Northrop Grumman (NOC) 10-Q 22 Oct 20 2020 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information Document - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Oct. 19, 2020
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Document Type	10-Q
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2020
Document Transition Report	false
Amendment Flag	false
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity File Number	1-16411
Entity Registrant Name	NORTHROP GRUMMAN CORP /DE/
Entity Central Index Key	0001133421
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	80-0640649
Entity Address, Line 1	2980 Fairview Park Drive
Entity Address, City Or Town	Falls Church,
Entity Address, State Or Province	VA
Entity Address, Postal ZIP Code	22042
City Area Code	703
Local Phone Number	280-2900
Title of 12(b) Security	Common Stock
Trading Symbol	NOC
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		166,715,982

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Sales	$ 9,083	$ 8,475	$ 26,587	$ 25,120
Operating costs and expenses
General and administrative expenses	855	776	2,475	2,320
Operating income	985	951	2,913	2,833
Other (expense) income
Interest expense	(154)	(123)	(433)	(398)
FAS (non-service) pension benefit	302	200	907	600
Other, net	34	27	36	82
Earnings before income taxes	1,167	1,055	3,423	3,117
Federal and foreign income tax expense	181	122	564	460
Net earnings	$ 986	$ 933	$ 2,859	$ 2,657
Basic earnings per share
Basic earnings per share	$ 5.91	$ 5.52	$ 17.11	$ 15.67
Weighted-average common shares outstanding, in millions	166.8	169.1	167.1	169.6
Diluted earnings per share
Diluted earnings per share	$ 5.89	$ 5.49	$ 17.05	$ 15.60
Weighted-average diluted shares outstanding, in millions	167.3	169.9	167.7	170.3
Net earnings (from above)	$ 986	$ 933	$ 2,859	$ 2,657
Change in unamortized prior service credit, net of tax	(10)	(12)	(31)	(35)
Change in cumulative translation adjustment and other, net	6	0	7	0
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(4)	(12)	(24)	(35)
Comprehensive income	982	921	2,835	2,622
Product [Member]
Sales	6,667	5,997	19,325	17,605
Cost of Sales	5,346	4,777	15,425	13,955
Service [Member]
Sales	2,416	2,478	7,262	7,515
Cost of Sales	$ 1,897	$ 1,971	$ 5,774	$ 6,012

Condensed Consolidated Statem_2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 4,995	$ 2,245
Accounts receivable, net	1,958	1,326
Unbilled receivables, net	5,723	5,334
Inventoried costs, net	853	783
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,023	997
Total current assets	14,552	10,685
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $6,259 for 2020 and $5,850 for 2019	7,187	6,912
Operating lease right-of-use assets	1,479	1,511
Goodwill	18,711	18,708
Intangible assets, net	844	1,040
Deferred tax assets	188	508
Other non-current assets	1,811	1,725
Total assets	44,772	41,089
Liabilities
Trade accounts payable	2,197	2,226
Accrued employee compensation	1,847	1,865
Advance payments and billings in excess of costs incurred	2,235	2,237
Other current liabilities	3,830	3,106
Total current liabilities	10,109	9,434
Long-term debt, net of current portion of $1,806 for 2020 and $1,109 for 2019	14,260	12,770
Pension and other postretirement benefit plan liabilities	6,389	6,979
Operating lease liabilities	1,292	1,308
Deferred tax liabilities	39	0
Other non-current liabilities	2,216	1,779
Total liabilities	34,305	32,270
Commitments and contingencies (Note 6)
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: 2020—166,715,510 and 2019—167,848,424	167	168
Paid-in capital	27	0
Retained earnings	10,394	8,748
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(121)	(97)
Total shareholders’ equity	10,467	8,819
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 44,772	$ 41,089

Condensed Consolidated Statem_3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Financial Position (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accumulated depreciation	$ (6,259)	$ (5,850)
Long-term debt, current portion	$ 1,806	$ 1,109
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	166,715,510	167,848,424
Common Stock, shares outstanding	166,715,510	167,848,424

Condensed Consolidated Statem_4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Operating activities
Net earnings	$ 2,859	$ 2,657
Adjustments to reconcile to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	922	924
Stock-based compensation	61	93
Deferred income taxes	369	24
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable, net	(632)	(663)
Unbilled receivables, net	(386)	(778)
Inventoried costs, net	(70)	(156)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(122)	(81)
Accounts payable and other liabilities	283	320
Income taxes payable, net	111	(34)
Retiree benefits	(704)	(422)
Other, net	12	(51)
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,703	1,833
Investing activities
Capital expenditures	(828)	(793)
Other, net	0	8
Net cash used in investing activities	(828)	(785)
Financing activities
Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	2,239	0
Payments of long-term debt	(27)	(500)
Payments to credit facilities	(13)	(31)
Net borrowings on commercial paper	0	201
Common stock repurchases	(490)	(444)
Cash dividends paid	(711)	(658)
Payments of employee taxes withheld from share-based awards	(66)	(63)
Other, net	(57)	(5)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	875	(1,500)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	2,750	(452)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	2,245	1,579
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$ 4,995	$ 1,127

Condensed Consolidated Statem_5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	Common stock	Paid-in capital	Retained earnings	Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2018		$ 171	$ 0	$ 8,068	$ (52)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock repurchased		(2)		(449)
Net earnings	$ 2,657			2,657
Dividends declared				(658)
Stock compensation			0	31
Other			0	0
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(35)				(35)
End of period at Sep. 30, 2019	$ 9,731	169	0	9,649	(87)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cash dividends declared per share	$ 3.84
Beginning of period at Jun. 30, 2019		169	0	9,120	(75)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock repurchased		0		(215)
Net earnings	$ 933			933
Dividends declared				(226)
Stock compensation			0	37
Other			0	0
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(12)				(12)
End of period at Sep. 30, 2019	$ 9,731	169	0	9,649	(87)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cash dividends declared per share	$ 1.32
Beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2019	$ 8,819	168	0	8,748	(97)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock repurchased		(1)		(479)
Net earnings	2,859			2,859
Dividends declared				(709)
Stock compensation			33	(36)
Other			(6)	11
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(24)				(24)
End of period at Sep. 30, 2020	$ 10,467	167	27	10,394	(121)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cash dividends declared per share	$ 4.22
Beginning of period at Jun. 30, 2020		167	10	9,652	(117)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock repurchased		0		0
Net earnings	$ 986			986
Dividends declared				(244)
Stock compensation			23	0
Other			(6)	0
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax	(4)				(4)
End of period at Sep. 30, 2020	$ 10,467	$ 167	$ 27	$ 10,394	$ (121)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cash dividends declared per share	$ 1.45

Basis of Presentation (Unaudite

Basis of Presentation (Unaudited)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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 (the “financial statements”) include the accounts of Northrop Grumman Corporation and its subsidiaries and joint ventures or other investments for which we consolidate the financial results (herein referred to as “Northrop Grumman,” the “company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). 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. These financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP” or “FAS”) and in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for interim reporting. The 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. Effective January 1, 2020, the company reorganized its operating sectors to better align the company’s broad portfolio to serve its customers’ needs. The four new sectors, which also comprise our reportable segments, are Aeronautics Systems, Defense Systems, Mission Systems and Space Systems. Beginning in the second quarter of 2020, the company no longer considers certain unallowable costs and environmental matters that are principally managed at the corporate office as part of management’s evaluation of segment operating performance. As a result, certain unallowable compensation and other costs, which were previously included in segment operating results, are now reported in Unallocated corporate expense within operating income. In addition, certain accrued and deferred costs, as well as unallowable costs, if any, associated with certain environmental matters that were previously reflected in segment assets and operating results are now reflected in corporate assets and Unallocated corporate expense within operating income. The impact of these changes are reflected in the amounts in this Form 10-Q. See Part II, Item 5 in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 and Note 9 for further information regarding the impact of these changes on the company’s prior period segment operating income. The results reported in these financial statements are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the entire year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the information contained in the company’s 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Form 8-K that we filed with the SEC on April 29, 2020, which recasts the disclosures in certain portions of the 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K to reflect changes in the company’s reportable segments, and the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020. 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 Preparation of the financial statements 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 sales 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 sales are derived from long-term contracts with the U.S. government for the development or production of goods, the provision of services, or a combination of both. We recognize revenue as control is transferred to the customer, either over time or at a point in time. For most of our contracts, control is effectively transferred during the period of performance, so we generally recognize revenue over time using the cost-to-cost method (cost incurred relative to total cost estimated at completion). The company believes this represents the most appropriate measurement towards satisfaction of our performance obligations. Revenue for contracts in which the control of goods produced does not transfer until delivery to the customer is recognized at a point in time (i.e., typically upon delivery). Contract Estimates Use of the cost-to-cost method requires us to make reasonably dependable estimates regarding the revenue and cost associated with the design, manufacture and delivery of our products and services. The company estimates profit on these contracts as the difference between total estimated sales and total estimated cost at completion and recognizes that profit as costs are incurred. Significant judgment is used to estimate total sales and cost at completion. Contract sales may include estimates of variable consideration, including cost or performance incentives (such as award and incentive fees), contract claims and requests for equitable adjustment (REAs). Variable consideration is included in total estimated sales to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. We estimate variable consideration as the most likely amount to which we expect to be entitled. We recognize changes in estimated contract sales or costs and the resulting changes in contract profit on a cumulative basis. Cumulative EAC adjustments represent the cumulative effect of the changes on current and prior periods; sales and operating margins in future periods are recognized as if the revised estimates had been used since contract inception. If it is determined that a loss is expected to result on an individual performance obligation, the entire amount of the estimable future loss, including an allocation of general and administrative (G&A) expense, is charged against income in the period the loss is identified. The following table presents the effect of aggregate net EAC adjustments: Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 $ in millions, except per share data 2020 2019 2020 2019 Revenue $ 124 $ 142 $ 385 $ 462 Operating income 123 125 359 421 Net earnings (1) 97 99 284 333 Diluted earnings per share (1) 0.58 0.58 1.69 1.96 (1) Based on a 21 percent statutory tax rate. EAC adjustments on a single performance obligation can have a material effect on the company’s financial statements. When such adjustments occur, we generally disclose the nature, underlying conditions and financial impact of the adjustments. No such adjustments were material to the financial statements during the three months ended September 30, 2020 and 2019 . Backlog Backlog represents the future sales we expect to recognize on firm orders received by the company and is equivalent to the company’s remaining performance obligations at the end of each period. It comprises both funded backlog (firm orders for which funding is authorized and appropriated) and unfunded backlog. Unexercised contract options and indefinite delivery indefinite quantity (IDIQ) contracts are not included in backlog until the time an option or IDIQ task order is exercised or awarded. Company backlog as of September 30, 2020 was $81.3 billion . We expect to recognize approximately 35 percent and 55 percent of our September 30, 2020 backlog as revenue over the next 12 and 24 months, respectively, with the remainder to be recognized thereafter. Contract Assets and Liabilities For each of the company’s contracts, the timing of revenue recognition, customer billings, and cash collections results in a net contract asset or liability at the end of each reporting period. Contract assets are equivalent to and reflected as Unbilled receivables in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position and are primarily related to long-term contracts where revenue recognized under the cost-to-cost method exceeds amounts billed to customers. Contract liabilities are equivalent to and reflected as Advance payments and billings in excess of costs incurred in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position. The amount of revenue recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 that was included in the December 31, 2019 contract liability balance was $232 million and $1.5 billion , respectively. The amount of revenue recognized for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 that was included in the December 31, 2018 contract liability balance was $209 million and $1.2 billion , respectively. Disaggregation of Revenue See Note 9 for information regarding the company’s sales by customer type, contract type and geographic region for each of our segments. We believe those categories best depict how the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of our revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows: $ in millions September 30, December 31, Unamortized prior service credit, net of tax expense of $6 for 2020 and $17 for 2019 $ 20 $ 51 Cumulative translation adjustment and other, net (141 ) (148 ) Total accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (121 ) $ (97 ) Related Party Transactions For all periods presented, the company had no material related party transactions. Accounting Standards Updates Accounting standards updates adopted and/or issued, but not effective until after September 30, 2020 , are not expected to have a material effect on the company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial position, annual results of operations and/or cash flows.

