| Document and Entity Information | Apr. 29, 2020 | Oct. 23, 2019 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | ||
| Document Type | 8-K | |
| Document Period End Date | Apr. 29, 2020 | |
| Entity Registrant Name | GENERAL DYNAMICS CORPORATION | |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | DE | |
| Entity File Number | 1-3671 | |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 13-1673581 | |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 11011 Sunset Hills Road | |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Reston, | |
| Entity Address, State or Province | VA | |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 20190 | |
| City Area Code | 703 | |
| Local Phone Number | 876-3000 | |
| Written Communications | false | |
| Soliciting Material | false | |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false | |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common Stock | |
| Trading Symbol | GD | |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE | |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false | |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000040533 | |
| Amendment Flag | false | |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
