Northrop Grumman (NOC) 10-Q 22 Oct 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information Document	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 17, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORP /DE/	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001133421	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
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 Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	201,999,289

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Sales	'	'	'	'
Product	$3,494	$3,330	$10,466	$10,344
Service	2,490	2,776	7,405	8,160
Total sales	5,984	6,106	17,871	18,504
Operating costs and expenses	'	'	'	'
Product	2,614	2,499	7,815	7,833
Service	2,021	2,262	5,910	6,621
General and administrative expenses	580	555	1,712	1,695
Operating income	769	790	2,434	2,355
Other (expense) income	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	-69	-70	-208	-183
Other, net	-6	0	10	-16
Earnings before income taxes	694	720	2,236	2,156
Federal and foreign income tax expense	221	223	673	682
Net earnings	473	497	1,563	1,474
Basic earnings per share	'	'	'	'
Basic earnings per share	$2.29	$2.18	$7.39	$6.33
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, in millions	206.2	228.2	211.6	232.8
Diluted earnings per share	'	'	'	'
Diluted earnings per share	$2.26	$2.14	$7.28	$6.22
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding, in millions	209.2	232.6	214.8	237
Net earnings (from above)	473	497	1,563	1,474
Change in unamortized benefit plan costs, net of tax	31	78	127	237
Change in cumulative translation adjustment	-26	15	-24	8
Change in unrealized loss on marketable securities and cash flow hedges, net of tax	3	-1	3	-1
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	8	92	106	244
Comprehensive income	$481	$589	$1,669	$1,718

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$3,402	$5,150
Accounts receivable, net	3,233	2,685
Inventoried costs, net	671	698
Deferred tax assets	526	605
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	290	350
Total current assets	8,122	9,488
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $4,540 in 2014 and $4,337 in 2013	2,845	2,806
Goodwill	12,463	12,438
Non-current deferred tax assets	129	209
Other non-current assets	1,484	1,440
Total assets	25,043	26,381
Liabilities	'	'
Trade accounts payable	1,193	1,229
Accrued employee compensation	1,225	1,446
Advance payments and amounts in excess of costs incurred	1,610	1,722
Other current liabilities	1,483	1,418
Total current liabilities	5,511	5,815
Long-term debt, net of current portion	5,926	5,928
Pension and other post-retirement benefit plan liabilities	2,775	2,954
Other non-current liabilities	938	1,064
Total liabilities	15,150	15,761
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Shareholders’ equity	'	'
Preferred stock, $1 par value; 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding	0	0
Common stock, $1 par value; 800,000,000 shares authorized; issued and outstanding: 2014—203,176,629 and 2013—217,599,230	203	218
Paid-in capital	0	848
Retained earnings	12,568	12,538
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-2,878	-2,984
Total shareholders’ equity	9,893	10,620
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$25,043	$26,381

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Accumulated depreciation	($4,540)	($4,337)
Preferred Stock, par value	$1	$1
Preferred Stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred Stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred Stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common Stock, par value	$1	$1
Common Stock, shares authorized	800,000,000	800,000,000
Common Stock, shares issued	203,176,629	217,599,230
Common Stock, shares outstanding	203,176,629	217,599,230

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating Activities	'	'
Net earnings	$1,563	$1,474
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	322	345
Stock-based compensation	93	118
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	-75	-37
Deferred income taxes	76	89
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable, net	-531	-147
Inventoried costs, net	43	10
Prepaid expenses and other assets	-30	-53
Accounts payable and other liabilities	-514	-296
Income taxes payable	201	92
Retiree benefits	5	-331
Other, net	-50	15
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,103	1,279
Investing activities	'	'
Capital expenditures	-285	-178
Other investing activities, net	-72	9
Net cash used in investing activities	-357	-169
Financing activities	'	'
Common stock repurchases	-2,058	-1,661
Cash dividends paid	-423	-411
Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	0	2,841
Payments of long-term debt	0	877
Other financing activities, net	-13	80
Net cash used in financing activities	-2,494	-28
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-1,748	1,082
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	5,150	3,862
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$3,402	$4,944

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited) (USD $)	Total	Common stock	Paid-in capital	Retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive loss
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Beginning of Year at Dec. 31, 2012	'	$239	$2,924	$11,138	($4,787)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock repurchased	'	-21	-1,652	0	'
Stock awards	'	6	212	'	'
Other	'	'	-5	'	'
Net earnings	1,474	'	'	1,474	'
Dividends declared	'	'	'	-416	'
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	244	'	'	'	244
Cash dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$1.77	'	'	'	'
End of Period at Sep. 30, 2013	9,356	224	1,479	12,196	-4,543
Beginning of Year at Dec. 31, 2013	10,620	218	848	12,538	-2,984
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock repurchased	'	-17	-943	-1,099	'
Stock awards	'	2	83	'	'
Other	'	'	12	'	'
Net earnings	1,563	'	'	1,563	'
Dividends declared	'	'	'	-434	'
Other comprehensive income, net of tax	106	'	'	'	106
Cash dividends declared per share (in dollars per share)	$2.01	'	'	'	'
End of Period at Sep. 30, 2014	$9,893	$203	$0	$12,568	($2,878)

Basis_of_Presentation_Unaudite

Basis of Presentation (Unaudited)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
BASIS OF PRESENTATION	'
	BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	Principles of Consolidation and Reporting
	These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Northrop Grumman Corporation and subsidiaries (herein referred to as "Northrop Grumman," the "company," "we," "us," or "our"). Material intercompany accounts, transactions and profits are eliminated in consolidation. Investments in equity securities and joint ventures where the company has significant influence, but not control, are accounted for using the equity method.
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for interim reporting purposes. These financial statements include adjustments of a normal recurring nature considered necessary by management for a fair presentation of the company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
	The results reported in these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the entire year. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the information contained in the company’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
	The quarterly information is labeled using a calendar convention; that is, first quarter is consistently labeled as ending on March 31, second quarter as ending on June 30, and third quarter as ending on September 30. It is the company's long-standing practice to establish actual interim closing dates using a “fiscal” calendar, in which we close our books on a Friday near these quarter-end dates in order to normalize the potentially disruptive effects of quarterly closings on business processes. This practice is only used at interim periods within a reporting year.
	Accounting Estimates
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The preparation thereof requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingencies at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates have been prepared using the most current and best available information; however, actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
	The majority of our contracts are accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method. For such contracts, changes in estimates of contract sales, costs or profits are recognized using the cumulative catch-up method of accounting. This method recognizes, in the current period, the cumulative effect of the changes on current and prior periods; revenue and profit in future periods of contract performance are recognized as if the revised estimates had been used since contract inception. Changes in estimates of contract revenue and cost occur for a variety of reasons, including changes in contract scope, the resolution of risk at lower or higher cost than anticipated, unanticipated risks affecting contract costs, changes in indirect cost allocations, such as overhead and general and administrative expenses, and changes in estimated award and incentive fees. We employ an extensive contract management process involving several functional organizations and numerous personnel who are skilled at managing contract activities. Changes in estimates are frequent; the company performs on a broad portfolio of long-term contracts, including the development of complex and customized military platforms and systems, as well as advanced electronic equipment and software, that often include technology at the forefront of science.
	Significant changes in estimates on a single contract could have a material effect on the company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial position or results of operations and where such changes occur, separate disclosure is made of the nature, underlying conditions and financial impact of the change. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, aggregate net changes in contract estimates recognized using the cumulative catch-up method of accounting increased operating income by $194 million and $556 million ($0.60 and $1.68 per diluted share based on statutory tax rates), respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, aggregate net changes in contract estimates recognized using the cumulative catch-up method of accounting increased operating income by $236 million and $657 million ($0.66 and $1.80 per diluted share based on statutory tax rates), respectively. No discrete event or adjustment to an individual contract was material to the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of earnings and comprehensive income for any of these periods.
	As of September 30, 2014, the amounts related to contract claims and requests for equitable adjustment recognized in estimated contract values were not material individually or in aggregate. In addition, as of September 30, 2014, the company was not aware of any contract terminations in process that would have a material effect on our unaudited condensed consolidated financial position or our annual results of operations and cash flows.
	Litigation, Commitments and Contingencies
	Amounts associated with litigation, commitments and contingencies are recorded as charges to earnings when management determines it is probable a liability will be found to have been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Due to the inherent uncertainties surrounding gain contingencies, we generally do not recognize potential gains until realized. During the third quarter of 2014, the company received payments from the United States (U.S.) Government in a total amount of $75 million to settle certain claims relating to use of the company's intellectual property and a terminated program. This amount is reflected in product sales of the Aerospace Systems segment for the three and nine months ending September 30, 2014.
	Related Party Transactions
	For all periods presented, the company had no material related party transactions.
	Accounting Standards Updates
	On May 28, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2014-09 supersedes existing revenue recognition guidance, including Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) No. 605-35, Revenue Recognition - Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts. ASU 2014-09 outlines a single set of comprehensive principles for recognizing revenue under U.S. GAAP. Among other things, it requires companies to identify contractual performance obligations and determine whether revenue should be recognized at a point in time or over time. These concepts, as well as other aspects of ASU 2014-09, may change the method and/or timing of revenue recognition for certain of our contracts. ASU 2014-09 will be effective January 1, 2017, and may be applied either retrospectively or through the use of a modified-retrospective method. We are currently evaluating both methods of adoption as well as the effect ASU 2014-09 will have on the company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
	Other accounting standards updates effective after September 30, 2014, are not expected to have a material effect on the company’s consolidated financial position or its annual results of operations and cash flows.
	Reclassifications
	Our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 reflect cash flows from operating activities presented solely on the indirect method. The company previously presented both the direct method and indirect method for our cash flows from operating activities. This change in reporting method had no effect on the amount of our net cash flows from operating activities.
	In the first quarter of 2014, we reclassified our cash awards incentive compensation accrual from other current liabilities to accrued employee compensation, which are both reported within current liabilities on the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of financial position. The reclassification reduced other current liabilities and increased accrued employee compensation by $196 million and $277 million, as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	Shareholders' Equity
	The company records the difference between the cost of shares repurchased and their par value as a reduction of paid-in capital to the extent of its balance and then as a reduction of retained earnings.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:
	$ in millions	September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Unamortized benefit plan costs, net of tax benefit of $1,888 as of September 30, 2014 and $1,972 as of December 31, 2013	$	(2,873	)	$	(3,000	)
	Cumulative translation adjustment	(6		)	18
	Net unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities and cash flow hedges, net of tax	1			(2		)
	Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(2,878	)	$	(2,984	)
	Unamortized benefit plan costs consist primarily of net after-tax actuarial losses totaling $3.2 billion and $3.3 billion as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively. Net actuarial gains or losses are re-determined annually or upon remeasurement events and principally arise from changes in the rate used to discount our benefit obligations and differences between expected and actual returns on plan assets.
	Reclassifications from other comprehensive income to net earnings related to the amortization of benefit plan costs were $35 million and $108 million, net of taxes, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, and were $78 million and $237 million, net of taxes, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. The reclassifications represent the amortization of net actuarial losses and prior service credits for the company's retirement benefit plans, and are included in the computation of net periodic pension cost. See Note 8 for further information.
	Reclassifications from other comprehensive income to net earnings, relating to cumulative translation adjustments, marketable securities and effective cash flow hedges for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, were not material. Reclassifications for cumulative translation adjustments and marketable securities are recorded in other income, and reclassifications for effective cash flow hedges are recorded in operating income.

Earnings_Per_Share_Share_Repur

Earnings Per Share, Share Repurchases and Dividends on Common Stock (Unaudited)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
EARNINGS PER SHARE, SHARE REPURCHASES AND DIVIDENDS ON COMMON STOCK	'
	EARNINGS PER SHARE, SHARE REPURCHASES AND DIVIDENDS ON COMMON STOCK
	Basic Earnings Per Share
	We calculate basic earnings per share by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period.
	Diluted Earnings Per Share
	Diluted earnings per share includes the dilutive effect of awards and options granted to employees under stock-based compensation plans. The dilutive effect of these securities totaled 3.0 million shares and 3.2 million shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. The dilutive effect of these securities totaled 4.4 million shares and 4.2 million shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. The weighted-average diluted shares outstanding would exclude stock options with exercise prices in excess of the average market price of the company's common stock during the period; however, we had no such stock options outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
	Share Repurchases
	The table below summarizes the company’s share repurchases:
									Shares Repurchased
									(in millions)
	Repurchase Program Authorization Date		Amount		Total Shares Retired (in millions)	Average		Date Completed	Nine Months Ended September 30
			Authorized			Price
			(in millions)			Per Share(2)			2014	2013
	16-Jun-10		$	5,350	83.7	$	63.86	Sep-13	—	18.6
	May 15, 2013(1)		$	4,000	25.6	$	115.5		16.9	2
	-1	On May 15, 2013, the company's board of directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $4.0 billion of the company’s common stock. Repurchases under this program commenced in September 2013 upon the completion of the company's 2010 repurchase program. As of September 30, 2014, our repurchases under the program totaled $3.0 billion; $1.0 billion remained under this share repurchase authorization. The repurchase program is expected to expire when we have used all authorized funds for repurchase.
	-2	Includes commissions paid.
	Share repurchases take place from time to time, subject to market conditions and management's discretion, in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions. The company retires its common stock upon repurchase and has not made any purchases of common stock other than in connection with these publicly announced repurchase program authorizations.
	Dividends on Common Stock
	In May 2014, the company increased the quarterly common stock dividend 15 percent to $0.70 per share from the previous amount of $0.61 per share.
	In May 2013, the company increased the quarterly common stock dividend 11 percent to $0.61 per share from the previous amount of $0.55 per share.

