| Document and Entity Information Document | Jan. 29, 2020 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jan. 29, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | GENERAL DYNAMICS CORPORATION |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000040533 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| 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, Reston, Virginia |
| 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 |
