Presentation - Reconciliations between Consolidated and Sector Deferred Taxes (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Balance sheet presentation of deferred income tax assets: [Abstract]
Deferred income tax assets	$ 14,535	$ 15,125
Balance sheet presentation of deferred income tax liabilities: [Abstract]
Deferred income tax liabilities	583	696
Intersector [Member]
Balance sheet presentation of deferred income tax assets: [Abstract]
Deferred income tax assets	15,568	16,025
Balance sheet presentation of deferred income tax liabilities: [Abstract]
Deferred income tax liabilities	1,616	1,596
Automotive [Member]
Balance sheet presentation of deferred income tax assets: [Abstract]
Automotive sector current deferred income tax assets	1,980	1,791
Automotive sector non-current deferred income tax assets	13,277	13,932
Balance sheet presentation of deferred income tax liabilities: [Abstract]
Automotive sector current deferred income tax liabilities	57	40
Automotive sector non-current deferred income tax liabilities	107	255
Financial Services [Member]
Balance sheet presentation of deferred income tax liabilities: [Abstract]
Deferred income tax liabilities	1,452	1,301
Financial Services [Member] \| Other assets [Member]
Balance sheet presentation of deferred income tax assets: [Abstract]
Deferred income tax assets	311	302
Intersector Eliminations [Member]
Balance sheet presentation of deferred income tax assets: [Abstract]
Deferred income tax assets	(1,033)	(900)
Balance sheet presentation of deferred income tax liabilities: [Abstract]
Deferred income tax liabilities	$ (1,033)	$ (900)

The cumulative amount for all deferred tax liabilities as of the balance sheet date arising from temporary differences between accounting income in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and tax-basis income that will result in future taxable income exceeding future accounting income.

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The current portion of the aggregate tax effects as of the balance sheet date of all future tax deductions arising from temporary differences between tax basis and generally accepted accounting principles basis recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when permitted under enacted tax laws; after deducting the allocated valuation allowance, if any, to reduce such amount to net realizable value. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, are classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. An unrecognized tax benefit that is directly related to a position taken in a tax year that results in a net operating loss carryforward is presented as a reduction of the related deferred tax asset.

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- Definition

The noncurrent portion as of the balance sheet date of the aggregate carrying amount of all future tax deductions arising from temporary differences between tax basis and generally accepted accounting principles basis recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when permitted under enacted tax laws; after the valuation allowance, if any, to reduce such amount to net realizable value. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, is classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference.

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- Definition

Represents the current portion of deferred tax liabilities, which result from applying the applicable tax rate to net taxable temporary differences pertaining to each jurisdiction to which the entity is obligated to pay income tax. A current taxable temporary difference is a difference between the tax basis and the carrying amount of a current asset or liability in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. In a classified statement of financial position, an enterprise separates deferred tax liabilities and assets into a current amount and a noncurrent amount. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, is classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference.

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- Definition

Represents the noncurrent portion of deferred tax liabilities, which result from applying the applicable tax rate to net taxable temporary differences pertaining to each jurisdiction to which the entity is obligated to pay income tax. A noncurrent taxable temporary difference is a difference between the tax basis and the carrying amount of a noncurrent asset or liability in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. In a classified statement of financial position, an enterprise separates deferred tax liabilities and assets into a current amount and a noncurrent amount. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, are classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference.

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