Segment_Information_Unaudited

Segment Information (Unaudited)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
SEGMENT INFORMATION	'
	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	The company is aligned into four segments: Aerospace Systems, Electronic Systems, Information Systems and Technical Services. The U.S. Government is the primary customer of our four segments. The company, from time to time, acquires or disposes of businesses and realigns contracts, programs or business areas among and within our segments. Portfolio shaping and internal realignments are designed to more fully leverage existing capabilities and enhance development and delivery of products and services.
	The following table presents sales and operating income by segment:
		Three Months Ended September 30						Nine Months Ended September 30
	$ in millions	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Sales
	Aerospace Systems	$	2,543		$	2,484		$	7,465		$	7,582
	Electronic Systems	1,733			1,774			5,121			5,266
	Information Systems	1,511			1,619			4,650			4,982
	Technical Services	691			713			2,120			2,152
	Intersegment eliminations	(494		)	(484		)	(1,485		)	(1,478		)
	Total sales	5,984			6,106			17,871			18,504
	Operating income
	Aerospace Systems	402			330			1,016			936
	Electronic Systems	274			273			833			891
	Information Systems	150			162			465			474
	Technical Services	66			67			202			201
	Intersegment eliminations	(52		)	(69		)	(177		)	(194		)
	Total segment operating income	840			763			2,339			2,308
	Reconciliation to total operating income:
	Net FAS/CAS pension adjustment	(20		)	61			200			125
	Unallocated corporate expenses	(50		)	(33		)	(103		)	(73		)
	Other	(1		)	(1		)	(2		)	(5		)
	Total operating income	$	769		$	790		$	2,434		$	2,355
	Net FAS/CAS Pension Adjustment
	The net FAS (GAAP Financial Accounting Standards)/CAS (U.S. Government Cost Accounting Standards) pension adjustment reflects the difference of pension expense charged to contracts and included as cost in segment operating income less pension expense determined in accordance with GAAP. In the third quarter of 2014, Congress passed the Highway and Transportation Funding Act of 2014 (HATFA), which includes provisions that reduce the amount of CAS pension expense charged to our contracts. The legislation was retroactive to January 1, 2014; in the third quarter of 2014 we recognized a $132 million cumulative reduction in 2014 CAS pension expense principally reflecting the year-to-date HATFA impact. As a result, CAS expense charged to our contracts for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, declined as compared to the same periods in 2013. The reduction in FAS expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, is largely due to the increase in our FAS discount rate assumption as of December 31, 2013.
	Unallocated Corporate Expenses
	Unallocated corporate expenses include the portion of corporate expenses not considered allowable or allocable under applicable CAS regulations and the Federal Acquisition Regulation, and are therefore not allocated to the segments. Such costs consist of a portion of management and administration, legal, environmental, compensation costs, retiree benefits, and certain unallowable costs such as lobbying activities, among others.

Income_Taxes_Unaudited

Income Taxes (Unaudited)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	INCOME TAXES
		Three Months Ended September 30						Nine Months Ended September 30
	$ in millions	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Federal and foreign income tax expense	$	221		$	223		$	673		$	682
	Effective income tax rate	31.8		%	31		%	30.1		%	31.6		%
	The company's lower effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, reflects a $51 million benefit for the partial resolution of the 2007-2009 Internal Revenue Service (IRS) examination, offset in part by the absence of research tax credits in 2014.
	The IRS is conducting an examination of the company’s tax returns for the years 2007 through 2011. In the first quarter of 2014, the U.S. Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation approved the company's partial resolution of the IRS examination of the company’s 2007-2009 tax returns. As a result, the company recorded a reduction of income tax expense of $51 million. The company also reduced its unrecognized tax benefits by $59 million and related accrued interest by $12 million.
	The company believes it is reasonably possible that within the next 12 months we will resolve the remaining matters on our 2007-2009 tax returns and the IRS will complete its examination of our 2010 and 2011 tax returns. The combined resolution of these items, excluding interest, could result in a reduction of our unrecognized tax benefits up to $75 million and a reduction of our income tax expense up to $40 million. Open tax years related to state and foreign jurisdictions remain subject to examination, but are not expected to have a material effect on the company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Unaudited)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	'
	FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	The following table presents comparative carrying value and fair value information for our financial assets and liabilities:
		September 30, 2014						December 31, 2013
	$ in millions	Carrying			Fair			Carrying			Fair
		Value			Value			Value			Value
	Financial Assets (Liabilities)
	Marketable securities
	Trading	$	319		$	319		$	308		$	308
	Available-for-sale	6			6			2			2
	Derivatives	(1		)	(1		)	(2		)	(2		)
	Long-term debt, including current portion	$	(5,929	)	$	(6,597	)	$	(5,930	)	$	(6,227	)
	There were no transfers of financial instruments between the three levels of fair value hierarchy during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value.
	Investments in Marketable Securities
	The company holds a portfolio of marketable securities to partially fund non-qualified employee benefit plans consisting of securities that are classified as either trading or available-for-sale. These assets are recorded at fair value and substantially all of these instruments are valued using Level 1 inputs, with an immaterial amount valued using Level 2 inputs. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, marketable securities of $325 million and $310 million, respectively, were included in other non-current assets in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position.
	Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities
	The company's derivative portfolio consists primarily of foreign currency forward contracts, which are used to manage foreign currency exchange risk related to receipts from customers and payments to suppliers denominated in foreign currencies. The notional values for the company's derivative portfolio at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, were $127 million and $161 million, respectively. The portion of notional values designated as cash flow hedges at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, were $46 million and $77 million, respectively.
	Derivative financial instruments are recognized as assets or liabilities in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and measured at fair value. Substantially all of these instruments are valued using Level 2 inputs.
	Unrealized gains or losses on the effective portion of cash flow hedges are reclassified from other comprehensive income to operating income upon the settlement of the underlying transactions. The derivative fair values and related unrealized gains and losses at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, were not material. Hedge contracts not designated for hedge accounting and the ineffective portion of cash flow hedges are recorded in other income.
	Long-term Debt
	The fair value of long-term debt is calculated using Level 2 inputs based on interest rates available for debt with terms and maturities similar to the company’s existing debt arrangements.

Investigations_Claims_and_Liti

Investigations, Claims and Litigation (Unaudited)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]	'
INVESTIGATIONS, CLAIMS AND LITIGATION	'
	INVESTIGATIONS, CLAIMS AND LITIGATION
	Litigation
	The company is one of several defendants in litigation brought by the Orange County Water District in Orange County Superior Court in California on December 17, 2004, for alleged contribution to volatile organic chemical contamination of the County's shallow groundwater. The lawsuit includes counts against the defendants for violation of the Orange County Water District Act, the California Super Fund Act, negligence, nuisance, trespass and declaratory relief. Among other things, the lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for the cost of remediation, payment of attorney fees and costs, and punitive damages. Trial on the statutory claims (those based on the Orange County Water District Act, the California Super Fund Act and declaratory relief) concluded on September 25, 2012. On October 29, 2013, the court issued its decision in favor of the defendants on the statutory claims. On May 9, 2014, the court granted defendants' dispositive motions on the remaining tort causes of action. Notice of entry of judgment was filed on July 1, 2014. The Orange County Water District filed a notice of appeal on August 28, 2014. The court has not yet set a briefing schedule.
	On May 4, 2012, the company commenced an action, Northrop Grumman Systems Corp. v. United States, in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. This lawsuit relates to an approximately $875 million firm fixed price contract awarded to the company in 2007 by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) for the construction and delivery of flats sequencing systems (FSS) as part of the postal automation program. The FSS have been delivered. The company's lawsuit is based on various theories of liability. The complaint seeks approximately $63 million for unpaid portions of the contract price, and approximately $115 million based on the company's assertions that, through various acts and omissions over the life of the contract, the USPS adversely affected the cost and schedule of performance and materially altered the company's obligations under the contract. The United States responded to the company's complaint with an answer, denying most of the company's claims and counterclaims, seeking approximately $410 million, less certain amounts outstanding under the contract. The principal counterclaim alleges that the company delayed its performance and caused damages to the USPS because USPS did not realize certain costs savings as early as it had expected. On April 2, 2013, the U.S. Department of Justice informed the company of a False Claims Act complaint relating to the FSS contract that was filed under seal by a relator in June 2011 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. On June 3, 2013, the United States filed a Notice informing the Court that the United States had decided not to intervene in this case. On August 26, 2013, the relator filed a corrected First Amended Complaint. The relator alleged that the company violated the False Claims Act in a number of ways with respect to the FSS contract, alleged damage to the USPS in an amount of at least approximately $179 million annually, and sought an unspecified partial refund of the contract purchase price, penalties, attorney's fees and other costs of suit. Damages under the False Claims Act may be trebled upon a finding of liability. The relator also alleged he was improperly discharged in retaliation. On November 22, 2013, the company filed a motion to dismiss the First Amended Complaint. By Order dated December 11, 2013, based on the relator's stipulation, the court dismissed the relator's retaliation claim. By Order dated December 13, 2013, the court dismissed the remaining allegations without prejudice and granted the relator leave to file an Amended Complaint. On January 3, 2014, the relator filed a Second Amended Complaint that, with the exception of the retaliation claim which is now the subject of an arbitration demand, includes the same allegations as the First Amended Complaint. On July 3, 2014, the relator filed a Third Amended Complaint adding an additional theory of recovery, consolidating some earlier counts and eliminating others. On August 15, 2014, the company filed a motion for summary judgment on the Third Amended Complaint. On September 5, 2014, the court granted the company’s motion and ordered the relator’s False Claims Act case be dismissed with prejudice. Although the ultimate outcome of these matters ("the FSS matters," collectively), including any possible loss, cannot be predicted or estimated at this time, the company intends vigorously to pursue and defend the FSS matters.
	On August 8, 2013, the company received a court-appointed expert's report in litigation pending in the Second Federal Court of the Federal District in Brazil brought by the Brazilian Post and Telegraph Corporation (ECT), a Brazilian state-owned entity, against Solystic SAS (Solystic), a French subsidiary of the company, and two of its consortium partners. In this suit, commenced on December 17, 2004, and relatively inactive for some period of time, ECT alleges the consortium breached its contract with ECT and seeks damages of approximately R$111 million (the equivalent of approximately $46 million as of September 30, 2014), plus interest, inflation adjustments and attorneys’ fees, as authorized by Brazilian law, which amounts could be significant over time. The original suit sought R$89 million (the equivalent of approximately $37 million as of September 30, 2014) in damages. In October 2013, ECT asserted an additional damage claim of R$22 million (the equivalent of approximately $10 million as of September 30, 2014). In its counterclaim, Solystic alleges ECT breached the contract by wrongfully refusing to accept the equipment Solystic had designed and built and seeks damages of approximately €31 million (the equivalent of approximately $40 million as of September 30, 2014), plus interest, inflation adjustments and attorneys’ fees, as authorized by Brazilian law. The Brazilian court retained an expert to consider certain issues pending before it. On August 8, 2013 and September 10, 2014, the company received reports from the expert, which contain some recommended findings relating to liability and the damages calculations put forth by ECT. Some of the expert's recommended findings were favorable to the company and others were favorable to ECT. The parties have an opportunity to submit further comments on the expert’s reports. At some point after they do so, the court is expected to hear testimony from witnesses and issue a decision on the parties’ claims and counterclaims that could accept or reject, in whole or in part, the expert’s recommended findings.
	The company is a party to various investigations, lawsuits, claims and other legal proceedings, including government investigations and claims, that arise in the ordinary course of our business. The nature of legal proceedings is such that we cannot assure the outcome of any particular matter. However, based on information available to the company to date, and other than with respect to the FSS matters discussed separately above, the company does not believe the outcome of any matter pending against the company is likely to have a material adverse effect on the company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial position as of September 30, 2014, or its annual results of operations or cash flows.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Unaudited)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	Guarantees of Subsidiary Performance Obligations
	From time to time in the ordinary course of business, the company guarantees obligations of its subsidiaries under certain contracts. Generally, the company is liable under such an arrangement only if its subsidiary is unable to perform under its contract. Historically, the company has not incurred any substantial liabilities resulting from these guarantees.
	In addition, the company’s subsidiaries may enter into joint ventures, teaming and other business arrangements (collectively, Business Arrangements) to support the company’s products and services in domestic and international markets. The company generally strives to limit its exposure under these arrangements to its subsidiary’s investment in the Business Arrangements or to the extent of such subsidiary’s obligations under the applicable contract. In some cases, however, the company may be required to guarantee performance by the Business Arrangements and, in such cases, the company generally strives to obtain cross-indemnification from the other members of the Business Arrangements.
	At September 30, 2014, the company is not aware of any existing event of default that would require it to satisfy any of these guarantees.
	U.S. Government Cost Claims
	From time to time, the company is advised of claims by the U.S. Government concerning certain potential disallowed costs, plus, at times, penalties and interest. When such findings are presented, the company and the U.S. Government representatives engage in discussions to enable the company to evaluate the merits of these claims, as well as to assess the amounts being claimed. Where appropriate, provisions are made to reflect the company’s estimated exposure for matters raised by the U.S. Government. Such provisions are reviewed periodically using the most recent information available. The company believes it has adequately reserved for disputed amounts that are probable and estimable, and the outcome of any such matters would not have a material adverse effect on its unaudited condensed consolidated financial position as of September 30, 2014, or its annual results of operations and/or cash flows.
	Environmental Matters
	The estimated cost to complete remediation at certain current or formerly owned or leased sites has been accrued where the company believes, based on the facts and circumstances known to the company, it is probable the company will incur costs to address environmental impacts and the costs are reasonably estimable. As of September 30, 2014, management estimates the range of reasonably possible future costs for environmental remediation is between $363 million and $798 million, before considering the amount recoverable through overhead charges on U.S. Government contracts. At September 30, 2014, the amount within that range that is accrued for probable environmental remediation costs was $381 million, of which $135 million is accrued in other current liabilities and $246 million is accrued in other non-current liabilities. A portion of the environmental remediation costs is expected to be recoverable through overhead charges on government contracts and, accordingly, such amounts are deferred in inventoried costs and other non-current assets. As of September 30, 2014, $69 million is deferred in inventoried costs and $124 million is deferred in other non-current assets. These amounts are evaluated for recoverability on a routine basis. Although management cannot predict whether new information gained as our environmental remediation projects progress, or as changes in facts and circumstances occur, will materially affect the estimated liability accrued, management does not anticipate future remediation expenditures associated with our currently identified projects will have a material adverse effect on the company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial position as of September 30, 2014, or its annual results of operations and/or cash flows.
	Financial Arrangements
	In the ordinary course of business, the company uses stand-by letters of credit and guarantees issued by commercial banks and surety bonds issued principally by insurance companies to guarantee the performance on certain obligations. At September 30, 2014, there were $298 million of stand-by letters of credit and guarantees and $158 million of surety bonds outstanding.
	Credit Facility
	The company maintains an unsecured credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1.775 billion (the Credit Agreement). The Credit Agreement contains customary terms and conditions, including covenants restricting the company's ability to sell all or substantially all of its assets, merge or consolidate with another entity or undertake other fundamental changes and incur liens. The company also cannot permit the ratio of its debt to capitalization (as set forth in the Credit Agreement) to exceed 65 percent. At September 30, 2014, there was no balance outstanding under this facility. The company was in compliance with all covenants under its Credit Agreement on September 30, 2014.
	Indemnifications
	The company has retained certain environmental, income tax and other potential liabilities in connection with certain of its divestitures. The settlement of these liabilities is not expected to have a material adverse effect on the company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial position as of September 30, 2014, or its annual results of operations or cash flows.
	Operating Leases
	Rental expense for operating leases for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, was $84 million and $229 million, respectively, and was $75 million and $223 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively. These amounts are net of immaterial amounts of sublease rental income.

Retirement_Benefits_Unaudited

Retirement Benefits (Unaudited)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
RETIREMENT BENEFITS	'
	RETIREMENT BENEFITS
	The cost to the company of its defined benefit retirement plans is shown in the following table:
		Three Months Ended September 30												Nine Months Ended September 30
		Pension						Medical and						Pension						Medical and
		Benefits						Life Benefits						Benefits						Life Benefits
	$ in millions	2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Components of net periodic benefit cost
	Service cost	$	114		$	129		$	8		$	9		$	343		$	387		$	25		$	27
	Interest cost	314			279			25			24			944			838			75			72
	Expected return on plan assets	(467		)	(452		)	(21		)	(19		)	(1,402		)	(1,357		)	(63		)	(57		)
	Amortization of:
	Prior service credit	(14		)	(15		)	(12		)	(13		)	(44		)	(44		)	(32		)	(38		)
	Net loss from previous years	81			152			3			8			245			456			9			23
	Other	1			—			—			—			1			—			—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	29		$	93		$	3		$	9		$	87		$	280		$	14		$	27
	Employer Contributions
	We fund our defined benefit pension plans annually in a manner consistent with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended by the Pension Protection Act of 2006. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we made contributions of $59 million and $43 million to the company’s defined benefit pension plans and post-retirement benefit plans, respectively.
	The company also sponsors defined contribution plans. For the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, we made contributions of $63 million and $63 million, respectively, to these plans. For the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, we made contributions of $210 million and $213 million, respectively, to these plans.

