Finance Receivables Notes receivable, net (Details) (Automotive [Member], Receivables, less allowances and Other assets [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Automotive [Member] \| Receivables, less allowances and Other assets [Member]
Financing Receivables [Line Items]
Notes receivable	$ 760	$ 384
Less: Allowance for credit losses	(27)	(29)
Notes receivable, net	$ 733	$ 355

The valuation allowance for notes receivable, including principal as well as any accrued interest.

No definition available.

Name:	f_NotesReceivableAllowance
Namespace Prefix:	f_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant