XML 69 R63.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.0.8

Condensed Consolidating Statements Of Cash Flows (Detail) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified | 9 Months Ended
--- | ---
Sep. 28, 2014 | Sep. 29, 2013
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ 3,798 | [1] | $ 1,553 | [1]
Cash flows from investing activities - continuing operations: |  |  |  |
Purchases of held-to-maturity securities | (500) |  | 0 |
Capital expenditures | (337) |  | (267) |
Other, net | 11 |  |  |
Net cash used by investing activities | (826) | [1] | (212) | [1]
Cash flows from financing activities - continuing operations: |  |  |  |
Purchases of common stock | (3,117) |  | (696) |
Dividends paid | (618) |  | (394) |
Proceeds from option exercises | 475 |  | 484 |
Other, net | 66 |  | 46 |
Net cash used by financing activities | (3,194) | [1] | (560) | [1]
Net cash (used) provided by discontinued operations | 26 |  | (12) |
Cash sweep/funding by parent | 0 |  | 0 |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents | (196) |  | 769 |
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period | 5,301 |  | 3,296 |
Cash and equivalents at end of period | 5,105 |  | 4,065 |
Parent Company [Member] |  |  |  |
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Net cash provided by operating activities | (237) | [1] | (445) | [1]
Cash flows from investing activities - continuing operations: |  |  |  |
Purchases of held-to-maturity securities | (500) |  |  |
Capital expenditures | (54) |  |  |
Other, net | 2 |  |  |
Net cash used by investing activities | (552) | [1] | 1 | [1]
Cash flows from financing activities - continuing operations: |  |  |  |
Purchases of common stock | (3,117) |  | (696) |
Dividends paid | (618) |  | (394) |
Proceeds from option exercises | 475 |  | 484 |
Other, net | 66 |  | 19 |
Net cash used by financing activities | (3,194) | [1] | (587) | [1]
Net cash (used) provided by discontinued operations | 26 |  | (12) |
Cash sweep/funding by parent | 2,035 |  | 1,801 |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents | (1,922) |  | 758 |
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period | 4,179 |  | 2,300 |
Cash and equivalents at end of period | 2,257 |  | 3,058 |
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] |  |  |  |
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Net cash provided by operating activities | 2,140 | [1] | 1,983 | [1]
Cash flows from investing activities - continuing operations: |  |  |  |
Purchases of held-to-maturity securities | 0 |  |  |
Capital expenditures | (257) |  |  |
Other, net | 19 |  |  |
Net cash used by investing activities | (238) | [1] | (188) | [1]
Cash flows from financing activities - continuing operations: |  |  |  |
Purchases of common stock | 0 |  | 0 |
Dividends paid | 0 |  | 0 |
Proceeds from option exercises | 0 |  | 0 |
Other, net | 0 |  | 0 |
Net cash used by financing activities | 0 | [1] | 0 | [1]
Net cash (used) provided by discontinued operations | 0 |  | 0 |
Cash sweep/funding by parent | (1,902) |  | (1,795) |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents | 0 |  | 0 |
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period | 0 |  | 0 |
Cash and equivalents at end of period | 0 |  | 0 |
Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] |  |  |  |
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Net cash provided by operating activities | 1,895 | [1] | 15 | [1]
Cash flows from investing activities - continuing operations: |  |  |  |
Purchases of held-to-maturity securities | 0 |  |  |
Capital expenditures | (26) |  |  |
Other, net | (10) |  |  |
Net cash used by investing activities | (36) | [1] | (25) | [1]
Cash flows from financing activities - continuing operations: |  |  |  |
Purchases of common stock | 0 |  | 0 |
Dividends paid | 0 |  | 0 |
Proceeds from option exercises | 0 |  | 0 |
Other, net | 0 |  | 27 |
Net cash used by financing activities | 0 | [1] | 27 | [1]
Net cash (used) provided by discontinued operations | 0 |  | 0 |
Cash sweep/funding by parent | (133) |  | (6) |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents | 1,726 |  | 11 |
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period | 1,122 |  | 996 |
Cash and equivalents at end of period | 2,848 |  | 1,007 |
Consolidating Adjustments [Member] |  |  |  |
Condensed Consolidating Financial Information [Line Items] |  |  |  |
Net cash provided by operating activities | 0 | [1] | 0 | [1]
Cash flows from investing activities - continuing operations: |  |  |  |
Purchases of held-to-maturity securities | 0 |  |  |
Capital expenditures | 0 |  |  |
Other, net | 0 |  |  |
Net cash used by investing activities | 0 | [1] | 0 | [1]
Cash flows from financing activities - continuing operations: |  |  |  |
Purchases of common stock | 0 |  | 0 |
Dividends paid | 0 |  | 0 |
Proceeds from option exercises | 0 |  | 0 |
Other, net | 0 |  | 0 |
Net cash used by financing activities | 0 | [1] | 0 | [1]
Net cash (used) provided by discontinued operations | 0 |  | 0 |
Cash sweep/funding by parent | 0 |  | 0 |
Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents | 0 |  | 0 |
Cash and equivalents at beginning of period | 0 |  | 0 |
Cash and equivalents at end of period | $ 0 |  | $ 0 |
[1] | * Continuing operations only

X
- Definition Cash sweep/funding by parent + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gd_CashSweepFundingByParent
Namespace Prefix: | gd_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | gd_CondensedConsolidatingFinancialInformationLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | gd_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Condensed Statements Payments For Proceeds From Other Financing Activities + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gd_CondensedStatementsPaymentsForProceedsFromOtherFinancingActivities
Namespace Prefix: | gd_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Condensed Statements Payments For Proceeds From Other Investing Activities + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gd_CondensedStatementsPaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities
Namespace Prefix: | gd_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Excludes cash and cash equivalents within disposal group and discontinued operation. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Cash -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6506951 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Cash Equivalents -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6507016 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=28358313&loc=d3e6676-107765 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 4 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3044-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount of increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are the amount of currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. Includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits. Also includes short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Includes effect from exchange rate changes. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 24 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3521-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 830 -SubTopic 230 -Section 45 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6450594&loc=d3e33268-110906 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Increase (decrease) in cash associated with the entity's discontinued operations. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 24 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3521-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInDiscontinuedOperations
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of cash inflow (outflow) from financing activities, including discontinued operations. Financing activity cash flows include obtaining resources from owners and providing them with a return on, and a return of, their investment; borrowing money and repaying amounts borrowed, or settling the obligation; and obtaining and paying for other resources obtained from creditors on long-term credit. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 24 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3521-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 26 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3574-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of cash inflow (outflow) from investing activities, including discontinued operations. Investing activity cash flows include making and collecting loans and acquiring and disposing of debt or equity instruments and property, plant, and equipment and other productive assets. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 24 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3521-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 26 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3574-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of cash inflow (outflow) from operating activities, including discontinued operations. Operating activity cash flows include transactions, adjustments, and changes in value not defined as investing or financing activities. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 28 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3602-108585 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 24 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3521-108585 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 25 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3536-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash outflow to reacquire common stock during the period. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Financing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3291-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PaymentsForRepurchaseOfCommonStock
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Cash outflow in the form of capital distributions and dividends to common shareholders, preferred shareholders and noncontrolling interests. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Financing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3291-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PaymentsOfDividends
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of cash outflow through purchase of long-term held-to-maturity securities. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Investing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3213-108585 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 320 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 11 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6871852&loc=d3e26853-111562 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireHeldToMaturitySecurities
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale; includes cash outflows to pay for construction of self-constructed assets. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Investing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3213-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The cash inflow associated with the amount received from holders exercising their stock options. This item inherently excludes any excess tax benefit, which the entity may have realized and reported separately. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Financing Activities -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6513228 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 718 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (j) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6415400&loc=d3e5070-113901 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 230 -SubTopic 10 -Section 45 -Paragraph 14 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=31042434&loc=d3e3255-108585 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProceedsFromStockOptionsExercised
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration