XML 77 R10.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v2.4.0.8

Earnings And Dividends Per Share | 9 Months Ended
--- | ---
Sep. 28, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract] |
Earnings And Dividends Per Share | EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings per Share. We compute basic earnings per share (EPS) using net earnings for the period and the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Basic weighted average shares outstanding have decreased throughout 2013 and 2014 due to share repurchases. Diluted EPS incorporates the additional shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options and the release of restricted shares and restricted stock units (RSUs). Diluted EPS in 2014 also includes contingently issuable shares associated with the settlement of our accelerated share repurchase (ASR) program that expires in the fourth quarter of 2014. See Note J for additional details of our share repurchases and the ASR. Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding were as follows (in thousands):
| Three Months Ended | Nine Months Ended
| September 29, 2013 | September 28, 2014 | September 29, 2013 | September 28, 2014
Basic weighted average shares outstanding | 349,337 |  | 331,811 |  | 350,774 |  | 336,911 |
Dilutive effect of other securities* | 3,581 |  | 6,370 |  | 2,348 |  | 6,203 |
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding | 352,918 |  | 338,181 |  | 353,122 |  | 343,114 |
* Excludes the following outstanding options to purchase shares of common stock and nonvested restricted stock/RSUs because the effect of including these securities would be antidilutive: 2013 - 10,992 and 2014 - 3,446.

X
- Definition Earnings and Dividends Per Share [Text Block] + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gd_EarningsAndDividendsPerShareTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | gd_
Data Type: | nonnum:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

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