Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Schedule of Revenue by Major Source Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Business Group [Axis] Business Group [Axis] Information by reporting groups. Business Group [Domain] Business Group [Domain] [Domain] for Information by reporting groups. Automotive [Member] Automotive [Member] Represents the Automotive section for segment consolidation GM Financial [Member] GM Financial [Member] Represents the GM Financial section for segment consolidation. Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Net sales and revenue Revenues [Abstract] Automotive Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax Total net sales and revenue (Note 2) Revenues Costs and expenses Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Automotive and other cost of sales Cost of Goods and Services Sold GM Financial interest, operating and other expenses Operating Costs and Expenses Automotive and other selling, general and administrative expense Selling, General and Administrative Expense Total costs and expenses Operating Expenses Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Automotive interest expense Interest Expense Interest income and other non-operating income, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Equity income (Note 7) Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense (Note 14) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (Note 18) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to stockholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income attributable to common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Earnings per share (Note 17) Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic earnings per common share – continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Basic loss per common share – discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted earnings per common share – continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Diluted loss per common share – discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as Hedges [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedges [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Fair Value Hedges [Member] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Foreign Currency Swaps [Member] Foreign Currency Swaps [Member] Foreign Currency Swaps [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Foreign Currency [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Commodity [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] PSA Warrants [Member] Warrants Exercisable Into Fixed Number Of Publicly Traded Shares [Member] Warrants Exercisable Into Fixed Number Of Publicly Traded Shares [Member] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] PSA Group [Member] PSA Group [Member] PSA Group [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Other assets [Member] Other Assets [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Interest Income and Other Non-Operating Income, Net [Member] Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Notional amount, derivative financial instruments Derivative, Notional Amount Fair value of derivative instruments Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Gains on derivative instruments Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Collateral available for netting Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Consolidated VIE [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Less: cumulative dividends on subsidiary preferred stock Preferred Stock Dividends and Other Adjustments Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Available to Common Shareholders, Basic Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax Net Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations Available to Common Shareholders, Basic Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders – diluted Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Available to Common Shareholders, Diluted Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax – diluted Net Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations Available to Common Shareholders, Diluted Net income attributable to common stockholders – diluted Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic (in shares) Dilutive effect of warrants and awards under stock incentive plans (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Call Options and Warrants Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares) Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Potentially dilutive securities (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interests [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred Stock [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Adoption of accounting standards New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification Net income Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Issuance of preferred stock (Note 16) Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Purchase of common stock Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Stock based compensation APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition Cash dividends paid on common stock Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Dividends to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Other Stockholders' Equity, Other Balance at end of period Schedule of Earnings Per Share Basic and Diluted Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation [Abstract] Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation Schedule of Future Minimum Commitments for Operating Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Long-term Debt [Member] Long-term Debt [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Carrying Amount of Hedged Items Hedged Liability, Fair Value Hedge Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustments on Hedging Relationships Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Adjustment Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Adjustment Cumulative fair value adjustment on discontinued hedging relationships Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Adjustment on Discontinued Hedging Relationships Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Adjustment on Discontinued Hedging Relationships Variable Interest Entities Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income tax expense Net deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Table] Accrued Liabilities [Member] Accrued Liabilities [Member] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Long-term Purchase Commitment [Line Items] Rent expense Payments for Rent Operating lease right-of-use assets Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Current operating lease liability Operating Lease, Liability, Current Noncurrent operating lease liability Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Operating