Exit and Lease Termination Costs Total Expected costs $ 303 $ 24 $ 60 $ 387 Costs incurred during 2008 (277) (24) (26) (327) Remaining costs at December 31, 2008 $ 26 $ - $ 34 $ 60 The following table summarizes expected, incurred and remaining costs for the 2008 restructuring actions by segment: (in millions of dollars) Expected Costs Costs Incurred During 2008 Remaining Costs at December 31, 2008 Otis $ 29 $ (21) $ 8 Carrier 164 (141) 23 UTC Fire & Security 66 (58) 8 Pratt & Whitney 114 (93) 21 Hamilton Sundstrand 13 (13) - Sikorsky - - - Eliminations & Other 1 (1) - Total $ 387 $ (327) $ 60 2007 Actions. During 2008, we recorded net pre-tax restructuring and related charges totaling $10 million, including $9 million in cost of sales and $1 million in selling, general and administrative expenses. The 2007 actions relate to ongoing cost reduction efforts including workforce reductions, and the consolidation of manufacturing facilities. As of Decemb

Commitment and Contingencies

Commitment and Contingencies
	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008 USD / shares
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]	[note 15] Commitments and Contingent Liabilities LEASES. We occupy space and use certain equipment under lease arrangements. Rental commitments of $1,650 million at December 31, 2008 under long-term noncancelable operating leases are payable as follows: $453 million in 2009, $371 million in 2010, $265 million in 2011, $180 million in 2012, $122 million in 2013 and $259 million thereafter. Rent expense was $504 million in 2008, $437 million in 2007 and $373 million in 2006. Additional information pertaining to commercial aerospace rental commitments is included in Note 4. ENVIRONMENTAL. Our operations are subject to environmental regulation by federal, state and local authorities in the United States and regulatory authorities with jurisdiction over our foreign operations. As described in Note 1, we have accrued for the costs of environmental remediation activities and periodically reassess these amounts. We believe that the likelihood of incurring losses materially in excess of amounts accrued is remote. At December 31, 2008, we had $553 million reserved for environmental remediation. GOVERNMENT. We are now, and believe that in light of the current U.S. government contracting environment we will continue to be, the subject of one or more U.S. government investigations. If we or one of our business units were charged with wrongdoing as a result of any of these investigations or other government investigations (including violations of certain environmental or export laws) the U.S. government could suspend us from bidding on or receiving awards of new U.S. government contracts pending the completion of legal proceedings. If convicted or found liable, the U.S. government could fine and debar us from new U.S. government contracting for a period generally not to exceed three years. The U.S. government could void any contracts found to be tainted by fraud. Our contracts with the U.S. government are also subject to audits. Like many defense contractors, we have received audit reports, which recommend that certain contract prices should be reduced to comply with various government regulations. Some of these audit reports involved substantial amounts. We have made voluntary refunds in those cases we believe appropriate and continue to litigate certain cases. In addition, we accrue for liabilities associated with those matters that are probable and can be reasonably estimated. The most likely settlement amount to be incurred is accrued based upon a range of estimates. Where no amount within a range of estimates is more likely, then we accrued the minimum amount. As previously disclosed, the Department of Justice (DOJ) sued us in 1999 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, claiming that Pratt& Whitney violated the civil False Claims Act and common law. This lawsuit relates to the Fighter Engine Competition between Pratt& Whitneys F100 engine and General Electrics F110 engine. The DOJ alleges that the government overpaid for F100 engines under contracts awarded by the U.S. Air Force in fiscal years 1985 through 1990 because Pratt& Whitney inflated its estimated costs for some purchased parts and withheld data that would ha

Guarantees

Guarantees
	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008 USD / shares
Schedule of Guarantee Obligations [Text Block]	[note 13] Guarantees We extend a variety of financial guarantees to third parties. As of December 31, 2008 and 2007 the following financial guarantees were outstanding: 2008 2007 (in millions of dollars) Maximum Potential Payment Carrying Amount of Liability Maximum Potential Payment Carrying Amount of Liability Credit facilities and debt obligations - unconsolidated subsidiaries (expire 2009 to 2034) $ 208 $ 2 $ 296 $ 1 IAE's financing arrangements (See Note 4) 1,420 14 1,639 14 Commercial aerospace financing arrangements (See Note 4) 137 10 219 40 Commercial customer financing arrangements 209 5 196 1 Performance guarantees 40 - 58 - We also have obligations arising from sales of certain businesses and assets, including representations and warranties and related indemnities for environmental, health and safety, tax and employment matters. The maximum potential payment related to these obligations is not a specified amount as a number of the obligations do not contain financial caps. The carrying amount of liabilities related to these obligations was $150 million and $164 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. For additional information regarding the environmental indemnifications, see Note 15. We accrue for costs associated with guarantees when it is probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The most likely cost to be incurred is accrued based on an evaluation of currently available facts, and where no amount within a range of estimates is more likely, the minimum is accrued. In accordance with FASB Interpretation No.45, Guarantors Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, for guarantees issued after December 31, 2002, we record a liability for the fair value of such guarantees in the balance sheet. We provide service and warranty policies on our products and extend performance and operating cost guarantees beyond our normal service and warranty policies on some of our products, particularly commercial aircraft engines. In addition, we incur discretionary costs to service our products in connection with specific product performance issues. Liability for performance and operating cost guarantees is based upon future product performance and durability, and is estimated largely based upon historical experience. Adjustments are made to accruals as claim data and historical experience warrant. The changes in the carrying amount of service and product warranties and product performance guarantees for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007, are as follows: (in millions of dollars) 2008 2007 Balance as of January 1 $ 1,252 $ 1,321 Warranties and guarantees issued 429 450 Settlements made (551) (531) Adjustments to provision 6 12 Balance as of December 31 $ 1,136 $ 1,252

Debt

Debt
	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008 USD / shares
Debt Disclosure [Text Block]	[note 8] Borrowings and Lines of Credit
Short-term Debt [Text Block]	Short-term borrowings consist of the following: (in millions of dollars) 2008 2007 Domestic borrowings $ 1 $ 1 Foreign bank borrowings 872 1,084 Commercial paper 150 - $ 1,023 $ 1,085 The weighted-average interest rates applicable to short-term borrowings outstanding at December 31, 2008 and 2007 were 5.3% and 7.2%, respectively. At December 31, 2008, approximately $2.0 billion was available under short-term lines of credit with local banks at our various domestic and international subsidiaries. At December 31, 2008, we had two committed credit agreements from banks permitting aggregate borrowings of up to $2.5 billion. One credit commitment is a $1.5 billion revolving credit agreement. As of December 31, 2008, there were no borrowings under this revolving credit agreement, which expires in October 2011. We also have a $1.0 billion multicurrency revolving credit agreement that is available for general funding purposes, including acquisitions. As of December 31, 2008, approximately $460 million had been borrowed under this revolving credit agreement. This agreement expires in November 2011. As of December 31, 2008, the undrawn portions of both the $1.5 billion revolving credit agreement and $1.0 billion multicurrency revolving credit agreement were available to serve as backup facilities for the issuance of commercial paper. In December 2008, we increased our maximum commercial paper borrowing authority from $1.5 billion to $2.5 billion. We generally use our commercial paper borrowings for general corporate purposes, including the funding of potential acquisitions and repurchases of our stock.
Long-term Debt [Text Block]	In December 2008, we issued $1.25 billion of long-term debt, the proceeds of which were used primarily to repay commercial paper borrowings maturing between December 15, 2008 and January 21, 2009. A portion of the net proceeds from the offering was also used to repay approximately $180 million of the outstanding borrowings under our multicurrency revolving credit facility. The remainder of the net proceeds will be used for general corporate purposes. Pending use, we have invested the remaining available net proceeds in short-term interest bearing obligations. The terms of the long-term debt issued in December 2008 were as follows: Principal (in millions of dollars) Rate Maturity $ 1,250 6.125% February 1, 2019 We may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at our option at any time at a redemption price in U.S. dollars equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed or the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the notes to be redeemed, discounted to the redemption date on a semiannual basis at the adjusted treasury rate plus 50 basis points. The redemption price will also include interest accrued to the date of redemption on the principal balance of the notes being redeemed. In May 2008, we issued $1.0 billion of long-term debt, the proceeds of which were primarily used for general corporate purposes, including financing acquisitions and repurchases of our stock. The terms of the long-term debt issued in May 2008 were as follows: Principal (in millions of dollars) Rate Maturity $ 1,000 6.125% July 15, 2038 We may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at our option at any time at a redemption price in U.S. dollars equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed or the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the notes to be redeemed, discounted to the redemption date on a semiannual basis at the adjusted treasury rate plus 25 basis points. The redemption price will also include interest accrued to the date of redemption on the principal balance of the notes being redeemed. In December 2007, we issued $1.0 billion of long-term debt, the proceeds of which were primarily used to repay commercial paper borrowings. The terms of the long-term debt issued in December 2007 were as follows: Principal (in millions of dollars) Rate Maturity $ 1,000 5.375% December 15, 2017 We may redeem the notes, in whole or in part, at our option at any time at a redemption price in U.S. dollars equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed or the sum of the present values of the remaining scheduled payments of principal and interest on the notes to be redeemed, discounted to the redemption date on a semiannual basis at the adjusted treasury rate plus 25 basis points. The redemption price will also include interest accrued to the date of redemption on the principal balance of the notes being redeemed. In May 2006, we issued $1.1 billion of long-term debt, the proceeds of which were used to repay commercial paper borrowings. The

Compensation Related Costs, Ret

Compensation Related Costs, Retirement Benefits (USD $)
In Millions	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]	[note 10] Employee Benefit Plans We sponsor numerous domestic and foreign employee benefit plans, which are discussed below. As disclosed in Note 1, we adopted the recognition provisions of SFAS 158 in 2006. In addition, we early-adopted the measurement date provisions of SFAS 158 effective January1, 2007. Accordingly, we use a December31 measurement date for our pension and postretirement plans. Prior to 2007, we used a November30 measurement date for a majority of our pension and postretirement plans. EMPLOYEE SAVINGS PLANS. We sponsor various employee savings plans. Our contributions to employer sponsored defined contribution plans were $212 million, $200 million and $205 million for 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively. Our non-union domestic employee savings plan uses an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) for employer contributions. External borrowings, guaranteed by us and reported as debt in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, were used by the ESOP to fund a portion of its purchase of ESOP Convertible Preferred Stock (ESOP Preferred Stock) from us. On November6, 2003, the Trustee and we effected the conversion of all 10.6million outstanding shares of ESOP Preferred Stock into 85million shares of common stock. At the time of the conversion, each share of ESOP Preferred Stock was convertible into four shares of common stock, had a guaranteed minimum value of $65, a $4.80 annual dividend and was redeemable by us at any time for $65 per share. Because of its guaranteed value, the ESOP Preferred Stock was classified outside of Shareowners Equity. Beginning with the December31, 2003 balance sheet, common stock held by the ESOP and committed to employees is classified as permanent equity because it no longer has a guaranteed value. Common stock held by the ESOP is included in the average number of common shares outstanding for both basic and diluted earnings per share. Shares of common stock are allocated to employees ESOP accounts at fair value on the date earned. Cash dividends on common stock held by the ESOP are used for debt service payments. Participants receive additional shares in lieu of cash dividends. As ESOP debt service payments are made, common stock is released from an unreleased shares account. ESOP debt may be prepaid or re-amortized to either increase or decrease the number of shares released so that the value of released shares equals the value of plan benefit. We may also, at our option, contribute additional common stock or cash to the ESOP. At December31, 2008, 38.4million common shares had been allocated to employees, leaving 24.6million unallocated common shares in the ESOP Trust, with an approximate fair value of $1.3 billion. PENSION PLANS. We sponsor both funded and unfunded domestic and foreign defined benefit pension plans that cover the majority of our employees. (in millions of dollars) 2008 2007 Change in Benefit Obligation: Beginning balance $ 21,914 $ 21,948 Service cost 446 438 Interest cost 1,263 1,182 Actuarial loss (gain) 111 (565) Total benefits paid (1,121) (1,107) Net settlement and curtailment gain (21) (63) Acquisitions - 38 O