Stock_Compensation_Plans_and_O

Stock Compensation Plans and Other Compensation Arrangements (Unaudited)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS AND OTHER COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS	'
	STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS AND OTHER COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS
	Stock Awards
	In February 2014, the company granted certain employees 0.2 million restricted stock rights (RSRs) and 0.5 million restricted performance stocks rights (RPSRs) under the company's long-term incentive stock plan, with a grant date aggregate fair value of $88 million. The RSRs will typically vest on the third anniversary of the grant date, while the RPSRs will vest and settle based on the achievement of financial metrics for the three-year period ending December 31, 2016.
	Cash Awards
	In February 2014, the company granted certain employees cash units (CUs) and cash performance units (CPUs) with a minimum aggregate payout amount of $31 million and a maximum aggregate payout amount of $176 million. The CUs will vest and settle in cash on the third anniversary of the grant date, while the CPUs will vest and settle in cash based on the achievement of financial metrics for the three-year period ending December 31, 2016.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation and Reporting
	These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Northrop Grumman Corporation and subsidiaries (herein referred to as "Northrop Grumman," the "company," "we," "us," or "our"). Material intercompany accounts, transactions and profits are eliminated in consolidation. Investments in equity securities and joint ventures where the company has significant influence, but not control, are accounted for using the equity method.
Basis of Presentation	'
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for interim reporting purposes. These financial statements include adjustments of a normal recurring nature considered necessary by management for a fair presentation of the company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
	The results reported in these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the entire year. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the information contained in the company’s 2013 Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Fiscal Period Policy	'
	The quarterly information is labeled using a calendar convention; that is, first quarter is consistently labeled as ending on March 31, second quarter as ending on June 30, and third quarter as ending on September 30. It is the company's long-standing practice to establish actual interim closing dates using a “fiscal” calendar, in which we close our books on a Friday near these quarter-end dates in order to normalize the potentially disruptive effects of quarterly closings on business processes. This practice is only used at interim periods within a reporting year.
Accounting Estimates	'
	Accounting Estimates
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP). The preparation thereof requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingencies at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Estimates have been prepared using the most current and best available information; however, actual results could differ materially from those estimates.
Revenue Recognition	'
	The majority of our contracts are accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method. For such contracts, changes in estimates of contract sales, costs or profits are recognized using the cumulative catch-up method of accounting. This method recognizes, in the current period, the cumulative effect of the changes on current and prior periods; revenue and profit in future periods of contract performance are recognized as if the revised estimates had been used since contract inception. Changes in estimates of contract revenue and cost occur for a variety of reasons, including changes in contract scope, the resolution of risk at lower or higher cost than anticipated, unanticipated risks affecting contract costs, changes in indirect cost allocations, such as overhead and general and administrative expenses, and changes in estimated award and incentive fees. We employ an extensive contract management process involving several functional organizations and numerous personnel who are skilled at managing contract activities. Changes in estimates are frequent; the company performs on a broad portfolio of long-term contracts, including the development of complex and customized military platforms and systems, as well as advanced electronic equipment and software, that often include technology at the forefront of science.
Description of New Accounting Pronouncements Not yet Adopted	'
	On May 28, 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. ASU 2014-09 supersedes existing revenue recognition guidance, including Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) No. 605-35, Revenue Recognition - Construction-Type and Production-Type Contracts. ASU 2014-09 outlines a single set of comprehensive principles for recognizing revenue under U.S. GAAP. Among other things, it requires companies to identify contractual performance obligations and determine whether revenue should be recognized at a point in time or over time. These concepts, as well as other aspects of ASU 2014-09, may change the method and/or timing of revenue recognition for certain of our contracts. ASU 2014-09 will be effective January 1, 2017, and may be applied either retrospectively or through the use of a modified-retrospective method. We are currently evaluating both methods of adoption as well as the effect ASU 2014-09 will have on the company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Reclassifications	'
	Reclassifications
	Our unaudited condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 reflect cash flows from operating activities presented solely on the indirect method. The company previously presented both the direct method and indirect method for our cash flows from operating activities. This change in reporting method had no effect on the amount of our net cash flows from operating activities.
	In the first quarter of 2014, we reclassified our cash awards incentive compensation accrual from other current liabilities to accrued employee compensation, which are both reported within current liabilities on the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of financial position.
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans	'
	Net actuarial gains or losses are re-determined annually or upon remeasurement events and principally arise from changes in the rate used to discount our benefit obligations and differences between expected and actual returns on plan assets.
	We fund our defined benefit pension plans annually in a manner consistent with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended by the Pension Protection Act of 2006.
Comprehensive Income	'
	Reclassifications for cumulative translation adjustments and marketable securities are recorded in other income, and reclassifications for effective cash flow hedges are recorded in operating income.
Earnings Per Share	'
	We calculate basic earnings per share by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period.
	Diluted earnings per share includes the dilutive effect of awards and options granted to employees under stock-based compensation plans.
Investments in Marketable Securities	'
	Investments in Marketable Securities
	The company holds a portfolio of marketable securities to partially fund non-qualified employee benefit plans consisting of securities that are classified as either trading or available-for-sale. These assets are recorded at fair value and substantially all of these instruments are valued using Level 1 inputs, with an immaterial amount valued using Level 2 inputs.
Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities	'
	Hedge contracts not designated for hedge accounting and the ineffective portion of cash flow hedges are recorded in other income.
	Derivative financial instruments are recognized as assets or liabilities in the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and measured at fair value. Substantially all of these instruments are valued using Level 2 inputs.
	Unrealized gains or losses on the effective portion of cash flow hedges are reclassified from other comprehensive income to operating income upon the settlement of the underlying transactions.
Fair Value of Long-term Debt	'
	Long-term Debt
	The fair value of long-term debt is calculated using Level 2 inputs based on interest rates available for debt with terms and maturities similar to the company’s existing debt arrangements.
Guarantees of Subsidiary Performance Obligations	'
	Guarantees of Subsidiary Performance Obligations
	From time to time in the ordinary course of business, the company guarantees obligations of its subsidiaries under certain contracts. Generally, the company is liable under such an arrangement only if its subsidiary is unable to perform under its contract. Historically, the company has not incurred any substantial liabilities resulting from these guarantees.
	In addition, the company’s subsidiaries may enter into joint ventures, teaming and other business arrangements (collectively, Business Arrangements) to support the company’s products and services in domestic and international markets. The company generally strives to limit its exposure under these arrangements to its subsidiary’s investment in the Business Arrangements or to the extent of such subsidiary’s obligations under the applicable contract. In some cases, however, the company may be required to guarantee performance by the Business Arrangements and, in such cases, the company generally strives to obtain cross-indemnification from the other members of the Business Arrangements.
U.S. Government Cost Claims	'
	U.S. Government Cost Claims
	From time to time, the company is advised of claims by the U.S. Government concerning certain potential disallowed costs, plus, at times, penalties and interest. When such findings are presented, the company and the U.S. Government representatives engage in discussions to enable the company to evaluate the merits of these claims, as well as to assess the amounts being claimed. Where appropriate, provisions are made to reflect the company’s estimated exposure for matters raised by the U.S. Government. Such provisions are reviewed periodically using the most recent information available.
Environmental Matters	'
	A portion of the environmental remediation costs is expected to be recoverable through overhead charges on government contracts and, accordingly, such amounts are deferred in inventoried costs and other non-current assets.
	These amounts are evaluated for recoverability on a routine basis.
	Environmental Matters
	The estimated cost to complete remediation at certain current or formerly owned or leased sites has been accrued where the company believes, based on the facts and circumstances known to the company, it is probable the company will incur costs to address environmental impacts and the costs are reasonably estimable.

Basis_of_Presentation_Unaudite1

Basis of Presentation (Unaudited) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows:
	$ in millions	September 30,			December 31,
		2014			2013
	Unamortized benefit plan costs, net of tax benefit of $1,888 as of September 30, 2014 and $1,972 as of December 31, 2013	$	(2,873	)	$	(3,000	)
	Cumulative translation adjustment	(6		)	18
	Net unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities and cash flow hedges, net of tax	1			(2		)
	Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	$	(2,878	)	$	(2,984	)

Earnings_Per_Share_Share_Repur1

Earnings Per Share, Share Repurchases and Dividends on Common Stock (Unaudited) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Share Repurchases	'
	The table below summarizes the company’s share repurchases:
									Shares Repurchased
									(in millions)
	Repurchase Program Authorization Date		Amount		Total Shares Retired (in millions)	Average		Date Completed	Nine Months Ended September 30
			Authorized			Price
			(in millions)			Per Share(2)			2014	2013
	16-Jun-10		$	5,350	83.7	$	63.86	Sep-13	—	18.6
	May 15, 2013(1)		$	4,000	25.6	$	115.5		16.9	2
	-1	On May 15, 2013, the company's board of directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $4.0 billion of the company’s common stock. Repurchases under this program commenced in September 2013 upon the completion of the company's 2010 repurchase program. As of September 30, 2014, our repurchases under the program totaled $3.0 billion; $1.0 billion remained under this share repurchase authorization. The repurchase program is expected to expire when we have used all authorized funds for repurchase.
	-2	Includes commissions paid.

Segment_Information_Unaudited_

Segment Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Sales and operating income by segment	'
	The following table presents sales and operating income by segment:
		Three Months Ended September 30						Nine Months Ended September 30
	$ in millions	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Sales
	Aerospace Systems	$	2,543		$	2,484		$	7,465		$	7,582
	Electronic Systems	1,733			1,774			5,121			5,266
	Information Systems	1,511			1,619			4,650			4,982
	Technical Services	691			713			2,120			2,152
	Intersegment eliminations	(494		)	(484		)	(1,485		)	(1,478		)
	Total sales	5,984			6,106			17,871			18,504
	Operating income
	Aerospace Systems	402			330			1,016			936
	Electronic Systems	274			273			833			891
	Information Systems	150			162			465			474
	Technical Services	66			67			202			201
	Intersegment eliminations	(52		)	(69		)	(177		)	(194		)
	Total segment operating income	840			763			2,339			2,308
	Reconciliation to total operating income:
	Net FAS/CAS pension adjustment	(20		)	61			200			125
	Unallocated corporate expenses	(50		)	(33		)	(103		)	(73		)
	Other	(1		)	(1		)	(2		)	(5		)
	Total operating income	$	769		$	790		$	2,434		$	2,355

Income_Taxes_Unaudited_Tables

Income Taxes (Unaudited) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Income Tax Expense and Effective Income Tax Rates	'
		Three Months Ended September 30						Nine Months Ended September 30
	$ in millions	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Federal and foreign income tax expense	$	221		$	223		$	673		$	682
	Effective income tax rate	31.8		%	31		%	30.1		%	31.6		%

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Unaudited) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair value information of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'
	The following table presents comparative carrying value and fair value information for our financial assets and liabilities:
		September 30, 2014						December 31, 2013
	$ in millions	Carrying			Fair			Carrying			Fair
		Value			Value			Value			Value
	Financial Assets (Liabilities)
	Marketable securities
	Trading	$	319		$	319		$	308		$	308
	Available-for-sale	6			6			2			2
	Derivatives	(1		)	(1		)	(2		)	(2		)
	Long-term debt, including current portion	$	(5,929	)	$	(6,597	)	$	(5,930	)	$	(6,227	)

Retirement_Benefits_Unaudited_

Retirement Benefits (Unaudited) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost	'
	The cost to the company of its defined benefit retirement plans is shown in the following table:
		Three Months Ended September 30												Nine Months Ended September 30
		Pension						Medical and						Pension						Medical and
		Benefits						Life Benefits						Benefits						Life Benefits
	$ in millions	2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Components of net periodic benefit cost
	Service cost	$	114		$	129		$	8		$	9		$	343		$	387		$	25		$	27
	Interest cost	314			279			25			24			944			838			75			72
	Expected return on plan assets	(467		)	(452		)	(21		)	(19		)	(1,402		)	(1,357		)	(63		)	(57		)
	Amortization of:
	Prior service credit	(14		)	(15		)	(12		)	(13		)	(44		)	(44		)	(32		)	(38		)
	Net loss from previous years	81			152			3			8			245			456			9			23
	Other	1			—			—			—			1			—			—			—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	29		$	93		$	3		$	9		$	87		$	280		$	14		$	27

Basis_of_Presentation_Unaudite2

Basis of Presentation (Unaudited) (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Current Period Impact of Reclassification	'	'	($196)	'	'
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment	'	'	'	'	-277
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	'	'	'	'	'
Unamortized benefit plan costs, net of tax benefit of $1,888 as of September 30, 2014 and $1,972 as of December 31, 2013	-2,873	'	-2,873	'	-3,000
Cumulative translation adjustment	-6	'	-6	'	18
Net unrealized gain (loss) on marketable securities and cash flow hedges, net of tax	1	'	1	'	-2
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	-2,878	'	-2,878	'	-2,984
Unamortized benefit plan costs - Tax Benefit (expense)	1,888	'	1,888	'	1,972
Unamortized benefit plan costs, net actuarial losses, after-tax	3,200	'	3,200	'	3,300
Unamortized benefit plan costs, reclassified from other comprehensive income to net earnings	$35	$78	$108	$237	'

Basis_of_Presentation_Unaudite3

Basis of Presentation (Unaudited) Basis of Presentation (Unaudited) (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Income	$769	$790	$2,434	$2,355
Diluted earnings per share	$2.26	$2.14	$7.28	$6.22
Contracts Accounted for under Percentage of Completion [Member]	'	'	'	'
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating Income	$194	$236	$556	$657
Diluted earnings per share	$0.60	$0.66	$1.68	$1.80

Basis_of_Presentation_Unaudite4

Basis of Presentation (Unaudited) Basis of Presentation (Unaudited) (Details 3) (Positive Outcome of Litigation [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Positive Outcome of Litigation [Member]	'	'
Gain Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement	$75	$75

Earnings_Per_Share_Share_Repur2

Earnings Per Share, Share Repurchases and Dividends on Common Stock #1 (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

39 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

16 Months Ended

Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 16, 2010

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

15-May-13

June 2010 Share Repurchase Program Original Authorization

June 2010 Share Repurchase Program Original Authorization

June 2010 Share Repurchase Program Original Authorization

June 2010 Share Repurchase Program Original Authorization

May 2013 Share Repurchase Program Original Authorization

May 2013 Share Repurchase Program Original Authorization

May 2013 Share Repurchase Program Original Authorization

May 2013 Share Repurchase Program Original Authorization

Share Repurchase [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount Authorized

'

'

'

$5,350,000,000

'

'

'

$4,000,000,000

[1]

Total Shares Retired

'

'

83.7

'

'

'

25.6

[1]

'

Average Cost Per Share

'

'

$63.86

'

'

'

$115.50

[1]

'

Shares Repurchased

0

18.6

'

'

16.9

[1]

2

[1]

'

'

Share Repurchases - Notes to Table

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Shares repurchased amount

'

'

'

'

3,000,000,000

'

3,000,000,000

'

Amount remaining under authorization for share repurchases

'

'

'

'

$1,000,000,000

'

$1,000,000,000

'

[1]

On May 15, 2013, the company's board of directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $4.0 billion of the company’s common stock. Repurchases under this program commenced in September 2013 upon the completion of the company's 2010 repurchase program. As of September 30, 2014, our repurchases under the program totaled $3.0 billion; $1.0 billion remained under this share repurchase authorization. The repurchase program is expected to expire when we have used all authorized funds for repurchase.

