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] 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. Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items] Equipment on operating leases Assets Subject to or Available for Operating Lease Gross, Current Amount before accumulated depreciation of assets, by major property class, subject to or available for lease as of the balance sheet date, classified as current. Less: accumulated depreciation Assets Subject to or Available for Operating Lease Accumulated Depreciation, Current The amount of accumulated depreciation, by major property class, recorded on assets subject to or available for lease as of the balance sheet date, classified as current. Equipment on operating leases, net Assets Subject to or Available for Operating Lease Net, Current The amount of assets, by major property class, net of accumulated depreciation, subject to or available for lease as of the balance sheet date and classified as current. Depreciation expense Depreciation Impairment Charges Tangible Asset Impairment Charges GM Financial equipment on operating leases Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Gross Less: accumulated depreciation Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Accumulated Depreciation GM Financial equipment on operating leases, net Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Net Minimum rental receipts under operating leases [Abstract] Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract] 2015 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Current 2016 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Two Years 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Three Years 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Four Years 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Five Years Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] US Pension Plans [Member] United States Pension Plan of US Entity [Member] Non-US Pension Plans [Member] Foreign Pension Plan [Member] ABO and PBO [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] ABO Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Benefit Obligation Plans with ABO in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract] ABO Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Accumulated Benefit Obligation Fair Value of Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Pension Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Fair Value of Plan Assets Plans with PBO in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Plans with Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract] PBO Defined Benefit Plan, Plans with Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Benefit Obligation Fair Value of Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plans with Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets, Aggregate Fair Value of Plan Assets US OPEB Plans [Member] United States Postretirement Benefit Plan of US Entity [Member] Non-US OPEB Plans [Member] Foreign Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Minimum Period Of Time For Which There Are No Significant Mandatory Contributions For Qualified Plans Defined Benefit Plan, Minimum Period Of Time For Which There Are No Significant Mandatory Funding Requirements For Qualified Plan The minimum period of time for which there are no significant mandatory funding requirements for the qualified defined benefit plan. Funding Requirements for Upcoming Year for Qualified Plans Funding Requirement, Upcoming Year Represents funding requirements for the upcoming year. 2015 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Next Twelve Months 2016 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Two 2017 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Three 2018 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Four 2019 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Year Five 2020 - 2024 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Five Fiscal Years Thereafter Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Equity in Net Assets of Nonconsolidated Affiliates [Text Block] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Short-term and Long-term Debt [Table] Schedule of Short-term and Long-term Debt [Table] Schedule of Short-term and Long-term Debt [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] U.S. UNITED STATES Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility October 2014 [Member] Revolving Credit Facility October 2014 [Member] Revolving credit facilities beginning in October 2014. Three-year Revolving Credit Facility October 2014 [Member] Three-year Revolving Credit Facility October 2014 [Member] Three-year revolving credit facility beginning in October 2014. Five-year Revolving Credit Facility October 2014 [Member] Five-year Revolving Credit Facility October 2014 [Member] Five-year revolving credit facility beginning in October 2014. Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Debt Type [Axis] Debt Type [Axis] Debt Type [Axis] Debt Type [Domain] Debt Type [Domain] [Domain] for Debt Type [Axis] Unsecured Debt [Member] Unsecured Debt [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Senior Notes Issued November 2014 [Member] Senior Notes Issued November 2014 [Member] Senior notes issued in November 2014. Senior Notes 2025 at 4.0% [Member] Senior Notes 2025 at 4.0% [Member] Senior notes issued at 4.0% and maturing in 2025. Senior Notes 2035 at 5.0% [Member] Senior Notes 2035 at 5.0% [Member] Senior notes issued at 5.0% and maturing in 2035. Senior Notes 2045 at 5.2% [Member] Senior Notes 2045 at 5.2% [Member] Senior Notes issued at 5.2% and maturing in 2045. Senior Notes Issued September 2013 [Member] Senior Notes Issued September 2013 [Member] Senior Notes Issued September 2013 Senior Notes 2018 at 3.5% [Member] Senior Notes 2018 at 3.5% [Member] Senior Notes 2018 at 3.5% Senior Notes 2023 at 4.875% [Member] Senior Notes 2023 at 4.875% [Member] Senior Notes 2023 at 4.875% Senior Notes 2043 at 6.25% [Member] Senior Notes 2043 at 6.25% [Member] Senior Notes 2043 at 6.25% Senior Notes Issued May 2014 [Member] Senior Notes Issued May 2014 [Member] Senior notes issued in Canada in May 2014 Senior Notes Issued July 2014 [Member] Senior Notes Issued July 2014 [Member] Senior Notes Issued July 2014 Senior Notes July 2017 at 2.625% [Member] Senior Notes July 2017 at 2.625% [Member] Senior Notes July 2017 at 2.625% Senior Notes July 2019 at 3.5% [Member] Senior Notes July 2019 at 3.5% [Member] Senior Notes July 2019 at 3.5% Senior Notes Issued September 2014 [Member] Senior Notes Issued September 2014 [Member] Senior Notes Issued September 2014. Senior Notes September 2017 at 3.0% [Member] Senior Notes September 2017 at 3.0% [Member] Senior notes maturing in September 2017 at 3.0%. Senior Notes September 2021 at 4.375% [Member] Senior Notes September 2021 at 4.375% [Member] Senior notes maturing in September 2021 at 4.375%. Term Notes Issued October 2014 [Member] Term Notes Issued October 2014 [Member] Term notes issued in October 2014. Senior Notes Issued January 2015 [Member] Senior Notes Issued January 2015 [Member] Senior Notes Issued January 2015. Senior Notes January 2020 at 3.15% [Member] Senior Notes January 2020 at 3.15% [Member] Senior notes maturing in January 2020 at 3.15%. Senior Notes January 2025 at 4.0% [Member] Senior Notes January 2025 at 4.0% [Member] Senior notes maturing in January 2025 at 4.0%. Senior Notes January 2020 at Floating Rates [Member] Senior Notes January 2020 at Floating Rates [Member] Senior notes maturing in January 2020 at floating rates. Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Number of Credit Facilities Entered Into Number of Credit Facilities The number of credit facilities entered into. Debt Instrument, Term Debt Instrument, Term Sublimit available to GM FInancial Line of Credit Facility Sublimit Available to Specified Subsidiary The maximum borrowing capacity available to a specified subsidiary under the revolving credit agreement. Sublimit available for issuance of letters of credit Line of Credit Facility Sublimit Available for Letters of Credit The maximum borrowing capacity available to support issuances of letters of credit under the revolving credit agreement. Sublimit available for borrowing denominated in Brazilian Real Line of Credit Facility Sublimit Available - Brazilian Real The maximum borrowing capacity available for borrowings denominated in the Brazilian Real under the revolving credit agreement. Debt covenant, minimum liquidity requirement Debt Covenant Minimum Liquidity Minimum liquidity which must be maintained pursuant to debt covenants under the line of credit arrangement. Number of agencies needed to maintain investment grade rating Line of Credit Facility Covenant Number of Agency Ratings to Maintain Investment Grade Rating Number of agency ratings needed to maintain an investment grade credit rating and avoid additional guarantee requirements as part of the revolving credit facility agreements. Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End Extinguishment of Debt, Amount Extinguishment of Debt, Carrying Amount Carrying amount of debt extinguished. Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Compensation Cost for Stock Incentive Plans [Table Text Block] Schedule of Compensation Cost for Share-based Payment Arrangements, Allocation of Share-based Compensation Costs by Plan [Table Text Block] Short-Term and Long-Term Debt [Text Block] Debt and Capital Leases Disclosures [Text Block] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Allowance, and Net [Abstract] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Finance Receivables [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] GM Financial Receivables, net [Text Block] Financing Receivables [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member] Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Securities, net [Member] Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member] Defined Benefit Plans, Net [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] AOCI, beginning balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Tax Expense (Benefit) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustment - prior service cost or credit, before tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Arising During Period, before Tax Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustment - actuarial gains or losses, before tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, before Tax Tax expense (benefit), before reclassification adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassification Adjustment, Tax Tax effect of other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to both parent entity and noncontrolling interest before reclassification adjustments. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassification Adjustment, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Reclassification adjustment - prior service cost or credit, before tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Reclassification adjustment - actuarial gains or losses, before tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax Tax expense (benefit), Reclassification Adjustment Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment, Tax Tax effect of the income statement impact of the reclassification adjustment on other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to both parent entity and noncontrolling interest. Reclassification adjustment, net of tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest AOCI, ending balance Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Components of Inventory [Table Text Block] Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] 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 Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] 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] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Noncontrolling Interests [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Series B Preferred Stock [Member] Series B Preferred Stock [Member] Statement [Line Items] Balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income (loss) Purchase/Redemption and cancellation of Series A Preferred Stock Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Value Purchase of common stock Common Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Equity impact of the value of common stock that has been repurchased during the period. Purchase and retirement of common stock Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Value Exercise of common stock warrants Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Warrant Exercised Amount of increase in additional paid in capital (APIC) resulting from the issuance of common stock due to exercise of warrants. Stock based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Conversion of Series B Preferred Stock into common stock Conversion of Stock, Amount Issued Mandatory conversion of Series B Preferred Stock into common stock Conversion of Stock, Amount Converted Cash dividends on Series A Preferred Stock and cumulative dividends on Series B Preferred Stock Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash Cash dividends paid on Series A Preferred Stock and charge related to purchase/redemption of Series A Preferred Stock and dividends on Series B Preferred Stock Dividends and Purchase of Preferred Stock Amounts of paid dividends on Series A Preferred Stock, charge related to purchase of Series A Preferred Stock and Cumulative dividends on Series B Preferred Stock. Cash dividends paid on common stock Dividends, Common Stock Dividends declared or paid to noncontrolling interest Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Other Stockholders' Equity, Other Balance Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Consolidated Litigation [Member] Consolidated Litigation [Member] Risk of loss associated with the outcome of consolidated litigation against the entity. Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Recalls - Ignition Switch [Member] Recalls - Ignition Switch [Member] Recall of vehicles to repair ignition switches that could result in a loss of electrical power under certain circumstances that may prevent front airbags from deploying in the event of a crash due to faulty ignition switches. Ignition Switch Recall Compensation Program [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Compensation Program [Member] Compensation program that compensates accident victims who died or suffered physical injury (or their families) as a result of a faulty ignition switch. Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations [Member] Litigations filed related to ignition switch recalls. Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Economic Damage [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Economic Damage [Member] Ignition switch recall claims seeking recovery for purported compensatory damages. Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Injury or Death [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Injury or Death [Member] Ignition switch recall litigations, alleging injury or death as a result of faulty ignition switches and/or the failure of air bags to properly deploy due to faulty ignition switches. Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Concealment of Information [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Concealment of Information [Member] Ignition switch recall claims pertaining to defendant's purported concealment of the ignition switch and other defects that have been the subject of recalls, which brought economic damages to the plaintiffs. Ignition Switch Recall Litigations, Shareholder Derivative Action [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations, Shareholder Derivative Action [Member] Ignition switch recall litigations, in which the complaint alleges breach of fiduciary duty, waste of corporate assets, and unjust enrichment by defendant's directors in connection with monitoring, remediation and disclosure of the issues underlying the ignition switch recall. GMCL Dealer Litigation [Member] GMCL Dealer Litigation [Member] Litigation between GMCL and dealers resulting from the execution of dealer wind-down agreements. UAW Lawsuit [Member] UAW Lawsuit [Member] Lawsuit with UAW on reporting entity's obligation to contribute to the UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust. 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. CANADA CANADA NEW YORK NEW YORK CALIFORNIA CALIFORNIA DELAWARE DELAWARE MICHIGAN MICHIGAN BRAZIL BRAZIL Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Other Litigation Liability and Tax Administrative Matters Estimated Litigation Liability Accrual for ignition switch recall compensation program Loss Contingency Accrual Credit Card Redemption liability Credit Card Redemption Liability Redemption liability recorded for credit card programs at the end of the reporting period. Credit Card Deferred revenue Credit Card Deferred Revenue Deferred revenue associated with credit card programs recorded at the end of the reporting period. Asset Retirement Obligation Asset Retirement Obligation Credit Card Programs Available Rebate Credit Card Programs Available Rebate Rebate available associated with the credit card programs, net of deferred program revenue at the balance sheet date. Indirect Tax-Related Escrow Deposit Indirect Tax-Related Escrow Deposit Represents the contingent indirect tax-related escrow deposit amount that may be required. Pending Claims, Number Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Number of Claims Transferred Loss Contingency, Claims Transferred, Number The total number of claims transferred to courts in different locations pertaining to a loss contingency during the period. Number of Consolidated Claims Loss Contingency, Consolidated Claims, Number The total number of consolidated complaints pertaining to a loss contingency during the period. State Attorneys General, Number State Attorney General, Number Number of state attorney generals involved in inquiries, investigations, subpoenas and requests for information in connection with recalls. Number of Plaintiffs Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs Damage Sought, Value Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Number Of Group Actions Loss Contingency Number Of Group Actions Number of group actions that have been filed pertaining to a loss contingency. Number of Employee in the Case Number of Employee in the Case Number of employee involved in the case related to which supreme court rendered its decision. Vehicles recalled Vehicles recalled Number of vehicles recalled Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued Eligible Claims, Number Loss Contingency, Eligible Claims, Number Number of claims eligible for payments pertaining to a loss contingency. Payments of Ignition Switch Recall Compensation Program Loss Contingency Accrual, Payments Increase in Excise Tax Rate Increase in Excise Tax Rate Represents the increase (decrease) in the excise tax rate. Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Components of Expense [Abstract] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense [Abstract] 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 on Plan Assets Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Recognized net actuarial loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Curtailments, Settlements and Other Curtailments, settlements and other (gains) losses, net The aggregate amount of net (gains) losses recognized in net period benefit cost due to settlements, curtailments and other adjustments. Net Periodic Pension and OPEB Expense (Income) Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Administrative Expense Administrative Expense The amount of administrative expenses, included as a component of service cost in the calculation of net periodic pension expense. Weighted-average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Benefit Obligation [Abstract] Discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Rate of compensation increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase Weighted-average assumptions used to determine net expense [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Weighted Average Assumptions Used in Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract] Discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Expected Long-term Return on Assets Rate of compensation increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Rate of Compensation Increase Amount to be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Next Fiscal Year [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Amount to be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Next Fiscal Year [Abstract] Amounts to be amortized from Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amount to be Amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Next Fiscal Year Interest and Other Income [Abstract] Statement [Table] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Ally Financial [Member] Ally Financial [Member] Ally Financial. Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Statement [Line Items] 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. Net gains (losses) on derivatives Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Dividends and royalties Dividends And Royalties The amount of dividends and royalties recognized during the reporting period. Foreign currency transaction and remeasurement gains (losses) Foreign currency transaction and remeasurement gains (losses) Amount before tax of foreign currency transaction realized and unrealized gain (loss) recognized in the income statement. Also includes foreign exchange gain (loss) on remeasurement of debt related general ledger account of dollar functional entities. Gains (losses) on securities and other investments - realized and unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments Deferred income from technology agreements Deferred Revenue, Revenue Recognized Other Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Total interest income and other non-operating income, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Proceeds from Sale of Other Investments Proceeds from Sale of Other Investments Cost-method Investments, Realized Gains Cost-method Investments, Realized Gains Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation [Abstract] Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation [Text Block] 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). Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities [Abstract] Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities, Current Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Dealer and customer allowances, claims and discounts Dealer And Customer Allowances And Claims And Discounts Current Aggregate carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the liabilities for sales incentives, dealer and distributor related accruals, including marketing and advertising programs. Represents the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Deposits primarily from rental car companies Customer Deposits, Current Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Current Product warranty and related liabilities Policy, Product Warranty, Recall Campaigns and Courtesy Transportation Accrual, Current Current portion of 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. Payrolls and employee benefits excluding postemployment benefits Accrued Payroll And Employee Benefits Current Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations, excluding pension and other postretirement benefits, incurred through that date and payable for perquisites provided to employees pertaining to services received from them, and obligations incurred through that date and payable for employees' services provided. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Other Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Total accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Deferred revenue Deferred Revenue, Noncurrent Product warranty and related liabilities Policy, Product Warranty, Recall Campaigns and Courtesy Transportation, Non-current Non-current portion of 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. Employee benefits excluding postemployment benefits Accrued Employee Benefits Noncurrent Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations, excluding pension and other postretirement benefits, and due beyond one year (or beyond one operating cycle if longer) for perquisites provided to employees pertaining to services received from them. Postemployment benefits including facility idling reserves Postemployment Benefits Including Facility Idling Reserves NonCurrent This represents the noncurrent liability recognized in the balance sheet that is associated with other postemployment benefits, resulting from restructuring programs including facility idling reserves. Other Other Accrued Liabilities, Noncurrent Total other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Deferred income tax assets and liabilities [Table] Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table] Deferred Income Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table] EUROPE Europe [Member] Deferred income tax assets and liabilities [Line Items] Deferred income tax assets and liabilities [Line Items] Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Postretirement Benefits Pensions and Other Employee Benefit Plans Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Pensions Warranties, Dealer and Customer Allowances, Claims and Discounts Deferred Tax Assets; Warranties, Allowances, Claims, Discounts Amount before allocation of valuation allowances of deferred tax asset attributable to deductible temporary differences from warranty reserves, dealer and customer allowances, claims and discounts. Property, Plants and Equipment Deferred Tax Assets, Property, Plant and Equipment Capitalized Research Expenditures Deferred Tax Assets, Capitalized Research Expenditures The tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of the estimated future tax deductions attributable to research and development costs that are expensed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles but capitalized for income tax purposes. Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforwards The sum of the tax effects as of the balance sheet date of the amount of excesses of ordinary or capital tax deductions over gross income and excess tax credits in a year which cannot be used on the tax returns in the current year but can be carried forward to reduce taxable income or income taxes payable in a future year, for which there must be sufficient tax-basis income to utilize a portion or all of the carryforward amount to realize the deferred tax asset. Miscellaneous Deferred Tax Assets, Other Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Deferred Tax Assets, Gross Total Deferred Tax Assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Intangible Assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Intangible Assets Net Deferred Tax Assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforwards Subject to Expiration Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforwards, Subject to Expiration The sum of the tax effects as of the balance sheet date of the amount of excesses of ordinary or capital tax deductions over gross income and excess tax credits in a year which cannot be used on the tax returns in the current year but can be carried forward to reduce taxable income or income taxes payable in a future year subject to expiration, for which there must be sufficient tax-basis income to utilize a portion or all of the carryforward amount to realize the deferred tax asset. Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforwards Not Subject to Expiration Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforwards, Not Subject to Expiration The sum of the tax effects as of the balance sheet date of the amount of excesses of ordinary or capital tax deductions over gross income and excess tax credits in a year which cannot be used on the tax returns in the current year but can be carried forward to reduce taxable income or income taxes payable in a future year not subject to expiration, for which there must be sufficient tax-basis income to utilize a portion or all of the carryforward amount to realize the deferred tax asset. Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Reversal of Valuation Allowance Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, Increase (Decrease), Amount Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] Intangible Assets, net [Text Block] Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Supplementary Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Interest and Other Income [Table Text Block] Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Capital Lease Obligations [Member] Secured Debt [Member] Secured Debt [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Carrying Amount Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Fair Value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Available under credit facility agreements Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Weighted Average Interest Rate on Outstanding Short-term Debt Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Weighted Average Interest Rate on Outstanding Long-term Debt Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Line Items] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current Assets [Abstract] Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Marketable securities Marketable Securities, Current Restricted cash and marketable securities Restricted Cash and Investments, Current Accounts and notes receivable, net Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current GM Financial receivables, net, current Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current Inventories Equipment on operating leases, net Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Other current assets Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Non-current assets [Abstract] Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Restricted cash and marketable securities Restricted Cash and Investments, Noncurrent GM Financial receivables, net, noncurrent Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Noncurrent Equity in net assets of nonconsolidated affiliates Equity Method Investments Property, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Goodwill Intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) GM Financial equipment on operating leases, net Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total non-current assets Assets, Noncurrent Total Assets Assets LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities [Abstract] Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable (principally trade) Accounts Payable, Current Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt Debt, Current Accrued liabilities Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Non-current liabilities [Abstract] Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Postretirement benefits other than pensions Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plan, Liabilities, Noncurrent Pensions Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Liabilities, Noncurrent Other liabilities Total non-current liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Total Liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Equity [Abstract] Equity [Abstract] Series A preferred stock, $0.01 par value Preferred Stock, Value, Issued 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 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 Schedule of Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Brands [Member] Trade Names [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] GME [Member] GME [Member] Represents the GM Europe region for segment consolidation. Schedule of Finite and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Summary of Components of Intangible Assets, net [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Summary of Amortization Expense and Impairment Charges Related to Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Summary of Amortization Expense and Impairment Charges Relatd to Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of amortization and impairment expense of intangible assets. Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis, Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Nonrecurring Basis, Valuation Techniques [Table Text Block] Marketable Securities [Abstract] Marketable Securities [Text Block] Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities [Text Block] Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] GMNA [Member] GMNA [Member] Represents the GM North America region for segment consolidation. GMIO [Member] GMIO [Member] Represents the GM International Operations region for segment consolidation. GMSA [Member] GMSA [Member] Represents the GM South America region for segment consolidation. Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Germany Separation Programs [Member] Germany Separation Programs [Member] Germany separation programs. Separation Programs in Australia, Korea, and Chevrolet Europe [Member] Separation Programs in Australia, Korea, and Chevrolet Europe [Member] Separation programs in Australia, Korea, and Chevrolet Europe. Separation Program in Brazil and Venezuela [Domain] Separation Program in Brazil and Venezuela [Domain] Separation Program in Brazil and Venezuela. Korea and Australia Separation Program [Member] Korea and Australia Separation Program [Member] Korea and Australia Separation Program [Member] Separation Program in Brazil [Member] Separation Program in Brazil [Member] Separation program in Brazil. 2011 UAW Labor Agreement [Member] 2011 UAW Labor Agreement [Member] Cash severance incentive programs and other programs related to the 2011 UAW labor agreement with skilled trade U.S. hourly employees. Germany and UK Separation Programs [Member] Germany and UK Separation Programs [Member] Germany and UK Separation Programs [Member] Withdrawal of the Chevrolet Brand from Europe [Member] Withdrawal of the Chevrolet Brand from Europe [Member] Withdrawal of the Chevrolet Brand from Europe [Member] Holden Manufacturing Operations [Member] Holden Manufacturing Operations [Member] Plan to cease vehicle and engine manufacturing and significantly reduce engineering at Holden subsidiary in Australia. Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Dealer Restructuring Costs [Member] Dealer Restructuring Costs [Member] Dealer Restructuring Costs [Member] Employee Severance [Member] Employee Severance [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Automotive Cost of Sales [Member] Cost of Sales [Member] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Axis] Asset Class [Domain] Asset Class [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance 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. Ending Balance Remaining Payments Including Temporary Layoffs Benefits Remaining Payments Including Temporary Layoffs Benefits The amount of temporary layoff benefits included in the remaining payments related to restructuring and other initiatives. Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date Employees Affected, Inception to Date Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated, Inception to Date Expected Cost Remaining Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining Number of Dealers and Distributors Impacted, Inception to Date Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Dealers and Distributors Impacted, Inception to Date The number of dealers and distributors as of the balance sheet date since inception of the restructuring plan(s). Cost Related to Business Withdrawal Business Exit Costs Noncontrolling Interest Adjustments Noncontrolling Interest Adjustments Adjustments to charges for noncontrolling interests. Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived Sales Incentive and Inventory Related Costs Sales Incentive and Inventory Related Costs Charges related to sales incentives, inventory related and other costs. Tangible Asset Impairment Charges Loss Contingencies Product Liability And Environmental Liability [Table] Loss Contingencies Product Liability And Environmental Liability [Table] Tabular diclosure of the entity's reserves for product liability and environmental loss matters. Loss Contingencies Product Liability And Environmental Liability [Line Items] Loss Contingencies Product Liability And Environmental Liability [Line Items] [Line Items] for Tabular diclosure of the entity's reserves for product liability and environmental loss matters. Product Liability Loss Contingency Accrual, Product Liability, Gross Environmental Liability Accrual for Environmental Loss Contingencies Environmental Remediation Years of Cost to Incur, Min Environmental Remediation Year of Cost to Incur, Min. The minimum number of years over which the accrued environmental remediation cost to incur. Environmental Remediation Years of Cost to Incur, Max Environmental Remediation Year of Cost to Incur Max. The maximum number of years over which the accrued environmental remediation cost to incur. Environmental Remediation Losses Environmental Exit Costs, Anticipated Cost Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities[Text Block] Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities [Text Block] Disclosure of components of accrued and other liabilities, including warranty liability. Accounting Policies [Abstract] Automotive Selling, General and Administrative Expense [Member] Selling, General and Administrative Expenses [Member] Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] Consumer Finance Receivable [Member] Consumer Loans Auto Financing Receivable [Member] Commercial Finance Receivables [Member] Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] Revenue Recognition [Abstract] Revenue Recognition [Abstract] Days Past Due Threshold for Suspending Accrual of Finance Charge Income Maximum days past due before the accrual of finance charge income is suspended Maximum days past due before the accrual of finance charge income is suspended. Advertising and Promotion Expenditures [Abstract] Marketing and Advertising Expense [Abstract] Advertising and Promotion Expenditures Marketing and Advertising Expense Research and Development Expenditures [Abstract] Research and Development Expense [Abstract] Research and Development Expenditures Research and Development Expense Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract] Maximum Maturity Days for Highly Liquid Securities Maximum Maturity Days for Highly Liquid Serurities Period the securites will be matured, securities matured less than this period are considered highly liquid. 'P90D' represents the reported fact of 90 days. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Roll Forward] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable [Roll Forward] Balance at Beginning of Period Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Amounts Charged (Credited) to Costs and Expenses Amounts Charged (Credited) to Costs and Expenses Amounts charged (credited) to costs and expenses Deductions Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivables, Recoveries and Charged-offs Amount of recoveries of receivables doubtful of collection that were previously provided with provision; and receivables that were written-off. Effect of foreign currency and other Foreign Currency and Other Losses (Gains) The effect of foreign currency and other charges (credits). Balance at End of Period Finance Receivables [Abstract] Financing Receivable, Net [Abstract] Days Past Due Threshold for Charge Off of Finance Receivables Threshold Period Past Due for Write-off of Financing Receivable Equipment on Operating Leases, net [Abstract] Equipment on Operating Leases, net [Abstract] Equipment on Operating Leases, net [Abstract] Lease Term to Retail Customers Lease Term to Retail Customers Average lease term of vehicle leases to retail customers. Lease Term to Rental Car Companies Lease Term to Rental Car Companies Average lease term of vehicles leased to rental car companies. Pension and Other Postretirement Plans [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculations [Abstract] Percentage Recognized as Pension Expense in the First Year Percentage Recognized as Pension Expense in the First Year An expected return on plan asset methodology is utilized to calculate future pension expense for certain significant funded benefit plans. A market-related value of plan assets methodology is also utilized that averages gains and losses on the plan assets over a period of years to determine future pension expense. The element represents the percentage recognized of the difference between the fair value of assets and the expected calculated value in the first year. Percentage of Pension Expense Recognized in the Next Four Years Percentage of Pension Expense Recognized in the Next Four Years An expected return on plan asset methodology is utilized to calculate future pension expense for certain significant funded benefit plans. A market-related value of plan assets methodology is also utilized that averages gains and losses on the plan assets over a period of years to determine future pension expense. The element represents the percentage recognized of the difference between the fair value of assets and the expected calculated value in each of the next four years after the first year. Period Of Time Over Which Pension Return Adjustment Is Amortized Period Of Time Over Which Pension Return Adjustment Is Amortized The period of time over which expected return on pension plan assets is amortized, after the first year. Percentage of Non-US Pension Benefit Obligation Related to Canada, United Kingdom and Germany Percentage of Benefit Obligation for Pension Plans of Canada, UK and Germany Percentage of benefit obligation for pension plans of Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany to the total non- U.S. pension benefit obligation. Income Taxes [Abstract] Deferred Tax Assets, Net [Abstract] Valuation Allowance Methodology Number Of Years Utilized Valuation Allowance Methodology Number Of Years Utilized Number of rolling years actual and current year anticipated results utilized as the primary measure of cumulative losses for purposes of establishing the deferred tax asset valuation allowance. Minimum Percentage Threshold To Recognize The Tax Benefit For Uncertain Tax Positions Minimum Percentage Threshold To Recognize The Tax Benefit For Uncertain Tax Positions Percentage threshold applied to uncertain tax positions to determine recognition of the tax benefit. If greater than this percentage, the largest amount of the tax benefit will be recognized. Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation [Abstract] Foreign Currency [Abstract] Foreign currency transaction and remeasurement 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. Product Warranty and Related Liabilities [Roll Forward] Movement in the Aggregate Standard Product Warranty and Related Liabilities [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of the aggregate standard product warranty and related liabilities balance from the beginning of a period to the end of a period. Beginning balance Policy, Product warranty, Recall campaigns and Courtesy transportation - 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 and courtesy transportation Warranties issued and assumed in period - recall campaigns and courtesy transportation Represents the aggregate increase in the liability for accruals for recall campaigns, courtesy transportation and related liabilities issued during the reporting period. Warranties issued and assumed in period - policy and warranty Warranties issued and assumed in period - policy and warranty Represents the aggregate increase in the liability for accruals related to standard policy and 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, recall campaigns and courtesy transportation - 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, recall campaigns and courtesy transportation - 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, recall campaigns and courtesy transportation - 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. Ending balance Recalls - Steering [Member] Recalls - Steering [Member] Recall of vehicles to replace either the power steering motor, the steering column, the power steering motor control unit or a combination of the steering column and the power steering motor control unit as the electric power steering could fail under certain circumstances [Member] Recalls - Side Impact Restraints Non-Deployment [Member] Recalls - Side Impact Restraints Non-Deployment [Member] Recalls of vehicles prone to non-deployment of the side impact restraints if vehicles are not serviced when the Service Air Bag warning light is illuminated Recalls - Break Lamp Wiring Harness [Member] Recalls - Break Lamp Wiring Harness [Member] Recall of vehicles to modify the brake lamp wiring harness that could have corrosion develop due to micro-vibration Recalls - Safety Belt Cable Fatigue [Member] Recalls - Safety Belt Cable Fatigue [Member] Recalls of vehicles to replace front safety lap belt cables that could fatigue and separate over time. Recalls - Shift Cable Wear Out [Member] Recalls - Shift Cable Wear Out [Member] Recalls of vehicles to replace the shift cable that could wear out over time resulting in mismatches of the gear position indicated by the shift lever. Recalls - Ignition Keys [Member] Recalls - Ignition Keys [Member] Recalls of vehicles to rework or replace ignition keys because the ignition switch may move out of the “run” position which may impact power steering and power braking and depending on timing of the key movement relative to the activation of the sensing algorithm of a crash event may result in airbags not deploying Recalls - Other matters [Member] Recalls - Other matters [Member] Recall of vehicles due to other matters not specified in the taxonomy [Member] Change in Accounting Estimate by Type [Axis] Change in Accounting Estimate by Type [Axis] Change in Accounting Estimate, Type [Domain] Change in Accounting Estimate, Type [Domain] Warranty Obligations [Member] Warranty Obligations [Member] Percentage of Recall Cost Recorded Percentage of Recall Cost Recorded Recall related expense recorded as the percentage of the total recall expense incurred. Recall Charges Inventory Recall Expense Recall Cost Adjustment - Courtesy Transportation Recall Cost Adjustment - Courtesy Transportation Represents the P&L impact of aggregate increase or decrease in the accrual for recall liability during the reporting period, related to changes to courtesy transportation estimation. Recall Cost Adjustment - Repair Efficiency Recall Cost Adjustment - Repair Efficiency Represents the P&L impact of aggregate increase or decrease in the accrual for recall liability during the reporting period, related to repair efficiencies. Recall campaigns catch-up adjustment Change in Accounting Estimate, Income Statements Impact Represents the monetary impact of the effect from change of an accounting estimate on income before income taxes. Number of Recalls Recalls Number of recalls. Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions [Abstract] Pension Plan [Member] Pension Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan, Years of Service Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Number of Years of Service For U.S. and Canadian hourly employees hired prior to specified dates, represents the required number of years of service, before normal retirement age, to be eligible for supplemental benefits. Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year Employer contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Plan participants' contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Plan Participants Total Contributions Contributions to Defined Benefit Plans Contributions to defined benefit plans including both, employer and plan participants' contributions. Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract] Defined Contribution Pension and Other Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract] Defined Contribution Plan, Total Employer Contributions Defined Contribution Plan, Employer Discretionary Contribution Amount Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Group Consolidation Item [Axis] Group Consolidation Item [Axis] Information by components, eliminations and reconciling items used in consolidating a parent entity and its groups. Group Consolidation Item [Domain] Group Consolidation Item [Domain] Components, elimination, non-segment corporate-level activity and reconciling items used in consolidating a parent entity and its subsidiaries or its operating segments. Group [Member] Group [Member] Identifies components of an entity that represent groups of segments for reporting purposes. InterGroup Elimination [Member] InterGroup Elimination [Member] Eliminating entries used in consolidation of operating groups. Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Intersegment Revenue [Member] Intersegment Revenue [Member] Amount of revenue from transactions with other operating segments of the same entity. Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Segments [Axis] GM Financial Segment [Member] GM Financial Segment [Member] Represents the GM Financial segment. RUSSIAN RUSSIAN FEDERATION Thailand [Member] THAILAND VENEZUELA VENEZUELA Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Type of Arrangement and Non-arrangement Transactions [Axis] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Arrangements and Non-arrangement Transactions [Domain] Product development agreement with Peugeot S.A. [Member] Product development agreement with Peugeot S.A. [Member] Product development agreement with Peugeot S.A. [Member] Equity investment in Peugeot S.A. [Member] Equity investment in Peugeot S.A. [Member] Investment in Peugeot S.A. common stock Korea Wage Litigation [Member] Korea Wage Litigation [Member] Litigation alleging incorrect wage calculation for current and former hourly and salaried employees of GM Korea. Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] GM Korea [Member] GM Korea [Member] GM Korea Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] GM Strasbourg [Member] GM Strasbourg [Member] GM Strasbourg [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Revenue and others for Reportable Segment [Abstract] Segment Reporting Information, Revenue for Reportable Segment [Abstract] Net sales and revenue Revenue, Net GM Financial revenue Financial Services Revenue Total Revenues Income (loss) before interest and taxes adjusted Income (Loss) Before Automotive Interest And Income Taxes Adjusted This element represents the income 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 part of the normal operating cycle, automotive interest expense, corporate interest income, loss on extinguishment of debt and income tax expense. Adjustments Adjustments Includes items that are not part of the normal operating cycle of ongoing operations. Automotive interest expense Interest Expense Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income (loss) before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Total Assets Expenditures for property Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Depreciation, amortization and impairment of long-lived assets and finite-lived intangible assets Depreciation, Amortization And Impairment Of Long Lived Assets And Finite Lived Intangible Assets The aggregate expense recognized in the current period that allocates the cost of tangible assets and intangible assets to periods that benefit from use of the assets; including the charge against earnings resulting from the aggregate write down of tangible and intangible assets from their carrying value to their fair value. Equity income (loss) Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Valuation Allowance against deferred tax assets Flood Damage Charges Net of Insurance Recoveries Flood Damage Charges Net of Insurance Recoveries Cost incurred related to flood damage shown net of insurance recoveries. Asset Impairment Charges Other Asset Impairment Charges Venezuela Currency Devaluation charges Charge for Foreign Currency Devaluation Represents the charge related to the remeasurement of foreign subsidiaries' non-reporting currencies denominated monetary assets and liabilities due to foreign currency devaluation. Goodwill, Impairment Loss Goodwill, Impairment Loss Loss Contingency Accrual Provision Loss Contingency Accrual, Provision Other Adjustments Net Adjustments Represents income and expense items included within Adjustments that are not part of the normal operating cycle, which are not elsewhere described in the taxonomy. Pension Settlement Charge, pre-tax Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements Charges related to PSA agreement Loss on Contracts Gain on Sale of Investments Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains Cost Related to Chevrolet Withdrawal Goodwill Impairment Charges, Net of Noncontrolling Interest Goodwill Impairment Charges, Net of Noncontrolling Interest Goodwill Impairment Charges, Net of Noncontrolling Interest GM Korea Wage Litigation Accrual Adjustment Loss Contingency Accrual, Period Increase (Decrease), Net of Noncontrolling Interest Amount of increase (decrease) in loss contingency liability, net of noncontrolling interest. Loss (gain) related to preferred shares redemption Charges related to preferred shares redemption (Gain) loss related to preferred shares redemption Gain on Sale of Ally Financial Common Stock Insurance Recoveries Insurance Recoveries in Non-operating Income The amount recovered from insurance and included in non-operating income. Intangible Assets Impairment Charges Impairment Losses, PSA Investments Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments GMS Asset Impairment Charges Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of Premium Paid on Repurchase of Common Stock Redemption Premium Valuation Allowance Charge (Release) Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance Charge (Release) The deferred income tax expense (benefit) related to a deferred tax valuation allowance establishment (release) during the period. New Valuation Allowance Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset, New The amount of the change in the period in the valuation allowance for a specified deferred tax asset due to the establishment of new allowances. Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Inventories [Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net income Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges Depreciation, impairment charges and amortization expense 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 losses Amortization of discount and issuance costs on debt issues Amortization of Financing Costs and Discounts Undistributed earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates and gains on investments Income (Loss) And Gain On Disposition From Equity Method Investments Net Of Dividends Or Distributions This element represents the undistributed income (or loss) and gains on disposition of investments in equity method investments, net of dividends or other distributions received from unconsolidated subsidiaries, certain corporate joint ventures and certain noncontrolled corporations; such investments are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. This element excludes distributions that constitute a return of investment, which are classified as investing activities. Pension contributions and OPEB payments Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions Pension and OPEB expense, net Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Expense (Gains) losses on extinguishment of debt Provision (benefit) for deferred taxes Deferred Income Taxes and Tax Credits Change in other operating assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Other operating activities Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Expenditures for property Available-for-sale marketable securities, acquisitions Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities Trading marketable securities, acquisitions Payments to Acquire Trading Securities Held-for-investment Available-for-sale marketable securities, liquidations Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities Trading marketable securities, liquidations Proceeds from Sale of Trading Securities Held-for-investment Acquisition of companies, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Proceeds from sale of business units/investments, net of cash disposed Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested Increase in restricted cash and marketable securities Increase in Restricted Cash and Marketable Securities Cash outflow associated with the increase in restricted cash and marketable securities Decrease in restricted cash and marketable securities Decrease in Restricted Cash and Marketable Securities Cash inflow associated with the decrease in restricted cash and marketable securities Purchase of finance receivables 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 Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net increase (decrease) 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 Other Debt Payments on debt (original maturities greater than three months) Repayments of Other Debt Payments to purchase stock Payments for Repurchase of Equity Dividends paid (including charge related to redemption and purchase of Series A preferred stock) Dividends including charges to purchase of preferred stock Cash outflow in the form of capital distributions and dividends to common shareholders, preferred shareholders and noncontrolling interests. Amounts include charges to purchase of preferred stock. 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, Continuing Operations Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Significant Non-cash Activity Noncash Investing and Financing Items [Abstract] Investing Cash Flows Investing Cash Flows [Abstract] Investing Cash Flows [Abstract] Non-cash property additions Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Financing Cash Flows Financing Cash Flows [Abstract] Financing Cash Flows. Mandatory conversion of Series B Preferred Stock into common stock Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Land [Member] Land [Member] Buildings and Improvements [Member] Building and Building Improvements [Member] Machinery and Equipment [Member] Machinery and Equipment [Member] Construction in Progress [Member] Construction in Progress [Member] Real estate, plants and equipment [Member] Real estate, plants and equipment [Member] Real estate, plants and equipment held. Special Tools, Net [Member] Tools, Dies and Molds [Member] Personal Property [Member] Personal Property [Member] Various types of Property, Plant and Equipment, other than land, buildings and improvements. Land, Buildings and Improvements [Member] Land, Buildings and Improvements [Member] Segments other than GME and GMIO [Member] Segments other than GME and GMIO [Member] Segments other than GME and GMIO. GM India [Member] GM India [Member] General Motors India Private Limited and Chevrolet Sales India Private Limited collectively called GM India Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract] Property, Plant and Equipment, Net, by Type [Abstract] Estimated Useful Life in Years Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Real Estate, Plants and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less Accumulated Depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, net Capitalized Interest and Software [Abstract] Capitalized Interest and Software [Abstract] Capitalized Software, Net Capitalized Computer Software, Net Capitalized Interest Interest Costs Capitalized Depreciation, Amortization and Impairment [Abstract] Depreciation, Amortization and Impairment [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization expense Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Depreciation, Impairment Charges and Amortization Expense Depreciation, Amortization and Impairment on Property, Plant and Equipment Depreciation, amortization and impairment of property, plant and equipment directly related to goods produced and sold and services rendered by an entity during a reporting period. Capitalized Software Amortization Expense Capitalized Computer Software, Amortization Property, Plant and Equipment Impaired Assets, FairValue Property, Plant and Equipment Impaired Assets, Fair Value The fair value of property plant and equipment assets which have been identified as impaired. Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure Property, Plant, and Equipment, Fair Value Disclosure Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment Goodwill and Intangible Asset Impairment Asset Impairment Charges Asset Impairment Charges Percentage Ownership in GM India Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Fair Value Inputs [Abstract] Fair Value Inputs [Abstract] Economic Obsolescence Fair Value Inputs, Economic Obsolescence Fair Value Inputs, Economic Obsolescence. Represents estimated loss in asset value caused by factors external to the asset such as legislative enactments, changes in use, social change, and change in supply and demand. Holding Period Fair Value Inputs, Holding Period Fair Value Inputs, Holding Period. Represents estimated marketing period for each property; which dictates the amount of property specific holding costs to be incurred such as real estate taxes. Discount Rate Fair Value Inputs, Discount Rate Demolition Costs Fair Value Inputs, Demolition Costs Fair Value Inputs, Demolition Costs. Represents estimated gross cost to demolish and clear the structures on the property as a percentage of replacement cost new. Physical Deterioration Fair Value Inputs, Physical Deterioration Fair Value Inputs, Physical Deterioration. Represents estimates of loss in asset value due to wear and tear, action of the elements, and other physical factors that reduce the life and serviceability of the asset. Functional Obsolescence Fair Value Inputs, Functional Obsolescence Fair Value Inputs, Functional Obsolescence. Represents estimated loss in asset value caused by inefficiencies and inadequacies of the asset itself. Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Cash flow hedging losses, net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Derivatives Qualifying as Hedges, Net of Tax Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, net Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Available-for-sale Securities Adjustment, Net of Tax Defined benefit plans, net Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to stockholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Group Annuity Contracts [Member] Group Insurance Policies [Member] U.S. Salaried Defined Benefit Life Insurance Plan [Member] U.S. Salaried Defined Benefit Life Insurance Plan [Member] U.S. Salaried Defined Benefit Life Insurance Plan U.S. Salaried Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] U.S. Salaried Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member] U.S. Salaried Defined Benefit Pension Plan Legal Services Plan [Member] Legal Services Plan [Member] This plan provides legal services to U.S. hourly employees and retirees. Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Increase (decrease) in OPEB liability Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Period Increase (Decrease) Decrease in pre-tax actuarial loss of AOCI Pre-tax gain (loss) due to settlement and curtailment Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements and Curtailments Decrease to Liability Due to Curtailments Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments Settlements, Benefit Obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Benefit Obligation Total Lump-sum Payments Total Lump-sum Payments Total lump-sum payments made to retirees accepting the offer. Settlements, Previously Guaranteed Obligations Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Previously Guaranteed Obligations The amount paid to settle previously guaranteed obligations. Pre-tax gain (loss) due to settlement After-tax gain (loss) due to settlement Defined Benefit Plan Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements After Tax Amount, after related tax effect, of net gain (loss) recognized in net periodic benefit cost as a result of an irrevocable action that relieves the employer (or the plan) of primary responsibility for a benefit obligation and eliminates significant risks related to the obligation and the assets used to effect the settlement. Pre-tax loss existing from AOCI Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, before Tax Premium Paid Premium Paid Represents the amount paid to an insurance company that exceeded the pension liability. Tax benefit Defined Benefit Plan Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements Tax Expense Benefit The tax expense (benefit) related to a gain (loss) on settlement of a defined benefit plan obligation. Statutory tax benefit Defined Benefit Plan Recognized Net Gain Loss Due to Settlements Tax Expense Benefit Statutory Rate The tax expense (benefit) related to a gain (loss) on settlement of a defined benefit plan obligation, calculated at the statutory rate. Tax expense Defined Benefit Plan Recognized Net (Gain) Loss Due to Settlements Tax Expense Benefit Change in Allocation The income tax expense (benefit) attributable to a change in tax allocation between accumulated other comprehensive loss and income tax expense. Loan to Plan Increase (Decrease) in Notes Receivables Loan contributed to the Plan Defined Benefit Plan Borrowing Contribution in Lieu of Repayment Amount of borrowing by the defined benefit plan that was converted to a contribution and will not be repaid. Liability Increase due to Mortality Assumptions Defined Benefit Plan, Remeasurements, Mortality Represents the change to the pension liability due to a remeasurement as a result of changing mortality assumptions. Liability (Increase) Decrease Due to Amendments Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Amendments Defined Benefit Plan, Interim Remeasurement Defined Benefit Plan, Interim Remeasurement Represents the change to pension liability and corresponding change to the net actuarial gain/loss component of Accumulated other comprehensive income/loss relating to goodwill impairment testing. Interest Income and Other Non-Operating Income, net [Text Block] Interest and Other Income [Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] Acquisition of Businesses [Text Block] Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Non-U.S. Non-U.S. [Member] Represents all regions excluding the United States for the disclosure. Income (loss) before income taxes and equity income Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Basis Difference Related to Fair Value Changes Basis Difference Related to Fair Value Changes Difference between amount at which an investment accounted for under the equity method of accounting is carried (reported) on the balance sheet and amount of underlying equity in net assets the reporting Entity has in the investee. This amount represent the portion of basis difference attributable to fair value changes of the investees. Basis Differences Resulting from Indefinitely Reinvested Earnings Basis Differences Resulting from Indefinitely Reinvested Earnings Amount of basis differences in investments of foreign subsidiaries and joint ventures as the result of earnings which are deemed indefinitely reinvested outside the United States. Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract] Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Current Federal Tax Expense (Benefit) Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Current State and Local Tax Expense (Benefit) Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Current Foreign Tax Expense (Benefit) Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred State and Local Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Amount [Abstract] Income tax expense (benefit) at U.S. federal statutory income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount State and local tax expense Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, State and Local Income Taxes, Amount Non-U.S. income taxed at other than 35% Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount Foreign Tax Credit Election Change Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Foreign, Amount U.S. Tax on Non-U.S. Income Income Tax Reconciliation, U.S. Tax on Non-U.S. Income The portion of the difference between total income tax expense or benefit as reported in the Income Statement and the expected income tax expense or benefit computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income from continuing operations attributable to repatriation of foreign earnings, unremitted foreign earnings, and U.S. taxes on other non-U.S. income in the period. Change in valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Change in Tax Laws Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Enacted Tax Rate, Amount Research Incentives Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Credit, Research, Amount Goodwill Impairment Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Nondeductible Expense, Impairment Losses, Amount Settlements of Prior Year Tax Matters Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Settlement, Amount Realization of Basis Differences in Affiliates Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Realization of Basis Differences in Affiliates The portion of the difference between total income tax expense or benefit as reported in the Income Statement and the expected income tax expense or benefit computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income from continuing operations attributable to the realization of basis differences in affiliates. Foreign Currency Remeasurement Income Tax Reconciliation, Foreign Currency Remeasurement The portion of the difference between total income tax expense or benefit as reported in the Income Statement for the period and the expected income tax expense or benefit computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income from continuing operations attributable to nondeductible expenses under enacted tax laws, or differences in the methodologies used to determine expense amounts for financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, for subsidiaries that use the U.S. dollar as their functional currency remeasure monetary assets and liabilities at exchange rates in effect at the end of each period, and inventories, property, and nonmonetary assets and liabilities at historical rates. U.S. salaried pension plan settlement Income Tax Reconciliation, Pension Plan Settlement The portion of the difference between total income tax expense or benefit as reported in the Income Statement for the period and the expected income tax expense or benefit computed by applying the domestic federal statutory income tax rates to pretax income from continuing operations attributable to nondeductible expenses for defined benefit pension plan settlements. Other Adjustments Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Other Adjustments, Amount 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. Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Cash And Cash Equivalents Line Item [Member] Cash And Cash Equivalents Line Item [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing cash and cash equivalents. Marketable Securities [Member] Marketable Securities [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing marketable securities. Restricted cash and marketable securities [Member] Restricted cash and marketable securities [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing restricted cash and marketable securities, both current and noncurrent. US Treasury and Government [Member] US Treasury and Government [Member] Sovereign Debt Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] Corporate Debt Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Other Other restricted marketable securities [Member] Other restricted marketable securities [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Money Market Funds [Member] Money Market Funds [Member] Interest income and other non-operating income (loss), net [Member] Other Income [Member] Marketable Securities [Line Items] Investment Holdings [Line Items] Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure Available-for-sale Securities Trading Securities, Fair Value Trading Securities Total Marketable securities Cash, Cash Equivalents And Time Deposits Cash, Cash Equivalents And Time Deposits Sum of cash, cash equivalents (other than available-for-sale and trading securities) and time deposits. Total Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Restricted cash and cash equivalents and time deposits Restricted Cash - Other, Fair Value Disclosure Fair Value amounts of cash and nontradable instruments which are restricted as to withdrawal or usage and excludes marketable securities classified as restricted cash and marketable securities. Total Restricted Cash and Marketable Securities Restricted Cash and Investments Available-for-Sale Ownership Percent in investment in Peugeot S. A. (PSA) Available-for-Sale Ownership Percent Represents the ownership percent in available-for-sale investment. Proceeds from Sale of investment in Peugeot S. A. (PSA) Common Stock Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Other than Temporary Impairment Charge on Investment in PSA Common Stock Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net Schedule of Income before Income Tax and Equity Income [Table Text Block] Schedule of Income before Income Tax and Equity Income, Domestic and Foreign [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of income before income tax and equity method investment income between domestic and foreign jurisdictions. Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Asset Categories [Axis] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Plan Asset Categories [Domain] Equity [Member] Equity Securities [Member] Debt [Member] Debt Securities [Member] Other [Member] Other Investment [Member] Includes private equity, real estate and absolute return strategies which primarily consist of hedge funds. Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Defined Benefit Plan, Target Plan Asset Allocations Income Statement [Abstract] Net sales and revenue Revenues [Abstract] Automotive GM Financial Costs and expenses Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Automotive cost of sales Cost of Goods and Services Sold GM Financial operating and other expenses Financial Services Costs Automotive selling, general and administrative expense Selling, General and Administrative Expense Goodwill impairment charges Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Operating income (loss) Operating Income (Loss) Automotive interest expense Interest income and other non-operating income, net Equity income Income tax expense (benefit) Net income Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests 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 Basic Earnings per Common Share Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Basic earnings per common share Earnings Per Share, Basic Weighted-average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted Earnings per Common Share Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Diluted earnings per common share Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted-average common shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets by Measurement [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan by Plan Asset Categories [Axis] Cash equivalents and other short-term investments [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Common and preferred stocks [Member] Equity Securities Common And Preferred [Member] This category includes common and preferred stock held directly by the fund, and excludes amounts included in funds. Government and agency debt securities [Member] Corporate and other debt securities [Member] Investment funds [Member] Investment Funds [Member] Investment that pools funds from investors to invest in a combination of underlying investments. This category primarily includes fixed income funds, equity funds and fund of hedge funds. Private equity and debt investments [Member] Private Equity Funds [Member] Real estate investments [Member] Real Estate Investment [Member] Other investments [Member] Other pension investments [Member] Other pension investments. Derivative assets [Member] Derivative Financial Instruments, Assets [Member] Derivative liabilities [Member] Derivative Financial Instruments, Liabilities [Member] Assets Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value of Plan Assets Gross Gross amount of assets of defined benefit plan (before reduction for liabilities other than for benefits), measured at fair value. Liabilities Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value of Plan Liabilities Other Than for Benefits Liabilities of defined benefit plan (other than for benefits) measured at fair value as of the measurement date. Net plan assets subject to leveling Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value of Plan Assets Measured on Recurring Basis Represents the fair value of plan assets (net of liabilities other than for benefits) measured on a recurring basis using the fair value hierarchy. Excludes plan assets and liabilities not measured at fair value. Other plan assets and liabilities Defined Benefit Plan Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value Other plan assets and liabilities including, cash held by the plans, net of amounts payable for investment manager fees, custody fees and other expenses. Net Plan Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets 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] Consolidated [Abstract] Consolidated [Abstract] Restricted Cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Securitized Assets Securitized Assets The debt issued by special purpose entities is backed by the cash flows related to finance receivables and leasing related assets transferred to the VIEs. The amount represents total assets transferred to the VIEs. Securitization Notes Payable and Other Credit Facilities Secured Debt OPEB Plan [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] Schedule of contributions to employee benefit plans Schedule of contributions to employee benefit plans [Table Text Block] Summarizes contributions to employee benefit plans or direct payments to plan beneficiaries. Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets, and Funded Status of Plan [Table Text Block] Changes in Projected Benefit Obligations, Fair Value of Plan Assets, and Funded Status of Plan [Table Text Block] Schedule of Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Fair Value of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Schedules of Fair Value of Plan Assets by Asset Class and Target Allocations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets [Table Text Block] Schedules of U.S. and Non-US Pension Level 3 Plan Assets Rollforward [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table] Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Third party Commercial Loans and other Obligations [Member] Financial Guarantee [Member] Guarantees of Product-Related Claims [Member] Guarantees of Product Related Claims [Member] Other product related agreements (contracts) that require the guarantor to make payments to the guaranteed party based on another entity's failure to pay specified obligations, such as debt, to a lender. Guarantor Obligations [Line Items] Guarantor Obligations [Line Items] Liability Recorded Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value Maximum Liability Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Technology and Intellectual Property [Member] Intellectual Property [Member] Dealer Network and Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Favorable Contracts and Other [Member] Contractual Rights [Member] Customer Relationships and Trade Name [Member] Customer relationships and trade name [Member] Customer relationship that exists between an entity and its customer, for example, but not limited to, tenant relationships. Trade name is the rights acquired through registration of a business name to gain or protect exclusive use thereof. Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Intangible Assets, Net Carrying Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net Nonamortizing in process research and development Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Total Intangible Assets, Gross Carrying Amount Intangible Assets, Gross (Excluding Goodwill) Intangible Assets, Net Purchase Obligation Purchase Obligation Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired Loss on Contracts Amortization Expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Estimated Amortization Expense, 2015 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months Estimated Amortization Expense, 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Estimated Amortization Expense, 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Estimated Amortization Expense, 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four Estimated Amortization Expense, 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Fair Value Finite-lived Intangible Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Long-term growth rate Fair Value Inputs, Long-term Revenue Growth Rate Pre-tax royalty rate Fair value inputs, Pre-tax Royalty Rate Fair value inputs, Pre-tax Royalty Rate. Represents estimated savings realized from owning the asset or having the royalty-free right to use the asset. Discount rate Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities [Abstract] Available-for-sale securities, sale proceeds Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains (Losses), Sale Proceeds Available-for-Sale Securities Classified by Contractual Maturity, Amortized Cost Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis, Rolling Maturity [Abstract] Due in one year or less, amortized cost Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Rolling Twelve Months, Amortized Cost Basis Due after one year through five years, amortized cost Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Amortized Cost Basis Total contractual maturities of available-for-sale securities, amortized cost Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis Available-for-Sale Securities Classified by Contractual Maturity, Fair Value [Abstract] Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Rolling Maturity [Abstract] Due in one year or less, fair value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Rolling Twelve Months, Fair Value Due after one year through five years, fair value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value Total available-for-sale securities with contractual maturities, fair value Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] SGM [Member] SGM [Member] Shanghai General Motors Co., Ltd. SAIC [Member] SAIC [Member] Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation SAICFC [Member] SAICFC [Member] Shanghai Automotive Group Finance Company Ltd. (SAICFC). Investment, Name [Axis] China JVs [Member] China JVs [Member] China joint ventures. SGM Norsom [Member] SGM Norsom [Member] Shanghai GM Norsom Motor Co., Ltd. SGM DY [Member] SGM DY [Member] Shanghai GM Dong Yue Motors Co., Ltd. SGM DYPT [Member] SGM DYPT [Member] Shanghai GM Dong Yue Powertrain SGMW [Member] SGMW [Member] SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile Co., Ltd. FAW-GM [Member] FAW-GM [Member] FAW-GM Light Duty Commercial Vehicle Co., Ltd. PATAC [Member] PATAC [Member] Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center Co., Ltd. Shanghai Onstar [Member] Shanghai Onstar [Member] Shanghai Onstar Telematics Co., Ltd. Shanghai Chengxin [Member] Shanghai Chengxin [Member] Shanghai Chengxin Used Car Operation and Management Co., Ltd. SGMS [Member] SGMS [Member] SAIC General Motors Sales Co., Ltd. Other Nonconsolidated Affiliates [Member] Other nonconsolidated affiliates [Member] Nonconsolidated affiliates other than China joint ventures. SAIC-GMAC [Member] SAIC-GMAC [Member] SAIC-GMAC Automotive Finance Company Limited (formerly known as GMAC-SAIC Automotive Finance Company Limited) Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Dividends Received Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions Undistributed Earnings Including Dividends Declared Retained Earnings, Undistributed Earnings from Equity Method Investees Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Equity Method Investments Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity Schedule of Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] North America [Member] North America [Member] Credit Quality Indicator [Axis] Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Credit Quality Indicator [Domain] Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Group I Dealers [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 [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 [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 [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 [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 potential weaknesses. Group VI Dealers [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, Recorded Investment [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] FICO Score to Differentiate Sub-Prime from Prime Loans 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. Percentage of Sub-Prime Loans Percentage of Sub-Prime Loans Sub-prime loans as percentage of the total loans. Consumer finance receivables, nonaccrual status Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status Financing Receivable, Gross Financing Receivable, Gross Document Entity Information [Abstract] Document Entity Information [Abstract] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Ally International Operations - Europe and Latin America [Member] Ally International Operations - Europe and Latin America [Member] Ally International Operations - Europe and Latin America [Member] Ally International Operations - SAIC-GMAC [Member] Ally International Operations - SAIC-GMAC [Member] Ally International Operations - SAIC-GMAC Automotive Finance Company Limited Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Aggregate Consideration for Acquisitions Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Goodwill from business combinations Goodwill, Acquired During Period Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Revenue Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Net Income (Loss) Percentage ownership sold Equity Investment Percentage Ownership Sold Percentage ownership of the entity's equity method investment which has been sold. Sales proceeds Equity Method Investment, Net Sales Proceeds Cumulative Indirect Percentage Ownership in SAIC-GMAC Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Cumulative Percentage Ownership after All Transactions Common and preferred stocks [Member] Derivatives [Member] Derivative [Member] Total assets [Member] Assets, Total [Member] Pension Level 3 Assets Reconciliation [Roll Forward] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Beginning balance-gross assets Beginning balance-net assets Net Realized / Unrealized Gains (Losses) Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Purchases, Sales and Settlements, Net Defined Benefit Plan, Purchases, Sales, and Settlements Transfers Into/Out of Level 3 Defined Benefit Plan, Transfers Between Measurement Levels Effect of Foreign Currency Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Changes, Plan Assets Ending balance-gross assets Ending balance-net assets Change in Unrealized Gains (Losses) Attributable to Assets Held at Balance Sheet Date Defined Benefit Plan, Actual Return on Plan Assets Still Held Property, net [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Unrecognized Tax Benefits [Roll Forward] Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward] Unrecognized Tax Benefits - Beginning Balance Unrecognized Tax Benefits Additions to Current Year Tax Positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Additions to Prior Year Tax Positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Reductions to Prior Year Tax Positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Reductions in Tax Positions due to Lapse of Statutory Limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Settlements Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Other Unrecognized Tax Benefits Other Increase (Decrease) This element represents a sum total of additions or reductions to reserves not separately reflected in the tabular roll for the period. Unrecognized Tax Benefits - Ending Balance Unrecognized Tax Benefit that Would Favorably Affect Effective Tax Rate in Future Unrecognized Tax Benefits that Would Impact Effective Tax Rate Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Income Tax Settlement Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions Tax Benefit from Prior Year Research Credits Effective Income Tax Reconciliation Extension Of Research Credit Amount of the difference between reported income tax expense (benefit) and expected income tax expense (benefit) attributable to extension of the research credit. Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Earnings (Loss) Per Share [Table] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Table] Earnings (Loss) Per Share [Line Items] Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items] Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders Less: cumulative dividends on preferred stock and charge related to redemption and purchase of preferred stock Preferred Stock Dividends and Charge Related to Purchase or Redemption of Preferred Stock The amount of preferred stock dividends that is an adjustment to net income apportioned to common stockholders and charges related to purchase or redemption of preferred stock. Less: undistributed earnings allocated to Series B preferred stock participating security Undistributed Earnings, Basic Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic Basic earnings per common share Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Add: preferred dividends to holders of Series B Preferred Stock Convertible Preferred Dividends, Net of Tax Less: undistributed earnings allocated to Series B Preferred Stock participating security Undistributed Earnings, Diluted Less: earnings adjustment for dilutive stock compensation rights Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share, Options and Restrictive Stock Units Net income (loss) attibutable to common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Diluted Earnings per Common Share Weighted Average Common Shares Outstanding - Diluted [Abstract] Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Dilutive effect of warrants and RSUs Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Call Options and Warrants Dilutive effect of conversion of Series B Preferred Stock Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Conversion of Preferred Stock Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Earned But Undeclared Dividends Earned But Undeclared Dividends Represents dividend earned but undeclared during the reporting period. Lower share price boundary for two class method Lower Share price boundary for two class method Higher share price boundary for two class method Higher Share Price Boundary For Two Class Method Higher share price boundary for two class method Assumed change of method impact to earnings per share Pro Forma Impact to Earnings Per Share From Assumed Change to Method Pro forma Dollar amount impact to earnings per share due to assumed change of applicable calculation method (i.e. from if-converted to two-class method). Warrants excluded from computation of diluted EPS (shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Common stock equivalents not considered outstanding Preferred Stock Assumed Converted Common stock equivalents from the assumed conversion of the Preferred Stock that are not considered outstanding for purposes of determining the weighted-average common shares outstanding in the computation of diluted earnings per share. Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] UNITED STATES Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Total net sales and revenue Long-Lived Assets Long-Lived Assets Maximum percent of total net sales and revenues in an individual country Maximum percent of total net sales and revenues in an individual country Maximum percent of total net sales and revenues from any inidividual country outside the United States. Maximum percent of total long-lived assets in an individual country Maximum percent of total long-lived assets Maximum percent of total long-lived assets from any inidividual country outside the United States. Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits [Text Block] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table Text Block] Commitment and Contingencies [Table Text Block] Schedule of Loss Contingencies by Contingency [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Commitments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Goodwill [Abstract] Goodwill [Abstract] Goodwill [Text Block] Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] Equipment on Operating Leases, net [Text Block] Operating Leases of Lessor Disclosure [Text Block] Finance Receivables, Net [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Table Text Block] Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Consumer Finance Receivables Delinquency [Table Text Block] Past Due Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Troubled Debt Restructurings on Finance Receivables [Table Text Block] Troubled Debt Restructurings on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Finance Receivables Credit Quality [Table Text Block] Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Advertising and Promotion, Policy [Policy Text Block] Advertising Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Research and Development Expenditures, Policy [Policy Text Block] Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Policy Text Block] Receivables, Trade and Other Accounts Receivable, Allowance for Doubtful Accounts, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Measurement, Policy [Policy Text Block] Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Finance Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Finance, Loans and Leases Receivable, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Equipment on Operating Leases, net, Policy [Policy Text Block] Lease, Policy [Policy Text Block] Valuation of Cost and Equity Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Equity and Cost Method Investments, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, net, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Goodwill, Policy [Policy Text Block] Intangible Assets, net Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Valuation of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block] Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, Pensions, Policy [Policy Text Block] Other Employee Benefits Policy [Policy Text Block] Other Employee Benefits Policy [Policy Text Block] Disclosure of other employee benefits, including accounting policies related to extended disability benefits and job security programs. Stock Incentive Plans, Policy [Policy Text Block] Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Policy, Product Warranty and Recall Campaigns, Policy [Policy Text Block] Standard Product Warranty, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes, Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] PSA [Member] PSA [Member] PSA Holden and GM India [Member] Holden and GM India [Member] Holden and GM India [Member] Automotive gross margin Gross Profit Recall campaign and courtesy transportation charges Charge related to ignition switch recall compensation program Gain Related to Litigation Settlement Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement Charges related to our plans to cease mainstream distribution of Chevrolet brand in Europe Income Tax Settlement Stock Incentive Plans [Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location [Table] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative Asset, Notional Amount Derivative Asset, Notional Amount Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Class of Warrant or Right [Table] Class of Warrant or Right [Table] Class of Warrant or Right [Axis] Class of Warrant or Right [Axis] Class of Warrant or Right [Domain] Class of Warrant or Right [Domain] MLC Warrants [Member] MLC Warrants [Member] Warrants distributed by Motors Liquidation Company to its unsecured creditors. First Traunche of Warrants [Member] First Traunche of Warrants [Member] First traunche of MLC warrants. Second Traunche of Warrants [Member] Second Traunche of Warrants [Member] Second traunche of MLC warrants. New VEBA [Member] VEBA [Member] New VEBA Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items] Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items] Number Of Traunches of Warrants Issued Number Of Traunches of Warrants Issued Number of traunches of warrants issued. Number of Common Stocks Called by Warrants or Rights Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Warrants or Rights Warrants Expiration Date Investment Warrants Expiration Date Exercise Price of Warrants Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights Warrant, Outstanding Class of Warrant or Right, Outstanding Income Taxes [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Nonconsolidated Affiliates [Member] Equity Method Investee [Member] Related Party Transactions [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Automotive sales and revenue Revenue from Related Parties Automotive purchases, net Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party Interest income and other non-operating income Related Party Interest And Other Nonoperating Income The amount of interest and other non-operating income recorded by the reporting entity as from transactions with related parties. Operating cash flows Related Party Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities The net cash provided by (used in) operating activities resulting from transactions with related parties. Accounts and notes receivable, net Due from Related Parties Accounts payable Due to Related Parties Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Depreciation Amortization and Impairment on Property Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Depreciation Amortization and Impairment on Property Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the amount of depreciation, amortization and impairment of property, plant and equipment directly related to goods produced and sold and services rendered by an entity during the reporting period. Derivative Financial Instruments [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Recall campaign and courtesy transportation charges Equity Method Investee [Member] Schedule of Equity Income [Table Text Block] 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. Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Equity Method Investments [Table Text Block] Carrying Amount of Investments in Nonconsolidated Affiliates [Table Text Block] Investments in and Advances to Affiliates [Table Text Block] Summarized Financial Data for Nonconsolidated Affiliates [Table Text Block] Summarized Financial Data of Equity Method Investee [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of aggregated summarized financial data for equity-method investee for the reporting period, which includes but not limited to balance sheet, income statements and cash flow etc. Transactions with Nonconsolidated Affiliates [Table Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Schedule of Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Table] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items] Balance at beginning of period Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses Provision for Loan Losses Provision for Loan, Lease, and Other Losses Charge-offs Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs Recoveries Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Recovery Effect of foreign currency Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Foreign Currency Translation Balance at end of period Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Pre-acquisition finance receivables, outstanding amount Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Outstanding Balance Pre-acquisition finance receivables, carrying amount Certain Loans Acquired in Transfer Not Accounted for as Debt Securities, Carrying Amount, Net Post-acquisition finance receivables, net of fees Notes Receivable Excluding Deteriorated Acquired Loans Amount, net of fees, for loans originated by the entity, or acquired with no deterioration in credit quality at the time of acquisition. Total Finance Receivables Less: Allowance for Loan Losses Total Finance Receivables, net Financing Receivable, Net Finance Receivables, Fair Value Receivables, Fair Value Disclosure Allowance for Loan Losses - Current Allowance for Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Current Restructuring and Other Initiatives [Text Block] Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Trading Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) [Table Text Block] Trading Securities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information [Abstract] Current Assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Assets Noncurrent Assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Assets Total Assets Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Assets Current Liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Current Liabilities Noncurrent Liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncurrent Liabilities Total Liabilities Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Liabilities Non-controlling Interests Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Noncontrolling Interest Net Sales Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue Net Income (Loss) Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Equipment on Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Table Text Block] Schedule Of Equipment on Operating Leases Depreciation and Impairment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Operating Lease Depreciation Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Equipment on operating lease depreciation expense and impairment expense. Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments Receivable for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments Receivable for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of future minimum payments receivable on operating leases of the lessor. Consolidated Balance Sheet Parenthetical [Abstract] Consolidated Balance Sheet Parenthetical [Abstract] Long-term Debt [Member] Long-term Debt [Member] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt [Member] Short-term Debt [Member] Allowance for accounts and notes receivable Finance receivables at VIEs - current Finance receivables at VIEs - noncurrent Operating lease assets at VIEs Debt at VIEs Preferred Stock, Par Value Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common Stock, Par Value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities[Table Text Block] Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the components of accrued liabilities and other liabilities. Product Warranty and Related Liabilities Schedule of policy, product warranty, recall campaigns and courtesy transportation [Table Text Block] Table which summarizes the activity for policy, product warranty, recall campaigns and courtesy transportation for reporting periods. Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Supplemental Information for the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows [Text Block] Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill Impairment charges Effect of foreign currency and other Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Goodwill Accumulated impairment charges Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Accounts Receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Purchases of Wholesale Receivables, net Increase (decrease) in purchases of wholesale receivables Increase (decrease) in purchases of wholesale receivables for the reporting period Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Automotive Equipment on Operating Leases (Increase) Decrease Asset Subject To Or Available For Operating Lease Net Current The (increase) decrease in the net current portion of asset subject to or available for operating lease. Change in Other Assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Accounts Payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable Income Taxes Payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Liabilities and Other Operating Liabilities Total Cash Paid for Income Taxes and Interest Cash Paid for Income Taxes and Interest [Abstract] Cash Paid for Income Taxes and Interest. Cash Paid for Income Taxes Income Taxes Paid, Net Cash Paid for Interest (net of amounts capitalized) Interest Paid, Net Variable Interest Entities [Text Block] Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block] Interest Expense Financing Interest Expense Financing Interest Expense Long-term Debt, Maturities, 2015 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months Long-term Debt, Maturities, 2016 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two Long-term Debt, Maturities, 2017 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three Long-term Debt, Maturities, 2018 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four Long-term Debt, Maturities, 2019 Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Long-term Debt, Maturities, Thereafter Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Long-term Debt, Maturities, Total Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Including Current Maturities Future interest payments on capital lease obligations Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Interest Included in Payments Capital Lease Obligations Schedule of Financing Receivables Past Due [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivables Past Due [Table] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items] Delinquent Contracts [Abstract] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Abstract] 31 to 60 Days Past Due Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, 31 to 60 Days Past Due Financing receivables that are equal to or less than 60 days past due but more than or equal to 31 days past due. Greater than 60 Days Past Due Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Greater than 60 Days Past Due Financing receivables that are