lease right of use asset obtained in exchange for lease liability Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Operating Lease Liability Operating lease payments for the remainder of 2019 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Two 2021 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Three 2022 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Four 2023 Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Year Five Thereafter Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Imputed interest Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Weighted average discount rate Operating Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Operating lease weighted-average remaining lease term Operating Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Operating lease payments Operating Lease, Payments Future lease obligation amount Lessee, Operating Lease, Lease Not yet Commenced, Obligation Amount Lessee, Operating Lease, Lease Not yet Commenced, Obligation Amount Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Foreign currency translation adjustments [Member] Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Defined benefit plans [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Other comprehensive income (loss) and noncontrolling interests, net of reclassification adjustment, tax and impact of adoption of accounting standards Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest and Impact of Adoption of Accounting Standards Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest and Impact of Adoption of Accounting Standards Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustment, net of tax and impact of adoption of accounting standards Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Reclassification adjustment, net of tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Net [Abstract] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, by Major Property Class [Table] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, by Major Property Class [Table] Major Property Class [Axis] Major Property Class [Axis] Major Property Class [Domain] Major Property Class [Domain] Vehicles [Member] Vehicles [Member] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items] Equipment on operating leases Operating Lease, Right-of-use Asset, Gross Operating Lease, Right-of-use Asset, Gross Less: accumulated depreciation Operating Lease, Right-of-use Asset, Accumulated Depreciation Operating Lease, Right-of-use Asset, Accumulated Depreciation Equipment on operating leases, net Depreciation expense Depreciation Lessor Operating Lease Payments to be Received Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2019 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Two Years 2021 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Three Years 2022 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Four Years 2023 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Five Years Thereafter Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Thereafter Total Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received Schedule of Notional Amounts for Derivative Financial Instruments Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cumulative Basis Adjustments for Fair Value Hedges Schedule of Fair Value Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Corporate [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] GMNA [Member] GMNA [Member] Represents the GM North America region for segment consolidation. GMI [Member] GMI [Member] GMI [Member] GM Cruise [Member] GM Cruise Segment [Member] GM Cruise Segment [Member] GM Financial [Member] GM Financial Segment [Member] Represents the GM Financial segment. Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Transformation Activities [Member] Transformation Activities [Member] Transformation Activities [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Brazil [Member] BRAZIL Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] GM Brazil Indirect Tax Claim [Member] GM Brazil Indirect Tax Claim [Member] GM Brazil Indirect Tax Claim [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Net sales and revenue Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes-adjusted Earnings (loss) before automotive interest and taxes-adjusted Earnings or loss from continuing operations attributable to the economic entity which may also be defined as revenue less expenses from ongoing operations, after income or loss from equity method investment and net of income or loss attributable to noncontrolling interest, but before adjustments that are not considered part of our core operations, automotive interest expense, corporate interest income, gain or loss on extinguishment of debt and income tax expense or benefit. Adjustments Adjustments Includes items that are not part of the normal operating cycle of ongoing operations. Automotive interest income Interest Income Interest income received from interest bearing assets. The balance includes income earned in return for depositing or lending money that can include income from time deposits, demand deposits, savings accounts, certificates of deposit, money market deposits, bonds, and loans. Automotive interest expense Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Income tax benefit (expense) (Loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax Equity in net assets of nonconsolidated affiliates Equity Method Investments Goodwill and intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill) Total assets Assets Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Impairment charges Asset Impairment Charges Equity income Pre-tax restructuring costs Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions Favorable settlement amount Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded from Other Party Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Total productive material, supplies and work in process Inventory, Work in Process and Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Finished product, including service parts Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Total inventories Inventory, Net Receivables [Abstract] Financing Receivable, Past Due [Table] Financing Receivable, Past Due [Table] Financial Asset, Period Past Due [Axis] Financial Asset, Period Past Due [Axis] Financial Asset, Period Past Due [Domain] Financial Asset, Period Past Due [Domain] 31-to-60 days delinquent [Member] Financing Receivables, 31 to 60 Days Past Due [Member] Financing receivables that are more than 30 days past due but fewer than 61 days past due. Greater-than-60 days delinquent [Member] Financing Receivables, Greater than 60 Days Past Due [Member] Financing receivables that are greater than 60 days past due. Total finance receivables more than 30 days delinquent [Member] Financing Receivables, Greater than 30 Days Past Due [Member] Financing receivables that are greater than 30 days past due. In repossession [Member] Financing Receivables, In Repossession [Member] Financing receivables that are in repossession Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Axis] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Axis] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Domain] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Domain] Retail Finance Receivables [Member] Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member] Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Additional Information [Abstract] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Additional Information [Abstract] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Additional Information [Abstract] Percentage of receivables with sub-prime credit scores Percentage of Sub-Prime Loans Sub-prime loans as percentage of the total loans. Sub-prime FICO score Sub-prime FICO Score The FICO score used to separate sub-prime from prime loans. The loans with a borrower that has less then this score will be considered as sub-prime. Retail finance receivables, nonaccrual status Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual Delinquent Contracts [Abstract] Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Abstract] Past Due Amount Financing Receivable, Past Due Percent of Contractual Amount Due Financing Receivable, Percent Past Due Finance receivables, individually evaluated for impairment, net of fees Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment Allowance for loan losses - TDRs Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Discontinued Operations [Member] Discontinued Operations [Member] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Opel/Vauxhall Business [Member] Opel/Vauxhall Business [Member] Opel/Vauxhall Business [Member] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Domain] Operating Activities [Domain] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Net sales and revenue Discontinued Operation, Intra-Entity Amounts, Discontinued Operation after Disposal, Revenue Purchases and expenses Discontinued Operation, Intra-Entity Amounts, Discontinued Operation after Disposal, Expense Cash payments Discontinued Operation, Amount of Continuing Cash Payments after Disposal Discontinued Operation, Amount of Continuing Cash Payments after Disposal Cash receipts Discontinued Operation, Amount of Continuing Cash Receipts after Disposal Discontinued Operation, Amount of Continuing Cash Receipts after Disposal Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Common stock par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Domain] Scenario [Domain] Forecast [Member] Forecast [Member] U.S. [Member] UNITED STATES Debt Type [Axis] Debt Type [Axis] Information by type of debt Debt Type [Domain] Debt Type [Domain] [Domain] for Debt Type [Axis] Secured Debt [Member] Secured Debt [Member] Unsecured Debt [Member] Unsecured Debt [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Line of Credit [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Three-Year Revolving Credit Facility January 2019 [Member] Three-Year Revolving Credit Facility January 2019 [Member] Three-Year Revolving Credit Facility January 2019 [Member] Commercial Paper [Member] Commercial Paper [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Securitization notes payable [Member] Securitization notes payable [Member] Debt issued through securitization transactions. Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Finance lease assets Finance Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Finance lease right of use asset obtained in exchange for lease obligations Right-of-Use Asset Obtained in Exchange for Finance Lease Liability Finance lease payments for the remainder of the year Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year Years 2020 to 2023 Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Years Two Through Five Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due Years Two Through Five Thereafter Finance Lease, Liability, Payments, Due after Year Five Imputed interest Finance Lease, Liability, Undiscounted Excess Amount Finance lease weighted-average discount rate Finance Lease, Weighted Average Discount Rate, Percent Finance leas weighted average remaining lease term Finance Lease, Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term Debt term Debt Instrument, Term Aggregate borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Borrowings from revolving credit facility Proceeds from Lines of Credit Debt renewal term Debt Instrument, Renewal Term Debt Instrument, Renewal Term Principal amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Weighted average interest rate (percent) Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Amounts borrowed under revolving credit facility Long-term Line of Credit Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract] Product Warranty and Related Liabilities Product Warranty and Related Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] The entire disclosure for standard product warranties and other product guarantee contracts, including a tabular reconciliation of the changes in the guarantors aggregate product warranty liability for the reporting period. This disclosure excludes extended warranties. Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Equipment Leased to Other Party [Member] Equipment Leased to Other Party [Member] Restricted cash – current Restricted Cash and Investments, Current Restricted cash – non-current Restricted Cash and Investments, Noncurrent GM Financial receivables, net of fees – current Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current GM Financial receivables, net of fees – non-current Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent GM Financial equipment on operating leases, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net GM Financial equipment on operating leases, net Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Net GM Financial short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt Debt, Current GM Financial long-term debt Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Non-U.S. [Member] Foreign Plan [Member] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Pension Plan [Member] Pension Plan [Member] Global OPEB Plans [Member] Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Service cost including administrative expenses Service and Administrative cost The actuarial present value of benefits attributed to the pension benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the period and administrative expenses Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Amortization of prior service cost (credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization of net actuarial losses Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Net periodic pension and OPEB (income) expense Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Non-service