Earnings Per Share, Share Repur

Earnings Per Share, Share Repurchases and Dividends on Common Stock (Unaudited)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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 include the dilutive effect of awards granted to employees under stock-based compensation plans. The dilutive effect of these securities totaled 0.5 million shares and 0.6 million shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020 , respectively. The dilutive effect of these securities totaled 0.8 million shares and 0.7 million shares for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2019 , respectively. Share Repurchases On September 16, 2015, the company’s board of directors authorized a share repurchase program of up to $4.0 billion of the company’s common stock (the “2015 Repurchase Program”). Repurchases under the 2015 Repurchase Program commenced in March 2016 and were completed in March 2020. On December 4, 2018, the company’s board of directors authorized a new share repurchase program of up to an additional $3.0 billion in share repurchases of the company’s common stock (the “2018 Repurchase Program”). Repurchases under the 2018 Repurchase Program commenced in March 2020 upon the completion of the company’s 2015 Repurchase Program. We had no repurchases of common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2020 . As of September 30, 2020 , repurchases under the 2018 Repurchase Program totaled $0.2 billion ; $2.8 billion remained under this share repurchase authorization. By its terms, the 2018 Repurchase Program is set to expire when all authorized funds for repurchases have been used. 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, in the periods presented, has not made any purchases of common stock other than in connection with these publicly announced repurchase programs. The table below summarizes the company’s share repurchases to date under the authorizations described above: Shares Repurchased Repurchase Program Amount Total Average (1) Date Completed Nine Months Ended September 30 2020 2019 September 16, 2015 $ 4,000 15.4 $ 260.33 March 2020 0.9 2.3 December 4, 2018 $ 3,000 0.5 326.20 0.5 — (1) Includes commissions paid. Dividends on Common Stock In May 2020, the company increased the quarterly common stock dividend 10 percent to $1.45 per share from the previous amount of $1.32 per share. In May 2019, the company increased the quarterly common stock dividend 10 percent to $1.32 per share from the previous amount of $1.20 per share.

Income Taxes (Unaudited)

Income Taxes (Unaudited)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 $ in millions 2020 2019 2020 2019 Federal and foreign income tax expense $ 181 $ 122 $ 564 $ 460 Effective income tax rate 15.5 % 11.6 % 16.5 % 14.8 % Current Quarter The third quarter 2020 effective tax rate (ETR) increased to 15.5 percent from 11.6 percent in the prior year period primarily due to lower research credits, partially offset by benefits relating to foreign-derived intangible income (FDII) after final regulations issued in July clarified Foreign Military Sales qualify for the deduction. The company’s third quarter 2020 ETR includes benefits of $45 million for research credits and $30 million for FDII. The company’s third quarter 2019 ETR includes benefits of $89 million for research credits and $17 million for FDII. Year to Date The year to date 2020 ETR increased to 16.5 percent from 14.8 percent in the prior year period due to the same current quarter items discussed above. The company’s year to date 2020 ETR includes benefits of $135 million for research credits and $46 million for FDII. The company’s year to date 2019 ETR includes benefits of $171 million for research credits and $26 million for FDII. In March 2020, the CARES Act was enacted. The CARES Act includes certain changes to U.S. tax law that impact the company, including a technical correction to the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which makes certain qualified improvement property eligible for bonus depreciation. The CARES Act did not have a significant impact on the company’s third quarter and year to date 2020 effective tax rate. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2020, we increased our unrecognized tax benefits by approximately $219 million and $294 million , respectively, primarily related to state apportionment, our methods of accounting associated with the timing of revenue recognition and related costs, and the 2017 Tax Act. It is reasonably possible that within the next 12 months our unrecognized tax benefits related to these matters may decrease by up to $50 million . Since enactment of the 2017 Tax Act, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and U.S. Treasury Department have issued and are expected to further issue interpretive guidance that impacts taxpayers. We will continue to evaluate such guidance as it is issued. We file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and in various state and foreign jurisdictions. The Northrop Grumman 2014-2017 federal tax returns and refund claims related to its 2007-2016 federal tax returns are currently under IRS examination. In addition, legacy Orbital ATK federal tax returns for the year ended March 31, 2015, the nine-month transition period ended December 31, 2015 and calendar years 2016-2017 are currently under appeal with the IRS.

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Unaudited)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The company holds a portfolio of marketable securities to partially fund non-qualified employee benefit plans. A portion of these securities are held in common/collective trust funds and are measured at fair value using net asset value (NAV) per share as a practical expedient; and therefore are not required to be categorized in the fair value hierarchy table below. Marketable securities are included in Other non-current assets in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position. The company’s derivative portfolio consists primarily of foreign currency forward contracts. Where model-derived valuations are appropriate, the company utilizes the income approach to determine the fair value and uses the applicable London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) swap rates. The following table presents the financial assets and liabilities the company records at fair value on a recurring basis identified by the level of inputs used to determine fair value: September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 $ in millions Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Financial Assets (Liabilities) Marketable securities $ 345 $ 1 $ 346 $ 364 $ 1 $ 365 Marketable securities valued using NAV 17 17 Total marketable securities 345 1 363 364 1 382 Derivatives — (1 ) (1 ) — (3 ) (3 ) The notional value of the company’s foreign currency forward contracts at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 wa s $66 million and $98 million , respe ctively. At September 30, 2020 , no portion of the notional value was designated as a cash flow hedge. The portion of the notional value designated as a cash flow hedge at December 31, 2019 was $7 million . The derivative fair values and related unrealized gains/losses at September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were not material. There were no transfers of financial instruments between the three levels of the fair value hierarchy during the nine months ended September 30, 2020 . The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents and commercial paper approximates fair value. Long-term Debt The estimated fair value of long-term debt was $19.1 billion and $15.1 billion as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , respectively. We calculated the fair value of long-term debt using Level 2 inputs, based on interest rates available for debt with terms and maturities similar to the company’s existing debt arrangements. The carrying value of long-term debt was $16.1 billion and $13.9 billion as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 , respectively. The current portion of long-term debt is recorded in Other current liabilities in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position. On October 15, 2020, the company repaid $1.0 billion of unsecured senior notes upon maturity. Unsecured Senior Notes In March 2020, the company issued $2.25 billion of unsecured senior notes for general corporate purposes, including debt repayment and working capital, as follows: • $750 million of 4.40% senior notes due 2030 (the “2030 Notes”), • $500 million of 5.15% senior notes due 2040 (the “2040 Notes”) and • $1.0 billion of 5.25% senior notes due 2050 (the “2050 Notes”). We refer to the 2030 Notes, the 2040 Notes and the 2050 Notes, together, as the “notes.” Interest on the notes is payable semi-annually in arrears. The notes are generally subject to redemption, in whole or in part, at the company’s discretion at any time, or from time to time, prior to maturity at a redemption price equal to the greater of 100% of the principal amount of the notes to be redeemed or an applicable “make-whole” amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