greater than 60 days past due. Total Finance Receivables More Than 30 Days Delinquent Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Greater than 30 Days Past Due Recorded Investment in financing receivables that are more than 30 days past due and not in repossession. In Repossession Financing Receivable Recorded Investment Pass Due and in Repossession Recorded Investment in financing receivables that are past due and in repossession. Total Finance Receivables More Than 30 Days Delinquent or in Repossession Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due 31 To 60 Days Past Due, Percent Of Contractual Amount Due Financing Receivable Recorded Investment 31 To 60 Days Past Due Percentage Of Contractual Amount For financing receivables that are equal to or less than 60 days past due but more than or equal to 31 days past due, represents the percentage of delinquent amounts to the total contractual amount. Greater than 60 Days Past Due, Percent of Contractual Amount Due Financing Receivables Greater than 60 Days Past Due, Percent of Contractual Amount due For financing receivables that are greater than 60 days past due, represents the percentage of delinquent amounts to the total contractual amount. Total Finance Receivables More than 30 Days Past Due, Percent of Contractual Amount Due Financing Receivable Greater than 30 Days Past Due, Percent of Contractual Amount due Recorded Investment in financing receivables that are more than 30 days past due and not in repossession. Represents the percentage of delinquent amounts to the total contractual amount. In Repossession, Percent of Contractual Amount Due Financing Receivables Recorded Investment Pass Due and in Repossession, Percent of Contractual Amount Recorded Investment in financing receivables that are past due and in repossession. Represents the percentage of delinquent amounts to the total contractual amount. Total Finance Receivables More Than 30 Days Delinquent or in Repossession, Percent of Contractual Amount Due Percent of Contractual Amount Due Delinquent accounts to contractual amount due, as a percentage Outstanding recorded investment Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment Less: allowance for loan losses Allowance for Credit Losses, Change in Method of Calculating Impairment Outstanding recorded investment, net of allowance Receivables, Change in Method of Calculating Impairment, Recorded Investment Unpaid principal balance Impaired Financing Receivable, Unpaid Principal Balance Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies [Text Block] Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward] Beginning benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Amendments Actuarial (gains) losses Defined Benefit Plan, Actuarial Gain (Loss) Benefits paid Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid Foreign currency translation adjustments Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Gain (Loss) Curtailments, settlements, and other Increase (Decrease) due to Curtailments, Settlements, and Other For pension and OPEB plans the amount of increase or decrease in the benefit obligation due to other factors not individually listed, including but not limited to 1) a settlement or curtailment, 2) special termination benefit, 3) plan expenses, and 4) transfers in or out due to consolidation of subsidiaries, joint ventures, and VIE's. Ending benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward] Beginning fair value of plan assets Actual return on plan assets Foreign currency translation adjustments Settlements and other Other nonrecurring pension and other postretirement income or (expense) Other pension or other post retirement income or (expense) items in the period that are infrequent in occurrence or individually insignificant. Ending fair value of plan assets Ending funded status Defined Benefit Plan, Funded Status of Plan Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheet [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract] Non-current Assets Defined Benefit Plan, Assets for Plan Benefits, Noncurrent Current Liabilities Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Current Liabilities Non-current Liabilities Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Net Amounts Recorded Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet Amount Recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract] Net actuarial gain (loss) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), before Tax Net Prior Service (Cost) Credit Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Total recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Debt carrying amount and fair value [Table Text Block] Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Interest Expense [Table Text Block] Interest Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of interest expense for all debt for the reporting periods Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Securitization notes payable [Member] Securitization notes payable [Member] Debt issued through securitization transactions. Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Line Of Credit Increase Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line Of Credit Increase Maximum Borrowing Capacity The increase in the maximum borrowing capacity of the facility during the period. Securitization Notes Payable Issued in Period Debt Instrument, Increase (Decrease), Net Weighted Average Interest for Debt Issued Debt, Weighted Average Interest for Debt Issued The weighted average interest rate for debt issued during the reporting period. Segment Reporting [Text Block] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Future Minimum Payments, 2015 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months Future Minimum Payments, 2016 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years Future Minimum Payments, 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years Future Minimum Payments, 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years Future Minimum Payments, 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Future Minimum Payments, Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Sublease income, 2015 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Future Minimum Sublease Rentals, Current Amount of required future sublease rental income receivable in the next fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for noncancelable subleasing arrangements. Sublease income, 2016 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. Sublease income, 2017 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. Sublease income, 2018 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. Sublease income, 2019 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. Sublease Income, 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. Net minimum commitment, 2015 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Net Of Sublease Rentals, Current Amount of required minimum rental payments, net of sublease rent receivable maturing in the next fiscal year following the latest fiscal year for operating leases having an initial or remaining non-cancelable letter-terms in excess of one year. Net minimum commitment, 2016 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. Net minimum commitment, 2017 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. Net minimum commitment, 2018 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. Net minimum commitment, 2019 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. Net minimum commitment, 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. Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Net Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Performance Shares Units (PSUs) [Member] Performance Shares [Member] RSUs and PSUs [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and Performance Shares Units (PSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock Units and Performance Shares Unites awarded to employees. Stock Incentive Plans [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Stock Incentive Plans Narratives [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Aggregate Number of Shares Authorized Under LTIP Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Share-based Compensation Expense Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Income Tax Benefit Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Unrecognized Compensation Expense for Nonvested Equity Awards Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized Weighted-average period for total unrecognized compensation expense for nonvested equity awards Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Fair Value of Vested RSUs and PSUs Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value RSUs Settled with Cash Payments RSUs Settled with Cash Payments The number of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that are settled with cash payments during the reporting period. Cash Used to Settle RSUs Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Flow Effect, Cash Used to Settle Awards RSU and PSU Shares [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Outstanding, Beginning of Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Outstanding, Number Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Granted Settled Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Exercised Forfeited or expired Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Forfeitures and Expirations Outstanding, End of Period Unvested and Expected to Vest Units unvested and expected to vest At the balance sheet date, the number of outstanding un-vested equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that are expected to vest. Vested and Payable Units vested and payable The number of equity-based payment instruments, excluding stock (or unit) options, that are vested and payable at balance sheet. RSU and PSU Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (Per Share) [Roll Forward] Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Non Option Equity Instruments Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward] A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period. Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Outstanding, Beginning of Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Non-Option Equity Instruments, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value The weighted average grant date fair value of non-option equity instruments for shares outstanding at the balance sheet date. Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Non Option Equity Instruments Grants In Period Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value The weighted average grant date fair value of equity instruments other than options issued during the period, including both vested and nonvested instruments. Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Settled Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Non Option Equity Instruments Settled In Period Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value The weighted average grant date fair value of equity instruments other than options settled during the period. Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited or Expired Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Outstanding, End of Period Weighted-average grant date fair value unvested and expected to vest Weighted-average grant date fair value unvested and expected to vest Weighted average grant date fair value for unvested units that are expected to vest at the end of the reporting period. Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested and Payable Weighted-average grant date fair value vested and payable Weighted average fair value for units vested and payable at the end of the reporting period Remaining Contractual Term [Abstract] Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Non Option Equity Instruments Weighted Average Remainaing Contractual Term [Roll Forward] A roll forward is a reconciliation of a concept from the beginning of a period to the end of a period. Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms, Outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms Unvested and Expected to Vest Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms unvested and expected to vest The weighted average remaining contractual terms for equity-based awards excluding options, unvested and expected to vest at balance sheet date. Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred Stock, Shares Issued Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Liquidation Preference Per Share Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share Preferred Stock Dividend per Annum Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage Common Stock Dividend per Annum Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid Dividends Paid, Preferred Shares Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Dividends Paid, Common Shares Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Payments for Repurchase of Preferred Stock Payments for Repurchase of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Charges related to preferred shares redemption Preferred Stock Redemption Premium Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Shares Stock Redeemed or Called During Period, Shares Percent of Preferred Stock Purchased to Shares Outstanding Percent of Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred shares purchased as percentage of total related preferred stock held by stock holders. Percent Of Liquidation Amount Percent in Excess of Liquidation Amount Percent of consideration paid over of the aggregate liquidation amount. Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted Conversion of Stock, Shares Converted Conversion Rate of Preferred Stock to Common Convertible Preferred Stock, Shares Issued upon Conversion Shares Issued Upon Conversion of Preferred Stock Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Conversion of Convertible Securities Common Stock Trading Days Common Stock Trading Days Period of time used to compute the average closing price used in the determination of the conversion ratio of the preferred stock. Common Stock Voting Rights Number of Votes per Share Common Stock Voting Rights Number of Votes per Share Common stock voting rights number of votes per share Common Shares Repurchased During Period Shares Repurchased During Period Number of shares repurchased during period. Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Stock Repurchased and Retired During Period, Shares Stock Repurchased During Period, Price per Share Stock Repurchased During Period, Price per Share The price per share which the reporting entity paid for stock repurchased during the period. Purchase and Retirement of Common Stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Share Price Prior to Common Stock Repurchase Stock Repurchased During Period Price per Share prior to repurchase The price per share of the reporting entity prior to a repurchase. Stock Repurchased During Period, Equity Impact Shares issued for the settlement of restricted stock and salary stock awards Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Net of Forfeitures Shares issued for exercised warrants Number Of Shares Issued For Exercised Warrants During The Period Number of shares issued for exercised warrants during the reporting period.