cost components of net periodic pension and OPEB income Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Expense (Income), Excluding Service Cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Expense (Income), Excluding Service Cost Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Income from continuing operations Depreciation and impairment of Equipment on operating leases, net Depreciation and Impairment of Equipment on Operating Leases, Net Depreciation and Impairment of Equipment on Operating Leases, Net Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges on Property, net Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges on Property The amount of expense recognized in the current period that reflects the allocation of the cost of tangible assets and finite-lived intangible assets over the assets' useful lives, as well as impairment charges on tangible and intangible assets. Includes production and non-production related depreciation and amortization. Foreign currency remeasurement and transaction (gains) losses Foreign Currency Remeasurement and Transaction Gains (Losses) The aggregate realized and unrealized foreign currency transaction gain or loss, net (pretax) or remeasurement gain or loss, net (pretax) included in determining net income for the reporting period. Represents the aggregate of gains or losses, net, on foreign currency transactions that are unsettled as of the balance sheet date, which is therefore an adjustment to reconcile income or loss from continuing operations to net cash provided by or used in continuing operations. Also includes the gains or losses associated with remeasuring foreign currency denominated entities into the functional currency of those entities. Excludes foreign currency transactions designated as hedges of net investment in a foreign entity. Undistributed earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates, net Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Net of Dividends or Distributions Pension contributions and OPEB payments Payment for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Pension and OPEB income, net Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Cost (Reversal of Cost) Provision for deferred taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Change in other operating assets and liabilities Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Expenditures for property Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Available-for-sale marketable securities, acquisitions Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Available-for-sale marketable securities, liquidations Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Purchases of finance receivables, net Payments to Acquire Finance Receivables Principal collections and recoveries on finance receivables Proceeds from Collection of Finance Receivables Purchases of leased vehicles, net Payments to Acquire Leases Held-for-investment Proceeds from termination of leased vehicles Proceeds from Leases Held-for-investment Other investing activities Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities – continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by investing activities – discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net increase in short-term debt Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt, Maturing in Three Months or Less Proceeds from issuance of debt (original maturities greater than three months) Proceeds from Debt, Maturing in More than Three Months Payments on debt (original maturities greater than three months) Repayments of Debt, Maturing in More than Three Months Proceeds from issuance of subsidiary preferred stock Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Dividends paid Payments of Dividends Other financing activities Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Net decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period Significant Non-cash Investing and Financing Activity Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Non-cash property additions – continuing operations Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Amended and Restated Master Sale and Purchase Agreement [Member] Amended and Restated Master Sale and Purchase Agreement [Member] Amended and Restated Master Sale and Purchase Agreement [Member] Accrued liabilities and Other liabilities [Member] Accrued Liabilities, Current and Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Member] Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable, pertaining to costs that are statutory in nature, are incurred on contractual obligations, or accumulate over time and for which invoices have not yet been received or will not be rendered and aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent obligations not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent liabilities are expected to be paid after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Examples include taxes, interest, rent and utilities. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Economic-loss cases [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Economic Damage [Member] Ignition switch recall claims seeking recovery for purported compensatory damages. Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - July 2009 Sale Order [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - July 2009 Sale Order [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - July 2009 Sale Order [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Lost Personal Time and Certain Unjust Enrichment Claims [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Lost Personal Time and Certain Unjust Enrichment Claims [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Lost Personal Time and Certain Unjust Enrichment Claims [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Contingently Issuable Shares [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Contingently Issuable Shares [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Contingently Issuable Shares [Member] Korea Wage Litigation - Hourly [Member] Korea Wage Litigation - Hourly [Member] Litigation related to Ordinary Wage regulation for current and former hourly employees of GM Korea. Korea Wage Litigation - Salaried [Member] Korea Wage Litigation - Salaried [Member] Litigation alleging incorrect wage calculation for current and former salaried employees of GM Korea. Korea Wage Litigation - Former Subcontract Workers [Member] Korea Wage Litigation - Former Subcontract Workers [Member] Korea Wage Litigation - Former Subcontract Workers [Member] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Granted Motion to Dismiss [Member] Granted Motion to Dismiss [Member] Granted Motion to Dismiss [Member] Pending Litigation [Member] Pending Litigation [Member] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Indirect Tax Matters [Member] Indirect Tax Matters [Member] Loss contingencies related to indirect tax matters. Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Estimated litigation liability Estimated Litigation Liability Number of filed claims Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Number of states Loss Contingency, Number of States Loss Contingency, Number of States Number of jurisdictions Loss Contingency, Number of Jurisdictions Loss Contingency, Number of Jurisdictions Allowed general unsecured claims amount Motors Liquidation Company GUC Trust, Material Contingent Liabilities, General Unsecured Claims, Threshold Amount Motors Liquidation Company GUC Trust, Material Contingent Liabilities, General Unsecured Claims, Threshold Amount Contingently issuable shares (in shares) Motors Liquidation Company GUC Trust, Amounts of Material Contingent Liabilities Remaining, Shares Issuable Motors Liquidation Company GUC Trust, Amounts of Material Contingent Liabilities Remaining, Shares Issuable Value of contingently issuable shares Motors Liquidation Company GUC Trust, Amounts of Material Contingent Liabilities Remaining, Value of Shares Issuable Motors Liquidation Company GUC Trust, Amounts of Material Contingent Liabilities Remaining, Value of Shares Issuable Amount of allowed general unsecured claims Motors Liquidation Company GUC Trust, Amounts of General Unsecured Claims, Amount Motors Liquidation Company GUC Trust, Amounts of General Unsecured Claims, Amount Number of plaintiffs Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs Number of employees in the case Number of Employees in Case Number of Employees in Case Estimate of possible loss Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Commercial Finance Receivables [Member] Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] Finance Receivables [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] GM Financial Receivables Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Allowance for Loan Losses Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table Text Block] Retail Finance Receivables Delinquency Financing Receivable, Past Due [Table Text Block] Commercial Finance Receivables Credit Quality Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block] Intercompany Transactions Schedule of Intercompany Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Intercompany Transactions [Table Text Block] Minimum commitments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2023 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Sublease income Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Remainder of Fiscal Year Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Due In Two Years Amount of required future sublease rental income receivable in the second fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for noncancelable subleasing arrangements. 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Due In Three Years Amount of required future sublease rental income receivable in the third fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for noncancelable subleasing arrangements. 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Due In Four Years Amount of required future sublease rental income receivable in the fourth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for noncancelable subleasing arrangements. 2023 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Due In Five Years Amount of required future sublease rental income receivable in the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for noncancelable subleasing arrangements. Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Due Thereafter Amount of required future sublease rental income receivable after the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for noncancelable subleasing arrangements. Total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Future Minimum Sublease Rentals Net minimum commitments Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Net Of Sublease Rentals, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Net Of Sublease Rentals, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Net Of Sublease Rentals, Remainder of Fiscal Year Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Net Of Sublease Rentals, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Net Of Sublease Rentals, Due in Two Years Amount of required minimum rental payments, net of sublease rent receivable maturing in the second fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for operating leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year. 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Net Of Sublease Rentals, Due in Three Years Amount of required minimum rental payments, net of sublease rent receivable maturing in the third fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for operating leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year. 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Net Of Sublease Rentals, Due in Four Years Amount of required minimum rental payments, net of sublease rent receivable maturing in the fourth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for operating leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year. 2023 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Net Of Sublease Rentals, Due in Five Years Amount of required minimum rental payments, net of sublease rent receivable maturing in the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for operating leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year. Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Net Of Sublease Rentals, Due Thereafter Amount of required minimum rental payments, net of sublease rent receivable maturing after the fifth fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for operating leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year. Total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Net Of Sublease Rentals Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Net Of Sublease Rentals Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Schedule of Equity Income Schedule of equity income [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied including gain (loss) on disposition of interest in nonconsolidated affiliates. Summarized Financial Data for Nonconsolidated Affiliates Summarized Financial Data of Equity Method Investees [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of aggregated summarized financial data for equity-method investees for the reporting period, including but not limited to, balance sheet, income statements etc. Schedule of Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease Schedule of Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Rental Payments Receivable for Operating Leases Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Maturity [Table Text Block] Debt carrying amount and fair value Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation [Text Block] The entire