Investigations, Claims and Liti

Investigations, Claims and Litigation (Unaudited)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]
INVESTIGATIONS, CLAIMS AND LITIGATION	INVESTIGATIONS, CLAIMS AND LITIGATION 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. 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, alleged that he was improperly discharged in retaliation, and sought an unspecified partial refund of the contract purchase price, penalties, attorney’s fees and other costs of suit. The relator later voluntarily dismissed his retaliation claim and reasserted it in a separate arbitration, which he also ultimately voluntarily dismissed. On September 5, 2014, the court granted the company’s motion for summary judgment and ordered the relator’s False Claims Act case be dismissed with prejudice. On February 16, 2018, both the company and the United States filed motions to dismiss many of the claims and counterclaims referenced above, in whole or in part. The United States also filed a motion seeking to amend its answer and counterclaim, including to reduce its counterclaim to approximately $193 million , which the court granted on June 11, 2018. On October 17, 2018, the court granted in part and denied in part the parties’ motions to dismiss. On February 3, 2020, the parties commenced what was expected to be a seven-week trial. The first four weeks of trial concluded, but the court postponed the remaining estimated three weeks as a result of COVID-19-related concerns. Trial is currently scheduled to resume in November 2020. Although the ultimate outcome of these matters (“the FSS matters,” collectively), including any possible loss, cannot be predicted or reasonably 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, ECT alleges the consortium breached its contract with ECT and seeks damages of approximately R$111 million (the equivalent of approximately $20 million as of September 30, 2020 ), 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 $16 million as of September 30, 2020 ) in damages. In October 2013, ECT asserted an additional damage claim of R$22 million (the equivalent of approximately $4 million as of September 30, 2020 ). 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 $36 million as of September 30, 2020 ), 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. In November 2014, the parties submitted comments on the expert’s most recent report. On June 16, 2015, the court published a decision denying the parties’ request to present oral testimony. In a decision dated November 13, 2018, the trial court ruled in ECT’s favor on one of its claims against Solystic, and awarded damages of R$41 million (the equivalent of approximately $7 million as of September 30, 2020 ) against Solystic and its consortium partners, with that amount to be adjusted for inflation and interest from November 2004 through any appeal, in accordance with the Manual of Calculations of the Federal Justice, as well as attorneys’ fees. On March 22, 2019, ECT appealed the trial court’s decision to the intermediate court of appeals. Solystic filed its appeal on April 11, 2019. On August 10, 2020, the court approved a settlement between the parties and dismissed the lawsuit. We are engaged in remediation activities relating to environmental conditions allegedly resulting from historic operations at the former United States Navy and Grumman facilities in Bethpage, New York. For over 20 years, we have worked closely with the United States Navy, the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the New York State Department of Health and other federal, state and local governmental authorities, to address legacy environmental conditions in Bethpage. We have incurred, and expect to continue to incur, as included in Note 6 , substantial remediation costs related to these environmental conditions. The remediation standards or requirements to which we are subject are being reconsidered and are changing and costs may increase materially. As discussed in Note 6, the State of New York issued a Feasibility Study and an Amended Record of Decision, seeking to impose additional remedial requirements. The company is engaged in discussions with the State of New York and certain other potentially responsible parties. The State of New York has said that, among other things, it is also evaluating potential natural resource damages. In addition, we are a party to various, and expect to become a party to additional, legal proceedings and disputes related to remediation, costs, allowability and/or alleged environmental impacts in Bethpage, including with federal and state entities (including the Navy, Defense Contract Management Agency, the state, local municipalities and water districts) and insurance carriers, as well as class action and individual plaintiffs alleging personal injury and property damage and seeking both monetary and non-monetary relief. These Bethpage matters could result in additional costs, fines, penalties, sanctions, compensatory or other damages (including natural resource damages), determinations on allocation, allowability and coverage, and non-monetary relief. We cannot at this time predict or reasonably estimate the potential cumulative outcomes or ranges of possible liability of these aggregate Bethpage matters. The company is a party to various other investigations, lawsuits, arbitration, claims, enforcement actions 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, the company does not believe that the outcome of any of these other matters 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, 2020

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Unaudited)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES U.S. Government Cost Claims and Contingencies 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 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 such potential disallowed costs. 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 reasonably estimable, and that the outcome of any such matters would not have a material adverse effect on its unaudited condensed consolidated financial position as of September 30, 2020 , or its annual results of operations and/or cash flows. The U.S. government has raised questions about an interest rate assumption used by the company to determine our CAS pension expense in previous years and in our current forward pricing rate proposal. On June 1, 2020, the government provided written notice that the assumptions the company used during the period 2013-2019 were potentially noncompliant with CAS. We are engaging with the government to address their questions. We submitted a formal response on July 31, 2020, which we believe demonstrates the appropriateness of the assumptions used. However, the sensitivity to changes in interest rate assumptions makes it reasonably possible the outcome of this matter could have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows, although we are not currently able to estimate a range of any potential loss. Environmental Matters The table below summarizes the amount accrued for environmental remediation costs, management’s estimate of the amount of reasonably possible future costs in excess of accrued costs and the deferred costs expected to be recoverable through overhead charges on U.S. government contracts as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 : $ in millions Accrued Costs (1)(2) Reasonably Possible Future Costs in Excess of Accrued Costs (2) Deferred Costs (3) September 30, 2020 $ 563 $ 439 $ 474 December 31, 2019 531 448 436 (1) As of September 30, 2020 , $165 million is recorded in Other current liabilities and $398 million is recorded in Other non-current liabilities. (2) Estimated remediation costs are not discounted to present value. The reasonably possible future costs in excess of accrued costs do not take into consideration amounts expected to be recoverable through overhead charges on U.S. government contracts. (3) As of September 30, 2020 , $135 million is deferred in Prepaid expenses and other current assets and $339 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, except with respect to Bethpage, we do not anticipate that 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, 2020 , or its annual results of operations and/or cash flows. With respect to Bethpage, the State of New York issued a Feasibility Study and an Amended Record of Decision, proposing to impose additional remedial requirements. The company is engaged in discussions with the State of New York and other potentially responsible parties. As discussed in Note 5 , the remediation standards or requirements to which we are subject are being reconsidered and are changing and costs may increase materially. Financial Arrangements In the ordinary course of business, the company uses standby 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, 2020 , there were $465 million of stand-by letters of credit and guarantees and $77 million of surety bonds outstanding. Commercial Paper The company maintains a commercial paper program that serves as a source of short-term financing with capacity to issue unsecured commercial paper notes up to $2.0 billion . At September 30, 2020 , there were no commercial paper borrowings outstanding. Credit Facilities The company maintains a five-year senior unsecured credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $2.0 billion (the “2018 Credit Agreement”) that matures in August 2024 and is intended to support the company’s commercial paper program and other general corporate purposes. Commercial paper borrowings reduce the amount available for borrowing under the 2018 Credit Agreement. At September 30, 2020 , there was no balance outstanding under this facility. In December 2016, a subsidiary of the company entered into a two-year credit facility, with two additional one-year option periods, in an aggregate principal amount of £120 million (the equivalent of approximately $154 million as of September 30, 2020 ) (the “2016 Credit Agreement”). The company exercised the second option to extend the maturity to December 2020. The 2016 Credit Agreement is guaranteed by the company. At September 30, 2020 , there was £50 million (the equivalent of approximately $64 million ) outstanding under this facility, which bears interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 1.10 percent . All of the borrowings outstanding under this facility are recorded in Other current liabilities in the unaudited condensed consolidated statement of financial position. At September 30, 2020 , the company was in compliance with all covenants under its credit agreements.

Retirement Benefits (Unaudited)

Retirement Benefits (Unaudited)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
RETIREMENT BENEFITS	RETIREMENT BENEFITS The cost to the company of its pension and other postretirement benefit (OPB) plans is shown in the following table: Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 Pension OPB Pension OPB $ in millions 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Components of net periodic benefit cost (benefit) Service cost $ 102 $ 92 $ 4 $ 4 $ 306 $ 276 $ 13 $ 12 Interest cost 307 340 17 20 920 1,020 50 60 Expected return on plan assets (594 ) (525 ) (26 ) (23 ) (1,782 ) (1,576 ) (77 ) (69 ) Amortization of prior service credit (15 ) (15 ) 1 (1 ) (45 ) (44 ) 3 (2 ) Net periodic benefit cost (benefit) $ (200 ) $ (108 ) $ (4 ) $ — $ (601 ) $ (324 ) $ (11 ) $ 1 Employer Contributions The company sponsors defined benefit pension and OPB plans, as well as defined contribution plans. 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. Contributions made by the company to its retirement plans are as follows: Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 $ in millions 2020 2019 2020 2019 Defined benefit pension plans $ 24 $ 18 $ 70 $ 64 OPB plans 7 10 30 34 Defined contribution plans 116 98 472 377

Stock Compensation Plans and Ot

Stock Compensation Plans and Other Compensation Arrangements (Unaudited)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS AND OTHER COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS	STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS AND OTHER COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS Stock Awards The following table presents the number of restricted stock rights (RSRs) and restricted performance stock rights (RPSRs) granted to employees under the company’s long-term incentive stock plan and the grant date aggregate fair value of those stock awards for the periods presented: Nine Months Ended September 30 in millions 2020 2019 RSRs granted 0.1 0.1 RPSRs granted 0.2 0.2 Grant date aggregate fair value $ 91 $ 92 RSRs typically vest on the third anniversary of the grant date, while RPSRs generally vest and pay out based on the achievement of financial metrics over a three -year period. Cash Awards The following table presents the minimum and maximum aggregate payout amounts related to cash units (CUs) and cash performance units (CPUs) granted to employees in the periods presented: Nine Months Ended September 30 $ in millions 2020 2019 Minimum aggregate payout amount $ 31 $ 36 Maximum aggregate payout amount 175 203 CUs typically vest and settle in cash on the third anniversary of the grant date, while CPUs generally vest and pay out in cash based on the achievement of financial metrics over a three -year period.