Income Taxes

Income Taxes (USD $)
In Millions	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	[note 9] Taxes on Income (in millions of dollars) 2008 2007 2006 Current: United States: Federal $ 576 $ 490 $ 667 State 51 82 11 Foreign: 1,211 1,206 1,030 1,838 1,778 1,708 Future: United States: Federal $ 142 $ 220 $ (82) State (52) (60) 38 Foreign: (45) (102) (170) 45 58 (214) Income tax expense $ 1,883 $ 1,836 $ 1,494 Attributable to items credited (charged) to equity and goodwill $ 2,818 $ (493) $ 1,287 Future income taxes represent the tax effects of transactions, which are reported in different periods for tax and financial reporting purposes. These amounts consist of the tax effects of temporary differences between the tax and financial reporting balance sheets and tax carryforwards. Pursuant to SFAS 109, Accounting for Income Taxes, current and non-current future income tax benefits and payables within the same tax jurisdiction are generally offset for presentation in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The tax effects of net temporary differences and tax carryforwards which gave rise to future income tax benefits and payables at December 31, 2008 and 2007 are as follows: (in millions of dollars) 2008 2007 Future income tax benefits: Insurance and employee benefits $ 3,200 $ 755 Other asset basis differences (397) (332) Other liability basis differences 1,271 1,266 Tax loss carryforwards 683 549 Tax credit carryforwards 1,125 700 Valuation allowance (698) (545) $ 5,184 $ 2,393 Future income taxes payable: Fixed assets $ 523 $ 630 Other items, net 290 192 $ 813 $ 822 Valuation allowances have been established primarily for tax credit, tax loss carryforwards, and certain foreign temporary differences to reduce the future income tax benefits to expected realizable amounts. Of the total valuation allowance amount of $ 698 million, $278 million was established in purchase accounting, relating primarily to the purchase of Chubb. Upon the January1, 2009 adoption of SFAS 141(R), changes in deferred tax asset valuation allowances and income tax uncertainties after the acquisition date generally will affect income tax expense including those associated with acquisitions that closed prior to the effective date of SFAS 141(R). The sources of income from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interests are: (in millions of dollars) 2008 2007 2006 United States $ 2,899 $ 2,786 $ 2,410 Foreign 4,037 3,598 3,082 $ 6,936 $ 6,384 $ 5,492 U.S. income taxes have not been provided on undistributed earnings of international subsidiaries. It is not practicable to estimate the amount of tax that might be payable. Our intention is to reinvest these earnings permanently or to repatriate the earnings only when it is tax effective to do so. Accordingly, we believe that U.S. tax on any earnings that might be repatriated would be substantially offset by U.S. foreign tax credits. Differences between effective income tax rates and the statutory U.S. federal income tax rates are as follow
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Classification [Abstract]
Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent, Total	$3,633
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Minority Interest, and Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments [Abstract]
Income Before Income Taxes and Minority Interests	$6,936

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share (USD $)
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2007	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2006
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	The computation of diluted earnings per share excludes the effect of the potential exercise of stock awards, including stock appreciation rights (SARs) and stock options when the average market price of the common stock is lower than the exercise price of the related SARs and options during the period. These outstanding stock awards are not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the effect would have been antidilutive. For the year ended December 31, 2008, the number of stock awards excluded from the computation was 8.9 million. There were no antidilutive stock awards outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006.
Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock - Basic	$5	4.38	3.81
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class [Text Block]	[note 3] Earnings Per Share
Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share of Common Stock - Diluted	4.9	4.27	3.71
Shares Used in Computation of Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share [Abstract]
Shares Used in Computation of Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share, Total	937,800	963,900	980,000
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements	18,600	24,900	25,700
Shares Used in Computation of Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share, Total	956,400	988,800	1,005,700