disclosure for the nature of an entity's business, the major products or services it sells or provides and its principal markets, including the locations of those markets as well as the basis of presentation concept. If the entity operates in more than one business, the disclosure also indicates the relative importance of its operations in each business and the basis for the determination (for example, assets, revenues, or earnings). Basis of presentation describes the underlying basis used to prepare the financial statements (for example, US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Other Comprehensive Basis of Accounting, IFRS). Schedule of policy, product warranty and recall campaigns Schedule of policy, product warranty and recall campaigns [Table Text Block] Table which summarizes the activity for policy, product warranty and recall campaigns for reporting periods. Summary of Transactions with Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Equipment on Operating Leases Lessor, Operating Leases [Text Block] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Debt Instrument, Term Long-term Debt Long-term Debt Long-term Debt, Fair Value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Finance lease liabilities Finance Lease, Liability Finance lease liabilities, Fair Value Finance Lease Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Finance Lease Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Carrying Amount Debt and Lease Obligation Fair Value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Components of Net Periodic Pension and OPEB (Income) Expense Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block] Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring and Other Initiatives Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (Note 16) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments and other Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Defined benefit plans Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to stockholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Marketable Securities [Abstract] Schedule Of Cash, Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities [Table] Schedule Of Cash, Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities [Table] Schedule of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities balances, including restricted cash and marketable securities. Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] U.S. government and agencies [Member] US Treasury and Government [Member] Corporate debt [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Mortgage and asset-backed [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member] Sovereign debt [Member] Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Cash And Cash Equivalents Line Item [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing cash and cash equivalents. Marketable Debt Securities [Member] Marketable Securities [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing marketable securities. Restricted cash - cash equivalents [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] GM Korea [Member] GM Korea [Member] GM Korea [Member] Marketable Securities [Line Items] Investment Holdings [Line Items] Cash and time deposits Cash And Time Deposits Sum of cash (other than available-for-sale and trading securities) and time deposits. Money market funds Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value Total cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Cash and cash equivalents Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Total restricted cash Restricted Cash and Money Market Funds Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Money Market Funds Due in one year or less Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, within One Year, Fair Value Due between one and five years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after One Through Five Years, Fair Value Total available-for-sale debt securities with contractual maturities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Takata DIR [Member] Takata DIR [Member] Defect information report (DIR) filed by GM related to the amended consent order requiring Takata Corporation to file DIRs for previously unrecalled front airbag inflators on a multi-year, risk-based schedule through 2019. Mexico [Member] MEXICO Israel [Member] ISRAEL Canada [Member] CANADA Accrued Liabilities, Current and Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Indirect tax-related escrow deposit Indirect Tax-Related Escrow Deposit Represents the contingent indirect tax-related escrow deposit amount that may be required. Warranty provision related to DIR's Loss Contingency Accrual Estimate of maximum possible loss Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Number of pending claims Product liability Loss Contingency Accrual, Product Liability, Gross Maximum liability, guarantees Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Automotive China JVs equity income [Member] Automotive China Joint Ventures [Member] Automotive China joint ventures. Other joint ventures equity income [Member] Other joint ventures [Member] Other nonconsolidated affiliates other than Automotive China joint ventures. Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Equity Method Investee [Member] Equity Method Investee [Member] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Change in ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Change in Ownership Percentage The change in percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Net sales Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue Net income Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Dividends declared but not paid Dividends Receivable Dividends received Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution, Return of Capital Undistributed earnings Retained Earnings, Undistributed Earnings from Equity Method Investees Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Adjustments to sales incentives for previously recognized revenue Adjustments to Sales Incentives for Previously Recognized Revenue Adjustments to Sales Incentives for Previously Recognized Revenue Contract liabilities Deferred Revenue, Revenue Recognized Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Deferred revenue expected to be recognized Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount Expected timing of performance obligation Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period Lyft, Inc. [Member] Lyft, Inc. [Member] Lyft, Inc. [Member] Interest Income and Other Non-Operating Income [Member] Interest Income and Other Non-Operating Income [Member] Interest Income and Other Non-Operating Income [Member] Sale proceeds from investments classified as available-for-sale and sold prior to maturity Proceeds from Sale of Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Fair value of equity securities Equity