Segment Information (Unaudited)

Segment Information (Unaudited)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION	SEGMENT INFORMATION Effective January 1, 2020, the company reorganized its operating sectors to better align the company’s broad portfolio to serve its customers’ needs. The four new sectors, which also comprise our reportable segments, are Aeronautics Systems, Defense Systems, Mission Systems and Space Systems. As discussed in Note 1 , beginning in the second quarter of 2020, the company no longer considers certain unallowable costs as part of management’s evaluation of segment operating performance. As a result, certain unallowable costs, which were previously included in segment operating results, are now reported in Unallocated corporate expense within operating income. This change has been applied retrospectively in the amounts below. See Part II, Item 5 in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 for further information regarding the impact of this change on the company’s prior period segment information. The following table presents sales and operating income by segment: Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 $ in millions 2020 2019 2020 2019 Sales Aeronautics Systems $ 2,914 $ 2,770 $ 8,682 $ 8,309 Defense Systems 1,859 1,931 5,626 5,615 Mission Systems 2,551 2,310 7,344 6,924 Space Systems 2,198 1,885 6,194 5,474 Intersegment eliminations (439 ) (421 ) (1,259 ) (1,202 ) Total sales 9,083 8,475 26,587 25,120 Operating income Aeronautics Systems 294 269 867 879 Defense Systems 217 201 632 617 Mission Systems 370 351 1,070 1,012 Space Systems 224 191 635 574 Intersegment eliminations (56 ) (57 ) (157 ) (156 ) Total segment operating income 1,049 955 3,047 2,926 Net FAS (service)/CAS pension adjustment 108 131 316 346 Unallocated corporate expense (172 ) (135 ) (450 ) (439 ) Total operating income $ 985 $ 951 $ 2,913 $ 2,833 Net FAS (Service)/CAS Pension Adjustment For financial statement purposes, we account for our employee pension plans in accordance with FAS. However, the cost of these plans is charged to our contracts in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the related U.S. Government Cost Accounting Standards (CAS). The net FAS (service)/CAS pension adjustment reflects the difference between CAS pension expense included as cost in segment operating income and the service cost component of FAS expense included in total operating income. Unallocated Corporate Expense Unallocated corporate expense includes the portion of corporate costs not considered allowable or allocable under applicable CAS or FAR, and therefore not allocated to the segments, such as a portion of management and administration, legal, environmental, compensation, retiree benefits, advertising and other corporate unallowable costs. Unallocated corporate expense also includes costs not considered part of management’s evaluation of segment operating performance, such as amortization of purchased intangible assets and the additional depreciation expense related to the step-up in fair value of property, plant and equipment acquired through business combinations, as well as certain compensation and other costs. Disaggregation of Revenue Sales by Customer Type Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 2020 2019 2020 2019 $ in millions $ % (3) $ % (3) $ % (3) $ % (3) Aeronautics Systems U.S. government (1) $ 2,491 85 % $ 2,334 84 % $ 7,329 84 % $ 6,906 83 % International (2) 382 13 % 390 14 % 1,233 14 % 1,264 15 % Other customers 11 1 % 19 1 % 35 1 % 64 1 % Intersegment sales 30 1 % 27 1 % 85 1 % 75 1 % Aeronautics Systems sales 2,914 100 % 2,770 100 % 8,682 100 % 8,309 100 % Defense Systems U.S. government (1) 1,264 68 % 1,299 67 % 3,828 68 % 3,721 66 % International (2) 307 17 % 347 18 % 963 17 % 1,075 19 % Other customers 97 5 % 106 6 % 293 5 % 309 6 % Intersegment sales 191 10 % 179 9 % 542 10 % 510 9 % Defense Systems sales 1,859 100 % 1,931 100 % 5,626 100 % 5,615 100 % Mission Systems U.S. government (1) 1,884 74 % 1,690 73 % 5,331 73 % 5,049 73 % International (2) 455 18 % 407 18 % 1,406 19 % 1,248 18 % Other customers 19 1 % 22 1 % 54 1 % 75 1 % Intersegment sales 193 7 % 191 8 % 553 7 % 552 8 % Mission Systems sales 2,551 100 % 2,310 100 % 7,344 100 % 6,924 100 % Space Systems U.S. government (1) 2,020 92 % 1,743 93 % 5,734 93 % 5,091 93 % International (2) 99 5 % 61 3 % 237 4 % 136 3 % Other customers 54 2 % 57 3 % 144 2 % 182 3 % Intersegment sales 25 1 % 24 1 % 79 1 % 65 1 % Space Systems sales 2,198 100 % 1,885 100 % 6,194 100 % 5,474 100 % Total U.S. government (1) 7,659 84 % 7,066 83 % 22,222 84 % 20,767 83 % International (2) 1,243 14 % 1,205 14 % 3,839 14 % 3,723 15 % Other customers 181 2 % 204 3 % 526 2 % 630 2 % Total Sales $ 9,083 100 % $ 8,475 100 % $ 26,587 100 % $ 25,120 100 % (1) Sales to the U.S. government include sales from contracts for which we are the prime contractor, as well as those for which we are a subcontractor and the ultimate customer is the U.S. government. Each of the company’s segments derives substantial revenue from the U.S. government. (2) International sales include sales from contracts for which we are the prime contractor, as well as those for which we are a subcontractor and the ultimate customer is an international customer. These sales include foreign military sales contracted through the U.S. government. (3) Percentages calculated based on total segment sales. Sales by Contract Type Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 2020 2019 2020 2019 $ in millions $ % (1) $ % (1) $ % (1) $ % (1) Aeronautics Systems Cost-type $ 1,436 50 % $ 1,326 48 % $ 4,205 49 % $ 3,950 48 % Fixed-price 1,448 50 % 1,417 52 % 4,392 51 % 4,284 52 % Intersegment sales 30 27 85 75 Aeronautics Systems sales 2,914 2,770 8,682 8,309 Defense Systems Cost-type 549 33 % 641 37 % 1,759 35 % 1,896 37 % Fixed-price 1,119 67 % 1,111 63 % 3,325 65 % 3,209 63 % Intersegment sales 191 179 542 510 Defense Systems sales 1,859 1,931 5,626 5,615 Mission Systems Cost-type 948 40 % 797 38 % 2,689 40 % 2,502 39 % Fixed-price 1,410 60 % 1,322 62 % 4,102 60 % 3,870 61 % Intersegment sales 193 191 553 552 Mission Systems sales 2,551 2,310 7,344 6,924 Space Systems Cost-type 1,563 72 % 1,312 70 % 4,429 72 % 3,916 72 % Fixed-price 610 28 % 549 30 % 1,686 28 % 1,493 28 % Intersegment sales 25 24 79 65 Space Systems sales 2,198 1,885 6,194 5,474 Total Cost-type 4,496 49 % 4,076 48 % 13,082 49 % 12,264 49 % Fixed-price 4,587 51 % 4,399 52 % 13,505 51 % 12,856 51 % Total Sales $ 9,083 $ 8,475 $ 26,587 $ 25,120 (1) Percentages calculated based on external customer sales. Sales by Geographic Region Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 2020 2019 2020 2019 $ in millions $ % (2) $ % (2) $ % (2) $ % (2) Aeronautics Systems United States $ 2,502 87 % $ 2,353 86 % $ 7,364 86 % $ 6,970 85 % Asia/Pacific 217 7 % 177 6 % 626 7 % 625 7 % All other (1) 165 6 % 213 8 % 607 7 % 639 8 % Intersegment sales 30 27 85 75 Aeronautics Systems sales 2,914 2,770 8,682 8,309 Defense Systems United States 1,361 82 % 1,405 80 % 4,121 81 % 4,030 79 % Asia/Pacific 103 6 % 78 5 % 292 6 % 291 6 % All other (1) 204 12 % 269 15 % 671 13 % 784 15 % Intersegment sales 191 179 542 510 Defense Systems sales 1,859 1,931 5,626 5,615 Mission Systems United States 1,903 81 % 1,712 81 % 5,385 79 % 5,124 81 % Asia/Pacific 122 5 % 135 6 % 489 7 % 412 6 % All other (1) 333 14 % 272 13 % 917 14 % 836 13 % Intersegment sales 193 191 553 552 Mission Systems sales 2,551 2,310 7,344 6,924 Space Systems United States 2,074 96 % 1,800 97 % 5,878 96 % 5,273 98 % Asia/Pacific 5 — % — — % 15 — % 14 — % All other (1) 94 4 % 61 3 % 222 4 % 122 2 % Intersegment sales 25 24 79 65 Space Systems sales 2,198 1,885 6,194 5,474 Total United States 7,840 86 % 7,270 86 % 22,748 86 % 21,397 85 % Asia/Pacific 447 5 % 390 5 % 1,422 5 % 1,342 5 % All other (1) 796 9 % 815 9 % 2,417 9 % 2,381 10 % Total Sales $ 9,083 $ 8,475 $ 26,587 $ 25,120 (1) All other is principally comprised of Europe and the Middle East. (2) Percentages calculated based on external customer sales.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation	These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements (the “financial statements”) include the accounts of Northrop Grumman Corporation and its subsidiaries and joint ventures or other investments for which we consolidate the financial results (herein referred to as “Northrop Grumman,” the “company,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). 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	These financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP” or “FAS”) and in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for interim reporting. The 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. Effective January 1, 2020, the company reorganized its operating sectors to better align the company’s broad portfolio to serve its customers’ needs. The four new sectors, which also comprise our reportable segments, are Aeronautics Systems, Defense Systems, Mission Systems and Space Systems. Beginning in the second quarter of 2020, the company no longer considers certain unallowable costs and environmental matters that are principally managed at the corporate office as part of management’s evaluation of segment operating performance. As a result, certain unallowable compensation and other costs, which were previously included in segment operating results, are now reported in Unallocated corporate expense within operating income. In addition, certain accrued and deferred costs, as well as unallowable costs, if any, associated with certain environmental matters that were previously reflected in segment assets and operating results are now reflected in corporate assets and Unallocated corporate expense within operating income. The impact of these changes are reflected in the amounts in this Form 10-Q. See Part II, Item 5 in the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2020 and Note 9 for further information regarding the impact of these changes on the company’s prior period segment operating income. The results reported in these financial statements are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the entire year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the information contained in the company’s 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K, the Form 8-K that we filed with the SEC on April 29, 2020, which recasts the disclosures in certain portions of the 2019 Annual Report on Form 10-K to reflect changes in the company’s reportable segments, and the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020.
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	Preparation of the financial statements 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 sales 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 from Contract with Customer	Revenue Recognition The majority of our sales are derived from long-term contracts with the U.S. government for the development or production of goods, the provision of services, or a combination of both. We recognize revenue as control is transferred to the customer, either over time or at a point in time. For most of our contracts, control is effectively transferred during the period of performance, so we generally recognize revenue over time using the cost-to-cost method (cost incurred relative to total cost estimated at completion). The company believes this represents the most appropriate measurement towards satisfaction of our performance obligations. Revenue for contracts in which the control of goods produced does not transfer until delivery to the customer is recognized at a point in time (i.e., typically upon delivery). Contract Estimates Use of the cost-to-cost method requires us to make reasonably dependable estimates regarding the revenue and cost associated with the design, manufacture and delivery of our products and services. The company estimates profit on these contracts as the difference between total estimated sales and total estimated cost at completion and recognizes that profit as costs are incurred. Significant judgment is used to estimate total sales and cost at completion. Contract sales may include estimates of variable consideration, including cost or performance incentives (such as award and incentive fees), contract claims and requests for equitable adjustment (REAs). Variable consideration is included in total estimated sales to the extent it is probable that a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized will not occur when the uncertainty associated with the variable consideration is subsequently resolved. We estimate variable consideration as the most likely amount to which we expect to be entitled. We recognize changes in estimated contract sales or costs and the resulting changes in contract profit on a cumulative basis. Cumulative EAC adjustments represent the cumulative effect of the changes on current and prior periods; sales and operating margins in future periods are recognized as if the revised estimates had been used since contract inception. If it is determined that a loss is expected to result on an individual performance obligation, the entire amount of the estimable future loss, including an allocation of general and administrative (G&A) expense, is charged against income in the period the loss is identified. Contract Assets and Liabilities For each of the company’s contracts, the timing of revenue recognition, customer billings, and cash collections results in a net contract asset or liability at the end of each reporting period. Contract assets are equivalent to and reflected as Unbilled receivables in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of financial position and are primarily related to long-term contracts where revenue recognized under the cost-to-cost method exceeds amounts billed to customers. Contract liabilities are equivalent to and reflected as Advance payments and billings in excess of costs incurred
Earnings Per Share	Diluted earnings per share include the dilutive effect of awards granted to employees under stock-based compensation plans. We calculate basic earnings per share by dividing net earnings by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period.
Investments in Marketable Securities	The company holds a portfolio of marketable securities to partially fund non-qualified employee benefit plans. A portion of these securities are held in common/collective trust funds and are measured at fair value using net asset value (NAV) per share as a practical expedient; and therefore are not required to be categorized in the fair value hierarchy table
Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities	Where model-derived valuations are appropriate, the company utilizes the income approach to determine the fair value and uses the applicable London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) swap rates.
Fair Value of Long-term Debt	We calculated the fair value of long-term debt using Level 2 inputs, based on interest rates available for debt with terms and maturities similar to the company’s existing debt arrangements.
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 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 such potential disallowed costs. Such provisions are reviewed periodically using the most recent information available.
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans	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

Basis of Presentation (Unaudi_2

Basis of Presentation (Unaudited) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Change in Accounting Estimate [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the effect of aggregate net EAC adjustments: Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 $ in millions, except per share data 2020 2019 2020 2019 Revenue $ 124 $ 142 $ 385 $ 462 Operating income 123 125 359 421 Net earnings (1) 97 99 284 333 Diluted earnings per share (1) 0.58 0.58 1.69 1.96 (1)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows: $ in millions September 30, December 31, Unamortized prior service credit, net of tax expense of $6 for 2020 and $17 for 2019 $ 20 $ 51 Cumulative translation adjustment and other, net (141 ) (148 ) Total accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (121 ) $ (97 )

Earnings Per Share, Share Rep_2

Earnings Per Share, Share Repurchases and Dividends on Common Stock (Unaudited) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Equity [Abstract]
Share Repurchases	The table below summarizes the company’s share repurchases to date under the authorizations described above: Shares Repurchased Repurchase Program Amount Total Average (1) Date Completed Nine Months Ended September 30 2020 2019 September 16, 2015 $ 4,000 15.4 $ 260.33 March 2020 0.9 2.3 December 4, 2018 $ 3,000 0.5 326.20 0.5 — (1) Includes commissions paid.

Income Taxes (Unaudited) (Table

Income Taxes (Unaudited) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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 2020 2019 2020 2019 Federal and foreign income tax expense $ 181 $ 122 $ 564 $ 460 Effective income tax rate 15.5 % 11.6 % 16.5 % 14.8 %

Fair Value of Financial Instr_2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Unaudited) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value information of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis	The following table presents the financial assets and liabilities the company records at fair value on a recurring basis identified by the level of inputs used to determine fair value: September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 $ in millions Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Financial Assets (Liabilities) Marketable securities $ 345 $ 1 $ 346 $ 364 $ 1 $ 365 Marketable securities valued using NAV 17 17 Total marketable securities 345 1 363 364 1 382 Derivatives — (1 ) (1 ) — (3 ) (3 )

Commitments and Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Unaudited) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Environmental Remediation Range of Future Costs [Line Items]
Environmental Remediation [Table Text Block]	The table below summarizes the amount accrued for environmental remediation costs, management’s estimate of the amount of reasonably possible future costs in excess of accrued costs and the deferred costs expected to be recoverable through overhead charges on U.S. government contracts as of September 30, 2020 and December 31, 2019 : $ in millions Accrued Costs (1)(2) Reasonably Possible Future Costs in Excess of Accrued Costs (2) Deferred Costs (3) September 30, 2020 $ 563 $ 439 $ 474 December 31, 2019 531 448 436 (1) As of September 30, 2020 , $165 million is recorded in Other current liabilities and $398 million is recorded in Other non-current liabilities. (2) Estimated remediation costs are not discounted to present value. The reasonably possible future costs in excess of accrued costs do not take into consideration amounts expected to be recoverable through overhead charges on U.S. government contracts. (3) As of September 30, 2020 , $135 million is deferred in Prepaid expenses and other current assets and $339 million is deferred in Other non-current assets. These amounts are evaluated for recoverability on a routine basis.

Retirement Benefits (Unaudite_2

Retirement Benefits (Unaudited) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Components of net periodic benefit cost	The cost to the company of its pension and other postretirement benefit (OPB) plans is shown in the following table: Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 Pension OPB Pension OPB $ in millions 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 2020 2019 Components of net periodic benefit cost (benefit) Service cost $ 102 $ 92 $ 4 $ 4 $ 306 $ 276 $ 13 $ 12 Interest cost 307 340 17 20 920 1,020 50 60 Expected return on plan assets (594 ) (525 ) (26 ) (23 ) (1,782 ) (1,576 ) (77 ) (69 ) Amortization of prior service credit (15 ) (15 ) 1 (1 ) (45 ) (44 ) 3 (2 ) Net periodic benefit cost (benefit) $ (200 ) $ (108 ) $ (4 ) $ — $ (601 ) $ (324 ) $ (11 ) $ 1
Employer contributions to retirement plans	Contributions made by the company to its retirement plans are as follows: Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 $ in millions 2020 2019 2020 2019 Defined benefit pension plans $ 24 $ 18 $ 70 $ 64 OPB plans 7 10 30 34 Defined contribution plans 116 98 472 377

Stock Compensation Plans and _2

Stock Compensation Plans and Other Compensation Arrangements (Unaudited) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Nonvested Restricted Stock Shares Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the number of restricted stock rights (RSRs) and restricted performance stock rights (RPSRs) granted to employees under the company’s long-term incentive stock plan and the grant date aggregate fair value of those stock awards for the periods presented: Nine Months Ended September 30 in millions 2020 2019 RSRs granted 0.1 0.1 RPSRs granted 0.2 0.2 Grant date aggregate fair value $ 91 $ 92
Cash Units and Cash Performance Units Aggregate Payout Amount [Table Text Block]	The following table presents the minimum and maximum aggregate payout amounts related to cash units (CUs) and cash performance units (CPUs) granted to employees in the periods presented: Nine Months Ended September 30 $ in millions 2020 2019 Minimum aggregate payout amount $ 31 $ 36 Maximum aggregate payout amount 175 203

Segment Information (Unaudite_2

Segment Information (Unaudited) (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020
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 2020 2019 2020 2019 Sales Aeronautics Systems $ 2,914 $ 2,770 $ 8,682 $ 8,309 Defense Systems 1,859 1,931 5,626 5,615 Mission Systems 2,551 2,310 7,344 6,924 Space Systems 2,198 1,885 6,194 5,474 Intersegment eliminations (439 ) (421 ) (1,259 ) (1,202 ) Total sales 9,083 8,475 26,587 25,120 Operating income Aeronautics Systems 294 269 867 879 Defense Systems 217 201 632 617 Mission Systems 370 351 1,070 1,012 Space Systems 224 191 635 574 Intersegment eliminations (56 ) (57 ) (157 ) (156 ) Total segment operating income 1,049 955 3,047 2,926 Net FAS (service)/CAS pension adjustment 108 131 316 346 Unallocated corporate expense (172 ) (135 ) (450 ) (439 ) Total operating income $ 985 $ 951 $ 2,913 $ 2,833
Revenue by Major Customers by Reporting Segments	Sales by Customer Type Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 2020 2019 2020 2019 $ in millions $ % (3) $ % (3) $ % (3) $ % (3) Aeronautics Systems U.S. government (1) $ 2,491 85 % $ 2,334 84 % $ 7,329 84 % $ 6,906 83 % International (2) 382 13 % 390 14 % 1,233 14 % 1,264 15 % Other customers 11 1 % 19 1 % 35 1 % 64 1 % Intersegment sales 30 1 % 27 1 % 85 1 % 75 1 % Aeronautics Systems sales 2,914 100 % 2,770 100 % 8,682 100 % 8,309 100 % Defense Systems U.S. government (1) 1,264 68 % 1,299 67 % 3,828 68 % 3,721 66 % International (2) 307 17 % 347 18 % 963 17 % 1,075 19 % Other customers 97 5 % 106 6 % 293 5 % 309 6 % Intersegment sales 191 10 % 179 9 % 542 10 % 510 9 % Defense Systems sales 1,859 100 % 1,931 100 % 5,626 100 % 5,615 100 % Mission Systems U.S. government (1) 1,884 74 % 1,690 73 % 5,331 73 % 5,049 73 % International (2) 455 18 % 407 18 % 1,406 19 % 1,248 18 % Other customers 19 1 % 22 1 % 54 1 % 75 1 % Intersegment sales 193 7 % 191 8 % 553 7 % 552 8 % Mission Systems sales 2,551 100 % 2,310 100 % 7,344 100 % 6,924 100 % Space Systems U.S. government (1) 2,020 92 % 1,743 93 % 5,734 93 % 5,091 93 % International (2) 99 5 % 61 3 % 237 4 % 136 3 % Other customers 54 2 % 57 3 % 144 2 % 182 3 % Intersegment sales 25 1 % 24 1 % 79 1 % 65 1 % Space Systems sales 2,198 100 % 1,885 100 % 6,194 100 % 5,474 100 % Total U.S. government (1) 7,659 84 % 7,066 83 % 22,222 84 % 20,767 83 % International (2) 1,243 14 % 1,205 14 % 3,839 14 % 3,723 15 % Other customers 181 2 % 204 3 % 526 2 % 630 2 % Total Sales $ 9,083 100 % $ 8,475 100 % $ 26,587 100 % $ 25,120 100 % (1) Sales to the U.S. government include sales from contracts for which we are the prime contractor, as well as those for which we are a subcontractor and the ultimate customer is the U.S. government. Each of the company’s segments derives substantial revenue from the U.S. government. (2) International sales include sales from contracts for which we are the prime contractor, as well as those for which we are a subcontractor and the ultimate customer is an international customer. These sales include foreign military sales contracted through the U.S. government. (3) Percentages calculated based on total segment sales.
Revenue from External Customers by Contract Type	Sales by Contract Type Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 2020 2019 2020 2019 $ in millions $ % (1) $ % (1) $ % (1) $ % (1) Aeronautics Systems Cost-type $ 1,436 50 % $ 1,326 48 % $ 4,205 49 % $ 3,950 48 % Fixed-price 1,448 50 % 1,417 52 % 4,392 51 % 4,284 52 % Intersegment sales 30 27 85 75 Aeronautics Systems sales 2,914 2,770 8,682 8,309 Defense Systems Cost-type 549 33 % 641 37 % 1,759 35 % 1,896 37 % Fixed-price 1,119 67 % 1,111 63 % 3,325 65 % 3,209 63 % Intersegment sales 191 179 542 510 Defense Systems sales 1,859 1,931 5,626 5,615 Mission Systems Cost-type 948 40 % 797 38 % 2,689 40 % 2,502 39 % Fixed-price 1,410 60 % 1,322 62 % 4,102 60 % 3,870 61 % Intersegment sales 193 191 553 552 Mission Systems sales 2,551 2,310 7,344 6,924 Space Systems Cost-type 1,563 72 % 1,312 70 % 4,429 72 % 3,916 72 % Fixed-price 610 28 % 549 30 % 1,686 28 % 1,493 28 % Intersegment sales 25 24 79 65 Space Systems sales 2,198 1,885 6,194 5,474 Total Cost-type 4,496 49 % 4,076 48 % 13,082 49 % 12,264 49 % Fixed-price 4,587 51 % 4,399 52 % 13,505 51 % 12,856 51 % Total Sales $ 9,083 $ 8,475 $ 26,587 $ 25,120 (1) Percentages calculated based on external customer sales.
Revenue from External Customers by Geographic Areas	Sales by Geographic Region Three Months Ended September 30 Nine Months Ended September 30 2020 2019 2020 2019 $ in millions $ % (2) $ % (2) $ % (2) $ % (2) Aeronautics Systems United States $ 2,502 87 % $ 2,353 86 % $ 7,364 86 % $ 6,970 85 % Asia/Pacific 217 7 % 177 6 % 626 7 % 625 7 % All other (1) 165 6 % 213 8 % 607 7 % 639 8 % Intersegment sales 30 27 85 75 Aeronautics Systems sales 2,914 2,770 8,682 8,309 Defense Systems United States 1,361 82 % 1,405 80 % 4,121 81 % 4,030 79 % Asia/Pacific 103 6 % 78 5 % 292 6 % 291 6 % All other (1) 204 12 % 269 15 % 671 13 % 784 15 % Intersegment sales 191 179 542 510 Defense Systems sales 1,859 1,931 5,626 5,615 Mission Systems United States 1,903 81 % 1,712 81 % 5,385 79 % 5,124 81 % Asia/Pacific 122 5 % 135 6 % 489 7 % 412 6 % All other (1) 333 14 % 272 13 % 917 14 % 836 13 % Intersegment sales 193 191 553 552 Mission Systems sales 2,551 2,310 7,344 6,924 Space Systems United States 2,074 96 % 1,800 97 % 5,878 96 % 5,273 98 % Asia/Pacific 5 — % — — % 15 — % 14 — % All other (1) 94 4 % 61 3 % 222 4 % 122 2 % Intersegment sales 25 24 79 65 Space Systems sales 2,198 1,885 6,194 5,474 Total United States 7,840 86 % 7,270 86 % 22,748 86 % 21,397 85 % Asia/Pacific 447 5 % 390 5 % 1,422 5 % 1,342 5 % All other (1) 796 9 % 815 9 % 2,417 9 % 2,381 10 % Total Sales $ 9,083 $ 8,475 $ 26,587 $ 25,120 (1) All other is principally comprised of Europe and the Middle East. (2) Percentages calculated based on external customer sales.

Basis of Presentation (Unaudi_3

Basis of Presentation (Unaudited) Contract Estimates (Details 1) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Revenue	$ 124	$ 142	$ 385	$ 462
Operating income	985	951	2,913	2,833
Net earnings	$ 986	$ 933	$ 2,859	$ 2,657
Diluted earnings per share	$ 5.89	$ 5.49	$ 17.05	$ 15.60
Contracts Accounted for under Percentage of Completion [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Operating income	$ 123	$ 125	$ 359	$ 421
Net earnings	$ 97	$ 99	$ 284	$ 333
Diluted earnings per share	$ 0.58	$ 0.58	$ 1.69	$ 1.96

Basis of Presentation (Unaudi_4

Basis of Presentation (Unaudited) Backlog and Contract Assets and Liabilities (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Abstract]
Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized	$ 232	$ 209	$ 1,500	$ 1,200
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount	$ 81,300		$ 81,300
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Explanation			We expect to recognize approximately 35 percent and 55 percent of our September 30, 2020 backlog as revenue over the next 12 and 24 months, respectively, with the remainder to be recognized thereafter.

Basis of Presentation (Unaudi_5

Basis of Presentation (Unaudited) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Unamortized prior service credit, net of tax expense of $6 for 2020 and $17 for 2019	$ (20)	$ (51)
Cumulative translation adjustment and other, net	(141)	(148)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss	(121)	(97)
Unamortized prior service credit, tax expense	$ 6	$ 17

Earnings Per Share, Share Rep_3

Earnings Per Share, Share Repurchases and Dividends on Common Stock (Unaudited) Earnings Per Share and Dividends (Details 1) - $ / shares shares in Millions	1 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	May 31, 2020	May 31, 2019	May 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements				0.5	0.8	0.6	0.7
Common stock dividends per share, declared (in dollars per share)	$ 1.45	$ 1.32	$ 1.20	$ 1.45	$ 1.32	$ 4.22	$ 3.84
Increase in quarterly common stock dividend (percent)	10.00%	10.00%

Earnings Per Share, Share Rep_4

Earnings Per Share, Share Repurchases and Dividends on Common Stock (Unaudited) Share Repurchases (Details 2) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Millions, $ in Millions	7 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		47 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Feb. 29, 2020	Dec. 04, 2018	Sep. 16, 2015
September 2015 Share Repurchase Program Original Authorization
Share Repurchase [Line Items]
Amount Authorized						$ 4,000
Shares Retired				15.4
Average Cost Per Share				$ 260.33
Shares Repurchased		0.9	2.3
December 2018 Share Repurchase Original Authorization [Member]
Share Repurchase [Line Items]
Amount Authorized					$ 3,000
Shares Retired	0.5
Average Cost Per Share	$ 326.20
Shares Repurchased		0.5
Share Repurchases - Notes to Table
Shares repurchased amount	$ 200
Amount remaining under authorization for share repurchases	$ 2,800	$ 2,800

Income Taxes (Unaudited) Effect

Income Taxes (Unaudited) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal and foreign income tax expense	$ 181	$ 122	$ 564	$ 460
Effective income tax rate	15.50%	11.60%	16.50%	14.80%
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Research, Amount	$ 45	$ 89	$ 135	$ 171
IncomeTaxReconciliationDeductionsFDII	$ 30	$ 17	$ 46	$ 26

Income Taxes (Unaudited) Unreco

Income Taxes (Unaudited) Unrecognized Tax Benefit (Details 2) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	$ 219	$ 294
Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible	$ 50	$ 50

Fair Value of Financial Instr_3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Unaudited) (Details 1) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	$ 363	$ 382
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	345	364
Derivatives	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	1	1
Derivatives	(1)	(3)
Fair Value, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	346	365
Derivatives	(1)	(3)
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	345	364
Fair Value, Recurring [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	1	1
Fair Value, Nonrecurring [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	$ 17	$ 17

