Presentation - Reconciliations between Consolidated and Sector Deferred Taxes (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Sector balance sheet presentation of deferred income tax assets [Abstract]
Deferred income tax assets	$ 13,526	$ 15,125
Sector balance sheet presentation of deferred income tax liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred income tax liabilities	593	696
Automotive [Member]
Sector balance sheet presentation of deferred income tax assets [Abstract]
Automotive sector current deferred income tax assets	2,384	1,791
Automotive sector non-current deferred income tax assets	12,097	13,932
Sector balance sheet presentation of deferred income tax liabilities [Abstract]
Automotive sector current deferred income tax liabilities	12	40
Automotive sector non-current deferred income tax liabilities	252	255
Financial Services [Member]
Sector balance sheet presentation of deferred income tax liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred income tax liabilities	1,509	1,301
Financial Services [Member] | Other assets [Member]
Sector balance sheet presentation of deferred income tax assets [Abstract]
Deferred income tax assets	225	302
Intersector [Member]
Sector balance sheet presentation of deferred income tax assets [Abstract]
Deferred income tax assets	14,706	16,025
Sector balance sheet presentation of deferred income tax liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred income tax liabilities	1,773	1,596
Intersector Eliminations [Member]
Sector balance sheet presentation of deferred income tax assets [Abstract]
Deferred income tax assets	(1,180)	(900)
Sector balance sheet presentation of deferred income tax liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred income tax liabilities	$ (1,180)	$ (900)