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting
	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008 USD / shares
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]	[note 16] Segment Financial Data Our operations are classified in six principal segments. The segments are generally determined based on the management of the businesses and on the basis of separate groups of operating companies, each with general operating autonomy over diversified products and services. OTIS products include elevators, escalators, moving walkways and service sold to customers in the commercial and residential property industries around the world. CARRIER products include residential, commercial and industrial heating, ventilating, air conditioning (HVAC) and refrigeration systems and equipment, food service equipment, building automation and controls, HVAC and refrigeration components and installation, retrofit and aftermarket services. UTC FIRE& SECURITY products include fire and special hazard and suppression systems and fire fighting equipment, electronic security, monitoring and rapid response systems and service and security personnel for a diversified international customer base principally in the industrial, commercial and residential property sectors. PRATT& WHITNEY products include commercial, military, business jet and general aviation aircraft engines, parts and services, industrial gas turbines and space propulsion sold to a diversified customer base, including international and domestic commercial airlines and aircraft leasing companies, aircraft manufacturers, and U.S. and foreign governments. Pratt& Whitney also provides product support and a full range of overhaul, repair and fleet management services and produces land-based power generation equipment. HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND provides aerospace and industrial products and aftermarket services for diversified industries worldwide. Aerospace products include power generation, management and distribution systems, flight systems, engine control systems, environmental control systems, fire protection and detection systems, auxiliary power units and propeller systems. Industrial products include air compressors, metering pumps and fluid handling equipment. SIKORSKY products include military and commercial helicopters, aftermarket helicopter and aircraft parts and services. Segment Revenues and Operating Profit. Total revenues by segment include intersegment sales, which are generally made at prices approximating those that the selling entity is able to obtain on external sales. Segment information for the years ended December 31 is as follows: Total Revenues Operating Profits (in millions of dollars) 2008 2007 2006 2008 2007 2006 Otis $ 12,949 $ 11,885 $ 10,290 $ 2,477 $ 2,321 $ 1,888 Carrier 14,944 14,644 13,481 1,316 1,381 1,237 UTC Fire & Security 6,462 5,754 4,747 542 443 301 Pratt & Whitney 12,965 12,129 11,112 2,122 2,011 1,817 Hamilton Sundstrand 6,207 5,636 4,995 1,099 967 832 Sikorsky 5,368 4,789 3,230 478 373 173 Total segment 58,895 54,837 47,855 8,034 7,496 6,248 Eliminations & Other (214) (78) (26) (1) (60) 187 General corporate expenses - - - (408) (386) (337)

Business Combinations

Business Combinations
	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008 USD / shares
Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block]	[note 2] Business Acquisitions, Goodwill and Intangible Assets BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS. Our investments in businesses in 2008, 2007 and 2006 totaled $1.4 billion, $2.3 billion and $1.0 billion, including debt assumed of $196 million, $300 million and $138 million, respectively. The 2008 investments consisted primarily of a number of small acquisitions in our commercial businesses. The 2007 investments consisted principally of the acquisition of Initial Electronic Security Group (IESG), a division of Rentokil Initial, plc, and Marioff Corporation, Oy (Marioff) both now part of the UTC Fire& Security segment, and a number of small acquisitions in both the commercial and aerospace businesses. On July2, 2007, we completed the acquisition of IESG with the exception of the French operations, the acquisition of which was completed on December27, 2007 after receiving regulatory approval. The total purchase price was approximately $1.2 billion including approximately $250 million of debt assumed. We recorded approximately $1.0 billion of goodwill and approximately $300 million of identified intangible assets in connection with this acquisition. The acquisition of IESG enhances UTC Fire& Securitys scale and capability in the electronic security business in key markets where we have a significant presence. IESG sells integrated security systems, intrusion detection, closed circuit television, access control and security software. It is headquartered in the United Kingdom, with operations in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, the United States and France. On August30, 2007, we completed the acquisition of Marioff, a global provider of water mist fire suppression systems for land and marine applications, for approximately $348 million. We recorded approximately $250 million of goodwill and approximately $70 million of identified intangibles in connection with this acquisition. The acquisition increases UTC Fire& Securitys presence in environmentally friendly water-based suppression systems and will expand the companys product and service offerings. The 2006 investments in businesses consisted principally of a number of smaller acquisitions including Red Hawk Industries by UTC Fire& Security, Page Group Ltd. by Hamilton Sundstrand and Longville Group Ltd. and Sensitech, Inc. by Carrier. The assets and liabilities of the acquired businesses are accounted for under the purchase method of accounting and recorded at their fair values at the dates of acquisition. The excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired was recorded as an increase in goodwill of $825 million in 2008, $1.8 billion in 2007, and $646 million in 2006. The results of operations of acquired businesses have been included in the Consolidated Statement of Operations beginning as of the effective date of acquisition. The final purchase price allocation for acquisitions is subject to the finalization of the valuation of certain assets and liabilities, plans for consolidation of facilities and relocation of employees and other integration activities. As a result, preliminary amounts assigned to assets and liabilities will be subject to revision in

Derivative Instruments and Hedg

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities
	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008 USD / shares
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block]	[note 12] Financial Instruments We operate internationally and, in the normal course of business, are exposed to fluctuations in interest rates, foreign exchange rates and commodity prices. These fluctuations can increase the costs of financing, investing and operating the business. We manage our foreign currency transaction risks and some commodity exposures to acceptable limits through the use of derivatives designated as hedges as deemed appropriate. By nature, all financial instruments involve market and credit risks. We enter into derivative and other financial instruments with major investment grade financial institutions and have policies to monitor the credit risk of those counterparties. We limit counterparty exposure and concentration of risk by diversifying counterparties. We do not anticipate non-performance by any of these counterparties. The non-shareowner changes in equity associated with hedging activity for the 12 months ended December 31, 2008 and 2007 were as follows: (in millions of dollars) 2008 2007 Balance at January 1 $ 139 $ 4 Cash flow hedging (loss) gain, net (149) 164 Net gain reclassified to sales or cost of products sold (161) (29) Balance at December 31 $ (171) $ 139 Assuming current market conditions continue, of the amount recorded in Shareowners Equity, a $202 million pre-tax loss is expected to be reclassified into sales or cost of products sold to reflect the fixed prices obtained from hedging within the next 12 months. Gains and losses recognized in earnings related to the discontinuance or the ineffectiveness of cash flow and fair value hedges were immaterial for the years ended December 31, 2008 and 2007. At December 31, 2008, all derivative contracts accounted for as cash flow hedges mature by December 2010. All derivative instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. At December 31, 2008 and 2007, the fair value of derivatives recorded as assets was $188 million and $365 million, respectively, and the fair value of derivatives recorded as liabilities was $680 million and $43 million, respectively. We use derivatives to hedge forecasted cash flows associated with foreign currency commitments or forecasted commodity purchases, as deemed appropriate, which are accounted for as cash flow hedges. In addition, from time to time we use derivatives, such as interest rate swaps, which are accounted for as fair value hedges. The notional amount of foreign exchange contracts hedging foreign currency transactions was $9.9 billion and $12.9 billion at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. The carrying amounts and fair values of financial instruments at December 31 are as follows: 2008 2007 (in millions of dollars) Carrying Amount Fair Value Carrying Amount Fair Value Financial Assets and Liabilities Marketable equity securities $ 325 $ 325 $ 202 $ 202 Long-term receivables 343 316 306 302 Customer financing notes receivable 316 245 347 335 Short-term borrowings (1,023) (1,023) (1,085) (1,085) Long-term debt (10,408) (11,332) (8,002) (8,432) The above fair values were com