Amounts in Paragraphs - Fair Va

Amounts in Paragraphs - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Unaudited) (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset at Fair Value	$ 66	$ 98
Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Derivative at Fair Value, Net	$ 0	$ 7

Fair Value of Financial Instr_4

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Unaudited) Long-term Debt (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Oct. 15, 2020	Sep. 30, 2020	Mar. 23, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			$ 2,250
Debt and Lease Obligation		$ 16,100		$ 13,900
Long-term Debt, Fair Value		$ 19,100		$ 15,100
Two Thousand Thirty [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			$ 750
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			4.40%
Two Thousand Forty 2 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			$ 500
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			5.15%
Two Thousand Fifty [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Face Amount			$ 1,000
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage			5.25%
Subsequent Event [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Repayments of Notes Payable	$ 1,000

Investigations, Claims and Li_2

Investigations, Claims and Litigation (Unaudited) (Details) € in Millions, R$ in Millions, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended	63 Months Ended		84 Months Ended			86 Months Ended		88 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2007USD ($)	Nov. 13, 2018BRL (R$)	Nov. 13, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020EUR (€)	Sep. 30, 2020BRL (R$)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020BRL (R$)Defendant	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)Defendant	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Feb. 16, 2018USD ($)	May 04, 2012USD ($)
United States Postal Service
Loss Contingencies
CounterclaimForDamagesSought										$ 193
Solystic Matter [Member]
Loss Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value							R$ 111	$ 20
Counterclaim				€ 31		$ 36
Loss Contingency, Damages Awarded, Value		R$ 41	$ 7
Unpaid Portions of Contract Price and Direct Costs Incurred [Member] | United States Postal Service
Loss Contingencies
Unbilled receivables, net											$ 63
Acts and Omissions with Adverse Affects on Performance and Obligations [Member] | United States Postal Service
Loss Contingencies
Gain contingency, unrecorded amount											$ 115
United States Postal Service
Loss Contingencies
Contract award	$ 875
United States Postal Service | False Claims Act | Threatened Litigation
Loss Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value									$ 179
Solystic Matter [Member] | Solystic Matter [Member]
Loss Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Number of Additional Defendants | Defendant							2	2
Initial Claim [Member] | Solystic Matter [Member]
Loss Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value							R$ 89	$ 16
Incremental claim [Member] | Solystic Matter [Member]
Loss Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value					R$ 22	4
Maximum | United States Postal Service
Loss Contingencies
Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss						$ 410		$ 410	$ 410

Commitments and Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies (Unaudited) (Details) £ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020GBP (£)Rate	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Accrual for Environmental Remediation Costs		$ 563,000,000	$ 531,000,000
Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued		439,000,000	448,000,000
Recorded Third-Party Environmental Recoveries, Amount		474,000,000	$ 436,000,000
Financial Arrangements
Standby Unused Letters Of Credit and bank guarantees		465,000,000
Surety Bond Outstanding		77,000,000
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Covenant Compliance	the company was in compliance with all covenants under its credit agreements.
Two Year Term [Member] [Domain]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	£ 120	154,000,000
Line of Credit Outstanding	£ 50	64,000,000
Five Year Term [Member] [Domain]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		2,000,000,000
Line of Credit Outstanding		0
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Two Year Term [Member] [Domain]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate During Period | Rate	1.10%
Commercial Paper [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commercial Paper, Maximum Borrowing Capacity		2,000,000,000
Commercial Paper		0
Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Accrual for Environmental Remediation Costs		165,000,000
Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member]
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Accrual for Environmental Remediation Costs		398,000,000
Other Current Assets [Member]
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Recorded Third-Party Environmental Recoveries, Amount		135,000,000
Other Noncurrent Assets [Member]
Site Contingency [Line Items]
Recorded Third-Party Environmental Recoveries, Amount		$ 339,000,000

Retirement Benefits (Unaudite_3

Retirement Benefits (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Defined contribution plan, employer contributions	$ 116	$ 98	$ 472	$ 377
Pension Benefits
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Service cost	102	92	306	276
Interest cost	307	340	920	1,020
Expected return on plan assets	(594)	(525)	(1,782)	(1,576)
Amortization of prior service credit	(15)	(15)	(45)	(44)
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)	(200)	(108)	(601)	(324)
Defined benefit plan, contributions by Employer	24	18	70	64
OPB
Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Service cost	4	4	13	12
Interest cost	17	20	50	60
Expected return on plan assets	(26)	(23)	(77)	(69)
Amortization of prior service credit	1	(1)	3	(2)
Net periodic benefit cost (benefit)	(4)	0	(11)	1
Defined benefit plan, contributions by Employer	$ 7	$ 10	$ 30	$ 34

Stock Compensation Plans and _3

Stock Compensation Plans and Other Compensation Arrangements (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) shares in Millions, $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Restricted Stock Rights and Restricted Performance Stock Rights Grant Date Aggregate Fair Value	$ 91	$ 92
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted	0.1	0.1
Vesting period	3 years
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares granted	0.2	0.2
Vesting period	3 years
Cash Units and Cash Performance Units | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Deferred Compensation Cash-based Arrangements, Liability, Current and Noncurrent	$ 31	$ 36
Cash Units and Cash Performance Units | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Deferred Compensation Cash-based Arrangements, Liability, Current and Noncurrent	$ 175	$ 203
Cash Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Cash Performance Units
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years

Segment Information (Unaudite_3

Segment Information (Unaudited) Reconciliation to Consolidated Operating Income (Details 1) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2020USD ($)segment	Sep. 30, 2019USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | segment			4
Sales	$ 9,083	$ 8,475	$ 26,587	$ 25,120
Operating income	985	951	2,913	2,833
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	1,049	955	3,047	2,926
Operating Segments [Member] | Aeronautics Systems [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	2,914	2,770	8,682	8,309
Operating income	294	269	867	879
Operating Segments [Member] | Defense Systems [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	1,859	1,931	5,626	5,615
Operating income	217	201	632	617
Operating Segments [Member] | Mission Systems [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	2,551	2,310	7,344	6,924
Operating income	370	351	1,070	1,012
Operating Segments [Member] | Space Systems [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	2,198	1,885	6,194	5,474
Operating income	224	191	635	574
Intersegment sales
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Sales	(439)	(421)	(1,259)	(1,202)
Operating income	(56)	(57)	(157)	(156)
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net FAS (service)/ CAS pension adjustment	108	131	316	346
Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income	$ (172)	$ (135)	$ (450)	$ (439)

Segment Information (Unaudite_4

Segment Information (Unaudited) Sales by Customer Type (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales	$ 9,083	$ 8,475	$ 26,587	$ 25,120
Concentration Risk, Percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
U.S. government(1)
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales	$ 7,659	$ 7,066	$ 22,222	$ 20,767
Concentration Risk, Percentage	84.00%	83.00%	84.00%	83.00%
U.S. government(1) | Aeronautics Systems [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales	$ 2,491	$ 2,334	$ 7,329	$ 6,906
Concentration Risk, Percentage	85.00%	84.00%	84.00%	83.00%
U.S. government(1) | Defense Systems [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales	$ 1,264	$ 1,299	$ 3,828	$ 3,721
Concentration Risk, Percentage	68.00%	67.00%	68.00%	66.00%
U.S. government(1) | Mission Systems [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales	$ 1,884	$ 1,690	$ 5,331	$ 5,049
Concentration Risk, Percentage	74.00%	73.00%	73.00%	73.00%
U.S. government(1) | Space Systems [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales	$ 2,020	$ 1,743	$ 5,734	$ 5,091
Concentration Risk, Percentage	92.00%	93.00%	93.00%	93.00%
International(2)
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales	$ 1,243	$ 1,205	$ 3,839	$ 3,723
Concentration Risk, Percentage	14.00%	14.00%	14.00%	15.00%
International(2) | Aeronautics Systems [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales	$ 382	$ 390	$ 1,233	$ 1,264
Concentration Risk, Percentage	13.00%	14.00%	14.00%	15.00%
International(2) | Defense Systems [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales	$ 307	$ 347	$ 963	$ 1,075
Concentration Risk, Percentage	17.00%	18.00%	17.00%	19.00%
International(2) | Mission Systems [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales	$ 455	$ 407	$ 1,406	$ 1,248
Concentration Risk, Percentage	18.00%	18.00%	19.00%	18.00%
International(2) | Space Systems [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales	$ 99	$ 61	$ 237	$ 136
Concentration Risk, Percentage	5.00%	3.00%	4.00%	3.00%
Other customers
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales	$ 181	$ 204	$ 526	$ 630
Concentration Risk, Percentage	2.00%	3.00%	2.00%	2.00%
Other customers | Aeronautics Systems [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales	$ 11	$ 19	$ 35	$ 64
Concentration Risk, Percentage	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Other customers | Defense Systems [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales	$ 97	$ 106	$ 293	$ 309
Concentration Risk, Percentage	5.00%	6.00%	5.00%	6.00%
Other customers | Mission Systems [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales	$ 19	$ 22	$ 54	$ 75
Concentration Risk, Percentage	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Other customers | Space Systems [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales	$ 54	$ 57	$ 144	$ 182
Concentration Risk, Percentage	2.00%	3.00%	2.00%	3.00%
Intersegment Sales [Member] | Aeronautics Systems [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales	$ 30	$ 27	$ 85	$ 75
Concentration Risk, Percentage	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Intersegment Sales [Member] | Defense Systems [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales	$ 191	$ 179	$ 542	$ 510
Concentration Risk, Percentage	10.00%	9.00%	10.00%	9.00%
Intersegment Sales [Member] | Mission Systems [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales	$ 193	$ 191	$ 553	$ 552
Concentration Risk, Percentage	7.00%	8.00%	7.00%	8.00%
Intersegment Sales [Member] | Space Systems [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales	$ 25	$ 24	$ 79	$ 65
Concentration Risk, Percentage	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%	1.00%
Operating Segments [Member] | Aeronautics Systems [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales	$ 2,914	$ 2,770	$ 8,682	$ 8,309
Concentration Risk, Percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Operating Segments [Member] | Defense Systems [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales	$ 1,859	$ 1,931	$ 5,626	$ 5,615
Concentration Risk, Percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Operating Segments [Member] | Mission Systems [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales	$ 2,551	$ 2,310	$ 7,344	$ 6,924
Concentration Risk, Percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Operating Segments [Member] | Space Systems [Member]
Revenue, Major Customer [Line Items]
Sales	$ 2,198	$ 1,885	$ 6,194	$ 5,474
Concentration Risk, Percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

Segment Information (Unaudite_5

Segment Information (Unaudited) Sales by Contract Type (Details 3) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Revenue, Contract Type [Line Items]
Sales	$ 9,083	$ 8,475	$ 26,587	$ 25,120
Concentration Risk, Percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Cost-type [Member]
Revenue, Contract Type [Line Items]
Sales	$ 4,496	$ 4,076	$ 13,082	$ 12,264
Concentration Risk, Percentage	49.00%	48.00%	49.00%	49.00%
Cost-type [Member] | Aeronautics Systems [Member]
Revenue, Contract Type [Line Items]
Sales	$ 1,436	$ 1,326	$ 4,205	$ 3,950
Concentration Risk, Percentage	50.00%	48.00%	49.00%	48.00%
Cost-type [Member] | Defense Systems [Member]
Revenue, Contract Type [Line Items]
Sales	$ 549	$ 641	$ 1,759	$ 1,896
Concentration Risk, Percentage	33.00%	37.00%	35.00%	37.00%
Cost-type [Member] | Mission Systems [Member]
Revenue, Contract Type [Line Items]
Sales	$ 948	$ 797	$ 2,689	$ 2,502
Concentration Risk, Percentage	40.00%	38.00%	40.00%	39.00%
Cost-type [Member] | Space Systems [Member]
Revenue, Contract Type [Line Items]
Sales	$ 1,563	$ 1,312	$ 4,429	$ 3,916
Concentration Risk, Percentage	72.00%	70.00%	72.00%	72.00%
Fixed-price [Member]
Revenue, Contract Type [Line Items]
Sales	$ 4,587	$ 4,399	$ 13,505	$ 12,856
Concentration Risk, Percentage	51.00%	52.00%	51.00%	51.00%
Fixed-price [Member] | Aeronautics Systems [Member]
Revenue, Contract Type [Line Items]
Sales	$ 1,448	$ 1,417	$ 4,392	$ 4,284
Concentration Risk, Percentage	50.00%	52.00%	51.00%	52.00%
Fixed-price [Member] | Defense Systems [Member]
Revenue, Contract Type [Line Items]
Sales	$ 1,119	$ 1,111	$ 3,325	$ 3,209
Concentration Risk, Percentage	67.00%	63.00%	65.00%	63.00%
Fixed-price [Member] | Mission Systems [Member]
Revenue, Contract Type [Line Items]
Sales	$ 1,410	$ 1,322	$ 4,102	$ 3,870
Concentration Risk, Percentage	60.00%	62.00%	60.00%	61.00%
Fixed-price [Member] | Space Systems [Member]
Revenue, Contract Type [Line Items]
Sales	$ 610	$ 549	$ 1,686	$ 1,493
Concentration Risk, Percentage	28.00%	30.00%	28.00%	28.00%
Intersegment sales | Aeronautics Systems [Member]
Revenue, Contract Type [Line Items]
Sales	$ 30	$ 27	$ 85	$ 75
Intersegment sales | Defense Systems [Member]
Revenue, Contract Type [Line Items]
Sales	191	179	542	510
Intersegment sales | Mission Systems [Member]
Revenue, Contract Type [Line Items]
Sales	193	191	553	552
Intersegment sales | Space Systems [Member]
Revenue, Contract Type [Line Items]
Sales	25	24	79	65
Operating Segments [Member] | Aeronautics Systems [Member]
Revenue, Contract Type [Line Items]
Sales	$ 2,914	$ 2,770	$ 8,682	$ 8,309
Concentration Risk, Percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Operating Segments [Member] | Defense Systems [Member]
Revenue, Contract Type [Line Items]
Sales	$ 1,859	$ 1,931	$ 5,626	$ 5,615
Concentration Risk, Percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Operating Segments [Member] | Mission Systems [Member]
Revenue, Contract Type [Line Items]
Sales	$ 2,551	$ 2,310	$ 7,344	$ 6,924
Concentration Risk, Percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Operating Segments [Member] | Space Systems [Member]
Revenue, Contract Type [Line Items]
Sales	$ 2,198	$ 1,885	$ 6,194	$ 5,474
Concentration Risk, Percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%

Segment Information (Unaudite_6

Segment Information (Unaudited) Sales by Geographic Location (Details 4) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Revenue, Geographic Location [Line Items]
Sales	$ 9,083	$ 8,475	$ 26,587	$ 25,120
Concentration Risk, Percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
United States
Revenue, Geographic Location [Line Items]
Sales	$ 7,840	$ 7,270	$ 22,748	$ 21,397
Concentration Risk, Percentage	86.00%	86.00%	86.00%	85.00%
United States | Aeronautics Systems [Member]
Revenue, Geographic Location [Line Items]
Sales	$ 2,502	$ 2,353	$ 7,364	$ 6,970
Concentration Risk, Percentage	87.00%	86.00%	86.00%	85.00%
United States | Defense Systems [Member]
Revenue, Geographic Location [Line Items]
Sales	$ 1,361	$ 1,405	$ 4,121	$ 4,030
Concentration Risk, Percentage	82.00%	80.00%	81.00%	79.00%
United States | Mission Systems [Member]
Revenue, Geographic Location [Line Items]
Sales	$ 1,903	$ 1,712	$ 5,385	$ 5,124
Concentration Risk, Percentage	81.00%	81.00%	79.00%	81.00%
United States | Space Systems [Member]
Revenue, Geographic Location [Line Items]
Sales	$ 2,074	$ 1,800	$ 5,878	$ 5,273
Concentration Risk, Percentage	96.00%	97.00%	96.00%	98.00%
Asia/Pacific
Revenue, Geographic Location [Line Items]
Sales	$ 447	$ 390	$ 1,422	$ 1,342
Concentration Risk, Percentage	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%	5.00%
Asia/Pacific | Aeronautics Systems [Member]
Revenue, Geographic Location [Line Items]
Sales	$ 217	$ 177	$ 626	$ 625
Concentration Risk, Percentage	7.00%	6.00%	7.00%	7.00%
Asia/Pacific | Defense Systems [Member]
Revenue, Geographic Location [Line Items]
Sales	$ 103	$ 78	$ 292	$ 291
Concentration Risk, Percentage	6.00%	5.00%	6.00%	6.00%
Asia/Pacific | Mission Systems [Member]
Revenue, Geographic Location [Line Items]
Sales	$ 122	$ 135	$ 489	$ 412
Concentration Risk, Percentage	5.00%	6.00%	7.00%	6.00%
Asia/Pacific | Space Systems [Member]
Revenue, Geographic Location [Line Items]
Sales	$ 5	$ 0	$ 15	$ 14
Concentration Risk, Percentage	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
All other
Revenue, Geographic Location [Line Items]
Sales	$ 796	$ 815	$ 2,417	$ 2,381
Concentration Risk, Percentage	9.00%	9.00%	9.00%	10.00%
All other | Aeronautics Systems [Member]
Revenue, Geographic Location [Line Items]
Sales	$ 165	$ 213	$ 607	$ 639
Concentration Risk, Percentage	6.00%	8.00%	7.00%	8.00%
All other | Defense Systems [Member]
Revenue, Geographic Location [Line Items]
Sales	$ 204	$ 269	$ 671	$ 784
Concentration Risk, Percentage	12.00%	15.00%	13.00%	15.00%
All other | Mission Systems [Member]
Revenue, Geographic Location [Line Items]
Sales	$ 333	$ 272	$ 917	$ 836
Concentration Risk, Percentage	14.00%	13.00%	14.00%	13.00%
All other | Space Systems [Member]
Revenue, Geographic Location [Line Items]
Sales	$ 94	$ 61	$ 222	$ 122
Concentration Risk, Percentage	4.00%	3.00%	4.00%	2.00%
Intersegment sales | Aeronautics Systems [Member]
Revenue, Geographic Location [Line Items]
Sales	$ 30	$ 27	$ 85	$ 75
Intersegment sales | Defense Systems [Member]
Revenue, Geographic Location [Line Items]
Sales	191	179	542	510
Intersegment sales | Mission Systems [Member]
Revenue, Geographic Location [Line Items]
Sales	193	191	553	552
Intersegment sales | Space Systems [Member]
Revenue, Geographic Location [Line Items]
Sales	25	24	79	65
Operating Segments [Member] | Aeronautics Systems [Member]
Revenue, Geographic Location [Line Items]
Sales	$ 2,914	$ 2,770	$ 8,682	$ 8,309
Concentration Risk, Percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Operating Segments [Member] | Defense Systems [Member]
Revenue, Geographic Location [Line Items]
Sales	$ 1,859	$ 1,931	$ 5,626	$ 5,615
Concentration Risk, Percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Operating Segments [Member] | Mission Systems [Member]
Revenue, Geographic Location [Line Items]
Sales	$ 2,551	$ 2,310	$ 7,344	$ 6,924
Concentration Risk, Percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Operating Segments [Member] | Space Systems [Member]
Revenue, Geographic Location [Line Items]
Sales	$ 2,198	$ 1,885	$ 6,194	$ 5,474
Concentration Risk, Percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%