Earnings_Per_Share_Share_Repur3

Earnings Per Share, Share Repurchases and Dividends on Common Stock #2 (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	31-May-14	31-May-13	31-May-12	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dilutive effect of of stock awards and options granted to employees under stock-based compensation plans	'	'	'	3	4.4	3.2	4.2
Anti-dilutive stock options excluded from computation of earnings per share	'	'	'	0	0	0	0
Common stock dividends per share, declared (in dollars per share)	$0.70	$0.61	$0.55	'	'	$2.01	$1.77
Increase in quarterly common stock dividend (percent)	15.00%	11.00%	'	'	'	'	'

Segment_Information_Unaudited_1

Segment Information (Unaudited) (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
			segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of reportable segments	'	'	4	'
Sales	$5,984	$6,106	$17,871	$18,504
Operating income	769	790	2,434	2,355
Operating Segments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating income	840	763	2,339	2,308
Operating Segments [Member] | Aerospace Systems [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Sales	2,543	2,484	7,465	7,582
Operating income	402	330	1,016	936
Operating Segments [Member] | Electronic Systems [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Sales	1,733	1,774	5,121	5,266
Operating income	274	273	833	891
Operating Segments [Member] | Information Systems [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Sales	1,511	1,619	4,650	4,982
Operating income	150	162	465	474
Operating Segments [Member] | Technical Services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Sales	691	713	2,120	2,152
Operating income	66	67	202	201
Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Sales	-494	-484	-1,485	-1,478
Operating income	-52	-69	-177	-194
Net FAS/CAS pension adjustment Income (Expense) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating income	-20	61	200	125
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating income	-50	-33	-103	-73
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating income	($1)	($1)	($2)	($5)

Segment_Information_Unaudited_2

Segment Information (Unaudited) Segment Information (Unaudited) (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating income	$769	$790	$2,434	$2,355
Change in Assumptions for Pension Plans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Operating income	($132)	'	($132)	'

Income_Taxes_Unaudited_Details

Income Taxes (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2015
					Maximum
					Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	$221	$223	$673	$682	'
Effective income tax rate	31.80%	31.00%	30.10%	31.60%	'
Income Tax Expense Benefit, Period Increase (Decrease) due to tax settlement	'	'	-51	'	-40
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Period Increase (Decrease) due to tax settlement	'	'	-59	'	'
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Interest on Income Taxes Accrued, Increase (Decrease) due to tax settlement	-12	'	-12	'	'
Significant (Increase) Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Estimated Range of Change, Upper Bound	$75	'	$75	'	'

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments #1 (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Carrying Value	'	'
Marketable Securities	'	'
Trading securities	$319	$308
Available-for-sale securities	6	2
Derivatives	-1	-2
Long-term debt, including current portion	-5,929	-5,930
Fair Value	'	'
Marketable Securities	'	'
Trading securities	319	308
Available-for-sale securities	6	2
Derivatives	-1	-2
Long-term debt, including current portion	($6,597)	($6,227)

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments #2 (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Investments in Marketable Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Marketable Securities, Noncurrent	$325	$310
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	127	161
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	'	'
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	$46	$77

Investigations_Claims_and_Liti1

Investigations, Claims and Litigation (Unaudited) (Details)

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

4-May-12

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

4-May-12

Dec. 31, 2007

Sep. 30, 2014

Aug. 08, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

USD ($)

USD ($)

United States Postal Service

Unpaid Portions of Contract Price and Direct Costs Incurred [Member]

Solystic Matter [Member]

Solystic Matter [Member]

Acts and Omissions with Adverse Affects on Performance and Obligations [Member]

United States Postal Service

United States Postal Service

Solystic Matter [Member]

Solystic Matter [Member]

Solystic Matter [Member]

Initial Claim [Member]

Initial Claim [Member]

Incremental claim [Member]

Incremental claim [Member]

USD ($)

United States Postal Service

USD ($)

EUR (€)

United States Postal Service

USD ($)

False Claims Act

Defendant

USD ($)

BRL

Solystic Matter [Member]

Solystic Matter [Member]

Solystic Matter [Member]

Solystic Matter [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

Threatened Litigation

USD ($)

BRL

USD ($)

BRL

USD ($)

Loss Contingencies

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Contract award

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$875

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Receivables, unpaid long-term contracts

3,233

2,685

'

63

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain contingency, unrecorded amount

'

'

'

'

40

31

115

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Claims asserted, range of possible loss, maximum

798

'

410

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Loss contingency, estimate of possible loss

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$179

'

$46

111

$37

89

$10

22

Loss Contingency, Number of Additional Defendants

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		14 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
					5-Year Term	Other Current Liabilities [Member]	Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]	Inventoried Costs [Member]	Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
					Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Site Contingency [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Low-end of the range of reasonably possible future costs for environmental remediation sites	$363	'	$363	'	'	'	'	'	'
High-end of the range of reasonably possible future costs for environmental remediation sites	798	'	798	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accrual for Environmental Remediation Costs	381	'	381	'	'	135	246	69	124
Financial Arrangements [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Surety bonds outstanding	158	'	158	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stand-by letters of credit and guarantees	298	'	298	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	'	'	'	'	1,775	'	'	'	'
Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Maximum Debt to Capitalization Ratio	'	'	'	'	65.00%	'	'	'	'
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	'	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	'
Operating leases	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Rental expense for operating leases, net of immaterial amounts of sublease rental income	$84	$75	$229	$223	'	'	'	'	'

Retirement_Benefits_Unaudited_1

Retirement Benefits (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Defined contribution plan, employer contributions	$63	$63	$210	$213
Pension Benefits	'	'	'	'
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'	'	'	'
Service cost	114	129	343	387
Interest cost	314	279	944	838
Expected return on plan assets	-467	-452	-1,402	-1,357
Amortization of:	'	'	'	'
Prior service cost (credit)	-14	-15	-44	-44
Net loss from previous years	81	152	245	456
Defined Benefit Plan, Other Costs	1	0	1	0
Net periodic benefit cost	29	93	87	280
Employer Contributions	'	'	'	'
Defined benefit plan, employer contributions	'	'	59	'
Medical and Life Benefits	'	'	'	'
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost	'	'	'	'
Service cost	8	9	25	27
Interest cost	25	24	75	72
Expected return on plan assets	-21	-19	-63	-57
Amortization of:	'	'	'	'
Prior service cost (credit)	-12	-13	-32	-38
Net loss from previous years	3	8	9	23
Defined Benefit Plan, Other Costs	0	0	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost	3	9	14	27
Employer Contributions	'	'	'	'
Defined benefit plan, employer contributions	'	'	$43	'

Stock_Compensation_Plans_and_O1

Stock Compensation Plans and Other Compensation Arrangements (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Restricted Stock Rights	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Vesting period	'	'3 years
Cash Units	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Vesting period	'	'3 years
Restricted Stock Rights	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Shares granted	0.2	'
Restricted Performance Stock Rights	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Shares granted	0.5	'
Vesting period	'	'3 years
Restricted Stock Rights and Restricted Performance Stock Rights	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested awards	88	'
Cash Performance Units	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Vesting period	'	'3 years
Cash Units and Cash Performance Units | Minimum	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested awards	31	'
Cash Units and Cash Performance Units | Maximum	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'
Unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested awards	176	'