Fair Value Measures and Disclos

Fair Value Measures and Disclosures
	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008 USD / shares
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]	[note 14] Fair Value Measurement In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No.157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157), which is effective for fiscal years beginning after November15, 2007 and for interim periods within those years. This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands the related disclosure requirements. This statement applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements. The statement indicates, among other things, that a fair value measurement assumes that the transaction to sell an asset or transfer a liability occurs in the principal market for the asset or liability or, in the absence of a principal market, the most advantageous market for the asset or liability. SFAS 157 defines fair value based upon an exit price model. Relative to SFAS 157, the FASB issued FASB Staff Positions (FSP) FAS 157-1, FAS 157-2, and FAS 157-3. FSP FAS 157-1 amends SFAS 157 to exclude SFAS No.13, Accounting for Leases (SFAS 13), and its related interpretive accounting pronouncements that address leasing transactions, while FSP FAS 157-2 delays the effective date of the application of SFAS 157 to fiscal years beginning after November15, 2008 for all nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a non-recurring basis. FSP FAS 157-3 clarifies the application of SFAS 157 as it relates to the valuation of financial assets in a market that is not active for those financial assets. This FSP is effective immediately and includes those periods for which financial statements have not been issued. We currently do not have any financial assets that are valued using inactive markets, and as such are not impacted by the issuance of this FSP. We adopted SFAS 157 as of January 1, 2008, with the exception of the application of the statement to non-recurring nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities. Non-recurring nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities for which we have not applied the provisions of SFAS 157 include those measured at fair value in goodwill impairment testing, indefinite lived intangible assets measured at fair value for impairment testing, asset retirement obligations initially measured at fair value, and those non-recurring nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities initially measured at fair value in a business combination. Valuation Hierarchy. SFAS 157 establishes a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs to valuation used to measure fair value. This hierarchy prioritizes the inputs into three broad levels as follows. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, including interest rates, yield curves and credit risks, or inputs that are derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data through correlation. Level 3 inputs are unobservab

Document Information

Document Information
	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008 USD / shares
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-K
Document Report Type	Annual Report
Amendment Flag	false
Amendment Description	Not Applicable
Document Period End Date	2008-12-31

Entity Information

Entity Information (USD $)
	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008	Jan. 31, 2009	Jun. 30, 2008
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	UNITED TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
Entity Central Index Key	0000101829
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$59,346,468,617
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		942,294,242

Customer Financing Assets

Customer Financing Assets
	12 Months Ended Dec. 31, 2008 USD / shares
Customer Financing Assets [Text Block]	[note 4] Commercial Aerospace Industry Assets and Commitments We have receivables and other financing assets with commercial aerospace industry customers totaling $2,636 million and $2,586 million at December 31, 2008 and 2007, respectively. Customer financing assets related to commercial aerospace industry customers consist of products under lease of $642 million and notes and leases receivable of $346 million. The notes and leases receivable are scheduled to mature as follows: $34 million in 2009, $34 million in 2010, $12 million in 2011, $10 million in 2012, $13 million in 2013, and $243 million thereafter. Financing commitments, in the form of secured debt, guarantees or lease financing, are provided to commercial aerospace customers. The extent to which the financing commitments will be utilized is not currently known, since customers may be able to obtain more favorable terms from other financing sources. We may also arrange for third-party investors to assume a portion of these commitments. If financing commitments are exercised, debt financing is generally secured by assets with fair market values equal to or exceeding the financed amounts with interest rates established at the time of funding. We also may lease aircraft and subsequently sublease the aircraft to customers under long-term noncancelable operating leases. In some instances, customers may have minimum lease terms that result in sublease periods shorter than our lease obligation. Lastly, we have made residual value and other guarantees related to various commercial aerospace customer-financing arrangements. The estimated fair market values of the guaranteed assets equal or exceed the value of the related guarantees, net of existing reserves. Our commercial aerospace financing and rental commitments as of December 31, 2008 were $1,142 million and are exercisable as follows: $407 million in 2009, $114 million in 2010, $32 million in 2011, $6 million in 2012, $6 million in 2013, and $577 million thereafter. Our financing obligations with customers are contingent upon maintenance of certain levels of financial condition by the customers. In addition, we have residual value and other guarantees of $137 million as of December 31, 2008. We have a 33% interest in International Aero Engines AG (IAE), an international consortium of four shareholders organized to support the V2500 commercial aircraft engine program. Our interest in IAE is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. IAE may offer customer financing in the form of guarantees, secured debt or lease financing in connection with V2500 engine sales. At December 31, 2008, IAE had financing commitments of $1,069 million and asset value guarantees of $55 million. Our share of IAEs financing commitments and asset value guarantees was approximately $365 million at December 31, 2008. In addition, IAE had lease obligations under long-term noncancelable leases of approximately $296 million, on an undiscounted basis, through 2020 related to aircraft, which are subleased to customers under long-term leases. These aircraft have fair market values, which approximate the financed amounts, net of reserves. The sharehol