Securities, FV-NI Unrealized gain (loss) on securities Fair Value, Asset (Liability), Recurring Basis, Still Held, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Equity in Net Assets of Nonconsolidated Affiliates Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Components of Inventories Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Product Warranty and Related Liabilities [Roll Forward] Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward] Warranty balance at beginning of period Policy, Product warranty and Recall campaigns - Accrual Amount as of the balance sheet date of the aggregate standard product warranty and related liabilities. Does not include the balance for the extended product warranty liability. Warranties issued and assumed in period – recall campaigns Warranties Issued And Assumed In Period, Recall Campaigns Represents the aggregate increase in the liability for accruals for recall campaigns and related liabilities issued during the reporting period. Warranties issued and assumed in period – product warranty Warranties Issued And Assumed In Period, Product Warranty Represents the aggregate increase in the liability for accruals related to warranty issued during the reporting period. Does not include any increase in the liability for accruals related to extended product warranties. Payments Policy, product warranty and recall campaigns - Payments Represents the aggregate decrease in the liability for payments made (in cash or in kind) to satisfy claims under the terms of the standard product warranty or related liabilities. Does not include any Increase or Decrease in the liability for payments related to extended product warranties. Adjustments to pre-existing warranties Policy, product warranty and recall campaigns - preexisting adjustments Represents the aggregate Increase or Decrease in the liability during the reporting period for accruals related to preexisting standard product warranties (including adjustments related to changes in estimates) and related liabilities. Does not include any Increase or Decrease in the liability for accruals related to extended product warranties. Effect of foreign currency and other Policy, product warranty and recall campaigns and - Currency translation and other increase (decrease) Increase or Decrease in standard product warranty liability and related liabilities due to currency translation and other. Does not include any Increase or Decrease in an extended product warranty liability due to currency translation. Warranty balance at end of period GM Financial Receivables and Transactions Financing Receivables [Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-02 [Member] Right-of-use Assets [Member] Right-of-Use Assets [Member] Right-of-Use Assets [Member] Noncancelable Operating Lease Obligations [Member] Noncancelable Operating Lease Obligations [Member] Noncancelable Operating Lease Obligations [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Adoption of accounting standards Schedule of Fair Value of Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash from Balance Sheet to Statements of Cash Flows Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash from Balance Sheet to Statement of Cash Flows [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash from the consolidated balance sheet to the consolidated statements of cash flows. Cover page. Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Entity File Number Entity File Number Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code City Area Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Vehicles and Parts [Member] Vehicles and Parts [Member] Vehicles and Parts [Member] Used Vehicles [Member] Used Vehicles [Member] Used Vehicles [Member] Services and Other [Member] Services and Other [Member] Services and Other [Member] Eliminations/ Reclassifications [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Automotive net sales and revenue Leased vehicle income Lease Income Finance charge income Interest and Fee Income, Loans, Consumer Other income Other Income Marketable and Other Securities Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities [Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Korea [Member] KOREA, REPUBLIC OF Unallocation of Products to Certain Manufacturing Facilities And Other Employee Separation Programs [Member] Unallocation of Products to Certain Manufacturing Facilities And Other Employee Separation Programs [Member] Unallocation of Products to Certain Manufacturing Facilities And Other Employee Separation Programs [Member] Supplier-related Charges [Member] Supplier Related Charges [Member] Supplier Related Charges [Member] Non-cash Accelerated Depreciation [Member] Non-cash Accelerated Depreciation [Member] Non-cash Accelerated Depreciation [Member] Supplier Claims [Member] Supplier Claims [Member] Supplier Claims [Member] Non-cash Asset Impairments [Member] Non-cash Asset Impairments [Member] Non-cash Asset Impairments [Member] Employee Separation Charges [Member] Employee Severance [Member] Employee Severance and Statutory Pension Payments [Member] Employee Severance and Statutory Pension Payments [Member] Employee Severance and Statutory Pension Payments [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Restructuring Reserve Additions, interest accretion and other Restructuring Charges Payments Payments for Restructuring Revisions to estimates and effect of foreign currency Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment including Foreign Currency Amount of any reversal and other adjustment made during the period to the amount of a previously accrued liability for a specified type of restructuring cost including foreign currency translation adjustments, excluding adjustments for costs incurred during the period and costs settled during the period. Balance at end of period Pre-tax restructuring charges Cost since inception Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date Expected costs Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Expected amount of cash flows Effect on Future Cash Flows, Amount Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Automotive and GM Financial Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Commercial Finance Receivables [Member] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Financing receivable, net Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss Subvention receivable Intercompany Receivable Intercompany Receivable Commercial loan funding payable Intercompany Payable Intercompany Payable Interest subvention earned on finance receivables Interest Income, Intercompany Transactions Interest Income, Intercompany Transactions Leased vehicle subvention earned Intercompany Transactions, Leased Vehicle Income Earned Intercompany Transactions, Leased Vehicle Income Earned Cash payments to GM Financial Intersegment Eliminations, Receivables (Payables), Net Intersegment Eliminations, Receivables (Payables), Net Schedule of Restructuring Reserves and Charges Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Preferred stock shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Total dividends paid on common stock Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] The Vision Fund [Member] SoftBank Vision Fund (AIV M2), L.P. [Member] SoftBank Vision Fund (AIV M2), L.P. [Member] Korea Development Bank [Member] Korea Development Bank [Member] Korea Development Bank [Member] Series F Preferred Stock [Member] Series F Preferred Stock [Member] Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] Class B Preferred Shares [Member] Class B Preferred Shares [Member] Class B Preferred Shares [Member] GM Cruise Holdings LLC [Member] GM Cruise Holdings LLC [Member] GM Cruise Holdings LLC [Member] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Financial Guarantee [Member] Financial Guarantee [Member] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock Proceeds from Issuance of Convertible Preferred Stock Ownership interest Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Investment in subsidiaries Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Ownership percentage of external investors Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Additional purchase amount Investment Agreement, Performance Agreement, Purchase Obligation Amount Investment Agreement, Performance Agreement, Purchase Obligation Amount Annual dividend rate Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage Preferred stock purchase arrangement Purchase Obligation Period to call preferred shares Preferred Stock, Redemption Features, Period to Call Preferred Stock, Redemption Features, Period to Call Guarantees - maximum liability Planned capital expenditures Other Commitment Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Finance receivables, collectively evaluated for impairment, net of fees Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment GM Financial receivables Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss Less: allowance for loan losses Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss GM Financial receivables, net Fair value of GM Financial receivables Receivables, Fair Value Disclosure Dealer cash management balance Dealer Cash Management Dealer Cash Management Specific allowance Basis of Accounting Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recently Adopted Accounting Standards and Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Marketable securities (Note 3) Marketable Securities, Current Accounts and notes receivable, net Accounts and Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current GM Financial receivables, net (Note 4; Note 8 at VIEs) Inventories (Note 5) Other current assets (Note 3; Note 8 at VIEs) Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Non-current Assets Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] GM Financial receivables, net (Note 4; Note 8 at VIEs) Equity in net assets of nonconsolidated affiliates (Note 7) Property, net Equipment on operating leases, net (Note 6; Note 8 at VIEs) Operating Lease, Right-of-use Asset, Noncurrent Operating Lease, Right-of-use Asset, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Other assets (Note 3; Note 8 at VIEs) Other Assets, Noncurrent Total non-current assets Assets, Noncurrent Total Assets LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable (principally trade) Accounts Payable, Current Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt (Note 9 and Note 8 at VIEs) Accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Non-current Liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt (Note 9 and Note 8 at VIEs) Postretirement benefits other than pensions (Note 12) Liability, Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Pensions (Note 12) Liability, Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Noncurrent Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total non-current liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Total Liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies (Note 13) Commitments and Contingencies Equity (Note 16) Equity [Abstract] Common stock, $0.01 par value Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Equity Total Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity Revenue Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward] Allowance for loan losses at beginning of period Provision for loan losses Provision for Loan, Lease, and Other Losses Charge-offs Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff Recoveries Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Recovery Effect of foreign currency Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Foreign Currency Translation Allowance for loan losses at end of period Collective allowance Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Credit Quality Indicator [Axis] Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Financing Receivable, by Credit Quality Indicator [Domain] Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Group I - Dealers with superior financial metrics [Member] Group I Dealers [Member] Credit quality indicators that are developed and used internally by the company, the first Group. Group I is the classification of dealers with superior financial metrics. Group II - Dealers with strong financial metrics [Member] Group II Dealers [Member] Credit quality indicators that are developed and used internally by the company, the second Group. Group II is the classification of dealers with strong financial metrics. Group III - Dealers with fair financial metrics [Member] Group III Dealers [Member] Credit quality indicators that are developed and used internally by the company, the third Group. Group III is the classification of dealers with fair financial metrics. Group IV - Dealers with weak financial metrics [Member] Group IV Dealers [Member] Credit quality indicators that are developed and used internally by the company, the fourth Group. Group IV is the classification of dealers with weak financial metrics. Group V - Dealers warranting special mention due to potential weaknesses [Member] Group V [Member] Credit quality indicators that are developed and used internally by the company, the fifth Group. Group V is the classification of dealers warranting special mention due to elevated risks. Group VI - Dealers with loans classified as substandard, doubtful or impaired [Member] Group VI Dealers [Member] Credit quality indicators that are developed and used internally by the company, the sixth Group. Group VI is the classification of dealers with loans classified as substandard, doubtful, or impaired. Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items] GM Financial receivables Other current assets [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] Cash and cash equivalents Restricted cash Total