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Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
 3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Jun. 30, 2011
Basis of Accounting and Intercompany Transactions [Abstract]    
Basis of Accounting and Intercompany Transactions  
Our financial statements are presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information and instructions to the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X. We show certain of our financial statements on both a consolidated and a sector basis for our Automotive and Financial Services sectors. Intercompany items and transactions have been eliminated in both the consolidated and sector balance sheets. Where the presentation of these intercompany eliminations or consolidated adjustments differ between the consolidated and sector financial statements, reconciliations of certain line items are explained below in this Note and in Notes 5 and 11.
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]    
Fair Value Measurements  
Fair value changes related to retail finance receivables that have been charged off or dealer loans that have been impaired based on the fair value of the collateral adjusted for estimated costs to sell are recorded in Financial Services provision for credit and insurance losses.
Cash equivalents, marketable securities, and derivative financial instruments are presented on our financial statements at fair value. The fair value of finance receivables and debt, together with the related carrying value, is disclosed in Notes 5 and 11, respectively. Certain other assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis and vary based on specific circumstances such as impairments.


Fair Value Measurements


In determining fair value, we use various valuation methodologies and prioritize the use of observable inputs. We assess the inputs used to measure fair value using a three-tier hierarchy based on the extent to which inputs used in measuring fair value are observable in the market:


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Level 1 — inputs include quoted prices for identical instruments and are the most observable.
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Level 2 — inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and observable inputs such as interest rates, currency exchange rates and yield curves.
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Level 3 — inputs include data not observable in the market and reflect management's judgments about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.


The use of observable and unobservable inputs and their significance in measuring fair value are reflected in our hierarchy assessment.
Valuation Methodologies


Cash and Cash Equivalents. Included in Cash and cash equivalents are highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and which are subject to an insignificant risk of changes in value due to interest rate, market price, or penalty on withdrawal. A debt security is classified as a cash equivalent if it meets these criteria and if it has a remaining time to maturity of 90 days or less from the date of acquisition. Amounts on deposit and available upon demand, or negotiated to provide for daily liquidity without penalty, are classified as Cash and cash equivalents. These include $1.8 billion of demand deposits with financial institutions which were classified as Marketable securities prior to 2011, and this amount is reported in Sales and maturities of securities in the 2011 consolidated statement of cash flows. Time deposits, certificates of deposit, and money market accounts that meet the above criteria are classified as Cash and cash equivalents, reported at par value, and excluded from the tables below.


Marketable Securities. Investments in securities with a maturity date greater than 90 days at the date of purchase and other securities for which there is a more than insignificant risk of changes in value because of interest rate, market price, or penalty on withdrawal are classified as Marketable securities. For marketable securities, we generally measure fair value based on a market approach using prices obtained from pricing services. We review all pricing data for reasonability and observability of inputs. Pricing methodologies and inputs to valuation models used by the pricing services depend on the security type (i.e., asset class). Where possible, fair values are generated using market inputs including quoted prices (the closing price in an exchange market), bid prices (the price at which a dealer stands ready to purchase), and other market information. For securities that are not actively traded, the pricing services obtain quotes for similar fixed-income securities or utilize matrix pricing, benchmark curves, or other factors to determine fair value. In certain cases, when observable pricing data are not available, we estimate the fair value of investment securities based on an income approach using industry standard valuation models and estimates regarding non-performance risk.


Derivative Financial Instruments. Our derivatives are over-the-counter customized derivative transactions and are not exchange traded. We estimate the fair value of these instruments based on an income approach using industry standard valuation models. These models project future cash flows and discount the future amounts to a present value using market-based expectations for interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and the contractual terms of the derivative instruments. The discount rate used is the relevant interbank deposit rate (e.g., LIBOR) plus an adjustment for non-performance risk. The adjustment reflects the full credit default swap ("CDS") spread applied to a net exposure, by counterparty, considering the master netting agreements and posted collateral. We use our counterparty's CDS spread when we are in a net asset position and our own CDS spread when we are in a net liability position.


In certain cases, market data are not available and we develop assumptions or use models (e.g., Black Scholes) to determine fair value. This includes situations where there is illiquidity for a particular currency or commodity or for longer-dated instruments. Also, for interest rate swaps and cross-currency interest rate swaps used in securitization transactions, the notional amount of the swap is reset based on actual payments on the securitized contracts. We use management judgment to estimate timing and amount of the swap cash flows based on historical pre-payment speeds.


Ford Credit has two asset-backed debt transactions with derivative features, Ford Upgrade Exchange Linked ("FUEL") notes. These features include a mandatory exchange to Ford Credit unsecured notes when Ford Credit's senior unsecured debt receives two investment grade credit ratings among Fitch, Moody's and S&P and a make-whole provision.  We estimated the fair value of these features by comparing the market value of the FUEL notes to the value of a hypothetical debt instrument without these features.


Finance Receivables. We generally estimate the fair value of finance receivables based on an income approach using internal valuation models. These models project future cash flows of financing contracts based on scheduled contract payments (including principal and interest). The projected cash flows are discounted to a present value based on market inputs and our own assumptions regarding credit losses, pre-payment speed, and the discount rate. Our assumptions regarding pre-payment speed and credit losses are based on historical performance.


Debt. We estimate the fair value of debt based on a market approach using quoted market prices or current market rates for similar debt with approximately the same remaining maturities, where possible. Where market prices or current market rates are not available, we estimate fair value based on an income approach using discounted cash flow models. These models project future cash flows and discount the future amounts to a present value using market-based expectations for interest rates, our own credit risk and the contractual terms of the debt instruments. For asset-backed debt issued in securitization transactions, the principal payments are based on projected payments for specific assets securing the underlying debt considering historical prepayment speeds.
Cash and Restricted Cash [Abstract]    
Cash and Cash Equivalents  
Cash and cash equivalents that are restricted as to withdrawal or usage under the terms of certain contractual agreements are recorded as restricted in Other assets on our balance sheet.
Finance Loans and Leases Receivable [Abstract]    
Finance Loans and Leases Receivable
A restructuring of debt constitutes a TDR if Ford Credit grants a concession for economic or legal reasons related to the debtor's financial difficulties that Ford Credit otherwise would not consider in the normal course of business.
Non-Consumer. Within Ford Credit's non-consumer receivables segment, only dealer loans subject to forbearance, moratoriums, extension agreements or other actions intended to minimize economic loss and to avoid foreclosure or repossession of collateral are classified as TDRs. Dealer loans that are in TDRs are assessed for impairment and included in Ford Credit's allowance for credit losses based on either the present value of the expected future cash flows of the receivable discounted at the loan's original effective interest rate, or the fair value of the collateral adjusted for estimated costs to sell. For loans where foreclosure is probable, the fair value of the collateral is used to estimate the specific impairment. An impairment charge is recorded as part of the provision to the allowance for credit losses for the amount by which the recorded investment of the receivable exceeds its estimated fair value.
Finance receivables are recorded at the time of origination or purchase for the principal amount financed and are subsequently reported at amortized cost, net of any allowance for credit losses. Amortized cost is the outstanding principal adjusted for any charge-offs and any unamortized deferred fees or costs. At June 30, 2011 and
December 31, 2010, the recorded investment in Ford Credit's finance receivables excluded $170 million and $176 million of accrued uncollected interest receivable, respectively, which we report in Other assets on the balance sheet.
Impairment. Ford Credit's consumer receivables are evaluated collectively for impairment. Ford Credit's non-consumer receivables are evaluated both collectively and specifically for impairment. Specifically-impaired non-consumer receivables represent accounts with dealers that have weak or poor financial metrics or dealer loans that have been modified in TDRs. Ford Credit places impaired receivables in non-accrual status. The following factors (not necessarily in order of importance or probability of occurrence) are considered in determining whether a receivable is impaired:


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Delinquency in contractual payments of principal or interest
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Deterioration of the borrower's competitive position
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Cash flow difficulties experienced by the borrower
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Breach of loan covenants or conditions
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Initiation of dealer bankruptcy or other insolvency proceedings
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Fraud or criminal conviction
Aging. For all classes of finance receivables, Ford Credit defines "past due" as any payment, including principal and interest, that has not been collected and is at least 31 days past the contractual due date.
Notes receivable initially are recorded at fair value and subsequently measured at amortized cost.
Allowance For Credit Losses [Abstract]    
Allowance for Credit Losses  
The allowance for credit losses represents Ford Credit's estimate of the probable loss on the collection of finance receivables and operating leases as of the balance sheet date. The adequacy of the allowance for credit losses is assessed quarterly and the assumptions and models used in establishing the allowance are evaluated regularly. Because credit losses may vary substantially over time, estimating credit losses requires a number of assumptions about matters that are uncertain.


Additions to the allowance for credit losses are made by recording charges to Provision for credit and insurance losses on the sector statement of operations. The outstanding balances of finance receivables and investments in operating leases are charged to the allowance for credit losses at the earlier of when an account is deemed to be uncollectible or when an account is 120 days delinquent, taking into consideration the financial condition of the borrower or lessee, the value of the collateral, recourse to guarantors and other factors. In the event we repossess the collateral, the receivable is written off and we record the collateral at its estimated fair value less costs to sell and report it in Other assets on the balance sheet. Recoveries on finance receivables and investment in operating leases previously charged-off as uncollectible are credited to the allowance for credit losses.


Consumer Receivables


The majority of credit losses are attributable to Ford Credit's consumer receivables segment. Ford Credit estimates the allowance for credit losses on its consumer receivables segment and on its investments in operating leases using a combination of measurement models and management judgment. The models consider factors such as historical trends in credit losses and recoveries (including key metrics such as delinquencies, repossessions and bankruptcies), the composition of the present portfolio (including vehicle brand, term, risk evaluation and new/used vehicles), trends in historical and projected used vehicle values, and economic conditions. Estimates from these models rely on historical information and may not fully reflect losses inherent in the present portfolio. Therefore, Ford Credit may adjust the estimate to reflect management's judgment regarding justifiable changes in recent economic trends and conditions, portfolio composition, and other relevant factors.


Ford Credit makes projections of two key assumptions to assist in estimating the consumer allowance for credit losses:


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Frequency - the number of finance receivables that are expected to default over the loss emergence period, measured as repossessions
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Loss severity - the expected difference between the amount a customer owes when the finance contract is charged off and the amount received, net of expenses from selling the repossessed vehicle, including any recoveries from the customer


NOTE 6. ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (Continued)


The consumer receivables portfolio allowance is evaluated primarily using a collective loss-to-receivables ("LTR") model that, based on historical experience, indicates credit losses have been incurred in the portfolio even though the particular receivables that are uncollectible cannot be specifically identified. The LTR model is based on the most recent years of history. Each LTR is calculated by dividing credit losses by average end-of-period receivables excluding unearned interest supplements and allowance for credit losses. A weighted-average LTR is calculated for each class of consumer receivables and multiplied by the end-of-period receivable balances for that given class.


The loss emergence period ("LEP") is a key assumption within Ford Credit's models and represents the average amount of time between when a loss event first occurs and when it is charged off. This time period starts when the consumer begins to experience financial difficulty. It is evidenced later, typically through delinquency, before eventually resulting in a charge-off. The LEP is a multiplier in the calculation of the collective consumer allowance for credit losses.


For consumer receivables greater than 120 days past due, the uncollectible portion of the receivable is charged-off, such that the remaining recorded investment in the loan is equal to the estimated fair value of the collateral less costs to sell.


After the establishment of this allowance for credit losses, if management believes the allowance does not reflect all losses inherent in the portfolio due to changes in recent economic trends and conditions, or other relevant factors, an adjustment is made based on management judgment.


Non-Consumer Receivables


Ford Credit estimates the allowance for credit losses for non-consumer receivables based on historical LTR ratios, expected future cash flows, and the fair value of collateral.


Collective Allowance for Credit Losses. Ford Credit estimates an allowance for non-consumer receivables that are not specifically identified as impaired using a LTR model for each financing product based on historical experience. This LTR is a weighted average of the most recent historical experience and is calculated consistent with the consumer receivables LTR approach. All accounts that are specifically identified as impaired are excluded from the calculation of the non-specific or collective allowance.


Specific Allowance for Impaired Receivables. The wholesale and dealer loan portfolio is evaluated by grouping individual loans into risk pools determined by the risk characteristics of the loan (such as the amount of the loan, the nature of the collateral, and the financial status of the debtor). The risk pools are analyzed to determine whether individual loans are impaired, and a specific allowance is estimated based on the present value of the expected future cash flows of the receivable discounted at the loan's effective interest rate or the fair value of any collateral adjusted for estimated costs to sell.


After establishment of the collective and the specific allowance for credit losses, if management believes the allowance does not reflect all losses inherent in the portfolio due to changes in recent economic trends and conditions or other relevant factors, an adjustment is made based on management judgment.
We estimate credit loss reserves for notes receivable on an individual receivable basis. A specific impairment allowance reserve is established based on expected future cash flows, the fair value of any collateral, and the financial condition of the debtor.
Inventories [Abstract]    
Inventory  
All inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost for a substantial portion of U.S. inventories is determined on a last-in, first-out ("LIFO") basis. LIFO was used for approximately 32% of total inventories at
June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010. Cost of other inventories is determined on a first-in, first-out ("FIFO") basis.
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]    
Variable Interest Entities  
A VIE is an entity that either (i) has insufficient equity to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support or (ii) has equity investors who lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. A VIE is consolidated by its primary beneficiary. The primary beneficiary has both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity's economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE.


If we determine that we have operating power and the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits, we consolidate the VIE as the primary beneficiary. Within our Automotive sector, we have operating power when our management has the ability to make key operating decisions, such as decisions regarding product investment or manufacturing production schedules. For our Financial Services sector, we have operating power when we have the ability to exercise discretion in the servicing of financial assets, issue additional debt, exercise a unilateral call option, add assets to revolving structures, or control investment decisions.
    
Assets recognized as a result of consolidating these VIEs do not represent additional assets that could be used to satisfy claims against our general assets. Conversely, liabilities recognized as a result of consolidating these VIEs do not represent additional claims on our general assets; rather, they represent claims against the specific assets of the consolidated VIEs.
Intangible Assets [Abstract]    
Intangible Assets  
Our intangible assets are comprised primarily of license and advertising agreements, land rights, patents, customer contracts, and technology, and each is amortized over its determinable life.
Income Taxes [Abstract]    
Income Taxes  
Generally, for interim tax reporting we estimate one single tax rate for tax jurisdictions not subject to a valuation allowance, which is applied to the year-to-date ordinary income/(loss). We manage our operations by multi-jurisdictional business units, however, and thus are unable to reasonably compute one overall effective tax rate. Accordingly, our worldwide tax provision is calculated pursuant to GAAP, which provides that tax (or benefit) in each foreign jurisdiction not subject to valuation allowance be separately computed as ordinary income/(loss) occurs within the jurisdiction.
Capital Stock and Amounts Per Share [Abstract]    
Earnings Per Share  
We present both basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS") amounts in our financial reporting. EPS is computed independently each quarter for income from continuing operations, income/(loss) from discontinued operations, and net income; as a result, the sum of per-share amounts from continuing operations and discontinued operations may not equal the total per-share amount for net earnings. Basic EPS excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income available to Common and Class B Stock holders by the weighted-average number of Common and Class B Stock and equivalents outstanding for the period. Diluted EPS, on the other hand, reflects the maximum potential dilution that could occur if all securities and other share-based contracts, including stock options, warrants, and rights under our convertible notes were exercised. Potential dilutive shares are excluded from the calculation if they have an anti-dilutive effect in the period.
Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]    
Derivatives  
Overall Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedge Accounting. All derivatives are recognized on the balance sheet at fair value. To ensure consistency in our treatment of derivative and non-derivative exposures with regard to our master agreements, we do not net our derivative position by counterparty for purposes of balance sheet presentation and disclosure. We do, however, consider our net position for determining fair value.


We have elected to apply hedge accounting to certain derivatives. Derivatives that are designated are documented and the relationships are evaluated for effectiveness using regression analysis at the time they are designated and throughout the hedge period. Cash flows and profit impact associated with designated hedges are reported in the same category as the underlying hedged item.


Some derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting; for others, we elect not to apply hedge accounting. Regardless of hedge accounting treatment, we only enter into transactions that we believe will be highly effective at offsetting the underlying economic risk. We report changes in the fair value of derivatives not designated as hedging instruments through Automotive cost of sales, Automotive interest income and other non-operating income/(expense), net, or Financial Services other income/(loss), net depending on the sector and underlying exposure. Cash flows associated with non-designated or de-designated derivatives are reported in Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities in our statements of cash flows.


Cash Flow Hedges. Our Automotive sector has designated certain forward contracts as cash flow hedges of forecasted transactions with exposure to foreign currency exchange risk.


The effective portion of changes in the fair value of cash flow hedges is deferred in Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) and is recognized in Automotive cost of sales when the hedged item affects earnings. The ineffective portion is reported currently in Automotive cost of sales. Our policy is to de-designate cash flow hedges prior to the time forecasted transactions are recognized as assets or liabilities on the balance sheet and report subsequent changes in fair value through Automotive cost of sales. If it becomes probable that the originally-forecasted transaction will not occur, the related amount also is reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) and recognized in earnings. Our cash flow hedges mature in two years or less.


Fair Value Hedges. Our Financial Services sector uses derivatives to reduce the risk of changes in the fair value of liabilities. We have designated certain receive-fixed, pay-float interest rate swaps as fair value hedges of fixed-rate debt. The risk being hedged is the risk of changes in the fair value of the hedged debt attributable to changes in the benchmark interest rate. If the hedge relationship is deemed to be highly effective, we record the changes in the fair value of the hedged debt related to the risk being hedged in Financial Services debt with the offset in Financial Services other income/(loss), net. The change in fair value of the related derivative (excluding accrued interest) also is recorded in Financial Services other income/(loss), net. Hedge ineffectiveness, recorded directly in earnings, is the difference between the change in fair value of the derivative and the change in the fair value of the hedged debt that is attributable to the changes in the benchmark interest rate.


When a derivative is de-designated from a fair value hedge relationship, or when the derivative in a fair value hedge relationship is terminated before maturity, the fair value adjustment to the hedged debt continues to be reported as part of the carrying value of the debt and is amortized over its remaining life.
NOTE 16.  DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Continued)


Net Investment Hedges. We have used foreign currency exchange derivatives to hedge the net assets of certain foreign entities to offset the translation and economic exposures related to our investment in these entities. The effective portion of changes in the value of these derivative instruments is included in Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) as a foreign currency translation adjustment until the hedged investment is sold or liquidated. When the investment is sold or liquidated, the hedge gains and losses previously reported in Accumulated other comprehensive income/(loss) are recognized in Automotive interest income and other non-operating income/(expense), net as part of the gain or loss on sale. We have had no derivative instruments in an active net investment hedging relationship since the first quarter of 2007.


Normal Purchases and Normal Sales Classification. We have elected to apply the normal purchases and normal sales classification for physical supply contracts that are entered into for the purpose of procuring commodities to be used in production over a reasonable period in the normal course of our business.