Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies [Text Block] Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block] Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Schedule of Preferred and Common Stock Dividends Paid [Table Text Block] Schedule of Preferred and Common Stock Dividends Paid [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of dividends paid on preferred and common stock. Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Cash flows from investing activities [Abstract] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Expenditures for property Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Available-for-sale marketable securities, acquisitions Payments to Acquire 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/investments, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses and Interest in Affiliates 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 Purchases 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 [Abstract] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net increase in short-term debt Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt, Maturing in Three Months or Less Proceeds from issuance of debt (original maturities greater than three months) Proceeds from 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 Payments of Dividends Other financing activities Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash provided by 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 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 Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Supplemental cash flow information: [Abstract] Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Non-cash property additions Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid 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] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] 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 Transaction [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 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 Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Business Group [Axis] Business Group [Axis] Information by reporting groups. Business Group [Domain] Business Group [Domain] [Domain] for Information by reporting groups. Automotive [Member] Automotive [Member] Represents the Automotive section for segment consolidation GM Financial [Member] GM Financial [Member] Represents the GM Financial section for segment consolidation. Debt Type [Axis] Debt Type [Axis] Debt Type [Axis] Debt Type [Domain] Debt Type [Domain] [Domain] for Debt Type [Axis] Secured Debt [Member] Secured Debt [Member] Unsecured Debt [Member] Unsecured Debt [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Securitization notes payable [Member] Securitization notes payable [Member] Debt issued through securitization transactions. 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. Term Notes February 2018 at 0.85% [Member] Term Notes February 2018 at 0.85% [Member] Term Notes Maturing February 2018 at 0.85%. Senior Notes Issued April 2015 [Member] Senior Notes Issued April 2015 [Member] Senior Notes Issued April 2015. Senior Notes April 2018 at 2.4% [Member] Senior Notes April 2018 at 2.4% [Member] Senior Notes Issued April 2018 at 2.4%. Senior Notes April 2022 at 3.45% [Member] Senior Notes April 2022 at 3.45% [Member] Senior Notes Issued April 2022 at 3.45%. Senior Notes April 2018 at Floating Rates [Member] Senior Notes April 2018 at Floating Rates [Member] Senior Notes Issued April 2018 at Floating Rates. Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Securitization Notes Payable Issued Debt Instrument, Increase (Decrease), Net 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. Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Marketable Securities [Abstract] Schedule Of Cash, Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities [Table] Schedule Of Cash, Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities [Table] Schedule of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities balances, including restricted cash and marketable securities. Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member] Cash And Cash Equivalents Line Item [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing cash and cash equivalents. Marketable Securities [Member] Marketable Securities - Current [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing current 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. 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] U.S. government and agencies [Member] US Treasury and Government [Member] Sovereign Debt [Member] Sovereign Debt [Member] Corporate debt [Member] Corporate Debt 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] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, 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] Marketable Securities [Line Items] Investment Holdings [Line Items] Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Available-for-sale Securities Trading Securities, Fair Value Trading Securities Total Marketable Securities Marketable Securities, Current 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 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments [Member] Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Unrealized Gains and Losses 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 Loss [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Before Reclassification Adjustment - Prior Service Cost or Credit, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income Before Reclassification Adjustment - Actuarial Gains or Losses, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications Adjustment, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Reclassification Adjustment - Prior Service Cost or Credit, net of 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, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), Net of Tax Reclassification Adjustment, Net of Tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 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 Ending balance Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits [Text Block] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] 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] 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] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt [Member] Long-term Debt [Member] Variable Interest Entity Disclosures Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Consolidated VIE [Abstract] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Does Not Hold Majority Voting Interest, Disclosures [Abstract] Restricted cash - current Restricted Cash and Investments, Current Restricted cash - non-current Restricted Cash and Investments, Noncurrent GM Financial receivables, net, current Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current GM Financial receivables, net - non-current Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Noncurrent GM Financial equipment on operating leases, net Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Net GM Financial debt Secured Debt Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Parenthetical [Abstract] Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Parenthetical [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Notes Receivable Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Common Stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investment, Equity Method Investee, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Equity Method Investee, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Automotive China JVs [Member] China JVs [Member] China joint ventures. Other Joint Ventures [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) Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Ally International Operations - SAIC-GMAC [Member] Ally International Operations - SAIC-GMAC [Member] Ally International Operations - SAIC-GMAC Automotive Finance Company Limited Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] SAICFC [Member] SAICFC [Member] Shanghai Automotive Group Finance Company Ltd. (SAICFC). Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Change in Ownership Percentage Equity Method Investment, Change in Ownership Percentage The change in percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Equity income Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Undistributed Earnings including Dividends Declared Retained Earnings, Undistributed Earnings from Equity Method Investees Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Aggregate Consideration for Acquisitions Business Combination, Consideration Transferred 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 Ownership Percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Indirect Ownership Percentage Equity Method Investment, Indirect Ownership Percentage The percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee held by the investor, including any indirect ownership interests. Basis Difference Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Available-for-sale 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] Trading Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) [Table Text Block] Trading Securities [Table Text Block] Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Inventories [Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Short-Term and Long-Term Debt [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract] Product Warranty and Related Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Product Warranty and Related Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] The entire disclosure for standards product warranties and other product guarantee contracts, including a tabular reconciliation of the changes in the guarantors aggregate product warranty liability for the reporting period. This disclosure excludes extended warranties. Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies [Table Text Block] Schedule of Loss Contingencies by Contingency [Table Text Block] Schedule of Ignition Switch Recall Compensation Program Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Ignition Switch Recall Compensation Program Activity [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the activity for the Ignition Switch Recall Compensation Program since its inception. Income tax expense (benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 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. 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, 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. Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] U.S. UNITED STATES CANADA CANADA NEW YORK NEW YORK United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan [Member] United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan [Member] The United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. DELAWARE DELAWARE Circuit Court of Wayne County, Michigan Circuit Court of Wayne County, Michigan [Member] The Circuit Court of Wayne County, Michigan. BRAZIL BRAZIL Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Other Litigation-Related Liability Estimated Litigation Liability Product Liability Loss Contingency Accrual, Product Liability, Gross Indirect Tax-Related Escrow Deposit Indirect Tax-Related Escrow Deposit Represents the contingent indirect tax-related escrow deposit amount that may be required. Number of Pending Claims 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. 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 Damages 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 Employees in the Case Number of Employee in the Case Number of employee involved in the case related to which supreme court rendered its decision. Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued Increase in Excise Tax Rate Increase in Excise Tax Rate Represents the increase (decrease) in the excise tax rate. Restructuring and Other Initiatives [Text Block] Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 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 Unrealized gains 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 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 attributable to stockholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Equity in Net Assets of Nonconsolidated Affiliates [Text Block] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Receivables [Abstract] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] Consumer Finance Receivables [Member] Consumer Loans Auto Financing Receivable [Member] Commercial Finance Receivables [Member] Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Finance Receivables [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Finance Receivables Financing Receivable, Gross Less: Allowance for Loan Losses Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses GM Finance Receivables, Net Financing Receivable, Net Fair value of GM Financial receivables, net Receivables, Fair Value Disclosure Allowance for Loan Losses - Current Allowance for Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Current Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table] Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Product-Related Indemnification Agreements [Member] Product Related Indemnification Agreement [Member] Agreement that contingently requires the guarantor to make payments to the guaranteed party in compensation for that party's or parties' loss or injury attributable to product related liabilities. Third Party Commercial Loans and Other Obligations [Member] Financial Guarantee [Member] Guarantor Obligations [Line Items] Liability Recorded Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value Maximum Liability Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Debt carrying amount and fair value [Table Text Block] Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] 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] 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] Balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income (loss) 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. 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 Cash dividends paid on Common Stock Dividends, Common Stock Cash dividends paid on Series A 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. Dividends declared or paid to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Other Stockholders' Equity, Other Balance Inventory, Current [Table] Inventory, Current [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] GMNA [Member] GMNA [Member] Represents the GM North America region for segment consolidation. GME [Member] GME [Member] Represents the GM Europe 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. Inventory [Line Items] Inventory [Line Items] Total productive material, supplies and work in process Inventory, Work in Process and Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Finished product, including service parts Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Total inventories Inventory, Net 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 Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Stock purchased During Period, Shares Shares Repurchased During Period Number of shares repurchased during period. Purchase of Common Stock Dividends Paid, Preferred Stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Dividends Paid, Common Shares Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Payments for Purchase of Common Stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock 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 and Significant Accounting Policies [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 and significant accounting policies concepts. 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). Accounting policies describe all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. Income Statement [Abstract] Net sales and revenue Revenues [Abstract] Automotive Revenue, Net GM Financial Financial Services Revenue Total net sales and revenue Revenues Costs and expenses Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Automotive cost of sales Cost of Goods and Services Sold GM Financial interest, operating and other expenses Financial Services Costs Automotive selling, general and administrative expense Selling, General and Administrative Expense Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Operating income (loss) Operating Income (Loss) Automotive interest expense Interest Expense Interest income and other non-operating income, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Net income Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to stockholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income attributable to common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic 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 Dividends declared per common share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current Assets [Abstract] Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Marketable securities Restricted cash and marketable securities Accounts and notes receivable, net Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current Inventories 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. 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 GM Financial receivables, net, noncurrent Equity in net assets of nonconsolidated affiliates Equity Method Investments Property, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill and intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill) 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 Accrued Liabilities, Current 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 Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total non-current liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Total Liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Equity [Abstract] Equity [Abstract] Common stock, $0.01 par value Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss 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 Earnings 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] Basic earnings per share Net income attributable to stockholders Less: cumulative dividends on preferred stock Preferred Stock Dividends, Income Statement Impact Net income attributable to common stockholders Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic Earned but undeclared dividends Earned But Undeclared Dividends Represents dividend earned but undeclared during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share Net income attributable to common stockholders - basic Less: earnings adjustment for dilutive stock compensation rights Dilutive Securities, Effect on Basic Earnings Per Share, Options and Restrictive Stock Units Net income attributable to common stockholders - diluted Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Dilutive effect of warrants and restricted stock units Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Call Options and Warrants Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted Warrants excluded from computation of diluted EPS (shares) Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Warrants excluded from computation of diluted EPS (shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Carrying amount Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Fair Value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Finance receivables, net [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Allowance for Loan Losses [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 Consumer Finance Receivables [Table Text Block] Troubled Debt Restructurings on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Commercial Finance Receivables Credit Quality [Table Text Block] Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block] Components of Net Periodic Pension and OPEB (Income) Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Components of Inventory [Table Text Block] Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] Credit Quality Indicator [Axis] Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Financing Receivable, by 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] GM Financial Receivables, net [Text Block] Financing Receivables [Text Block] 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] Global OPEB Plans [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Service cost including administrative expenses Service and Administrative cost The actuarial present value of benefits attributed to the pension benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the period and administrative expenses Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Amortization of prior service cost (credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization of net actuarial (gains) losses 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 (income) expense Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Schedule of Financing Receivables Past Due [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivables Past Due [Table] North America [Member] North America [Member] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items] Percentage of Sub-Prime Loans Percentage of Sub-Prime Loans Sub-prime loans as percentage of the total loans. Sub-prime FICO Score Sub-prime FICO Score The FICO score used to separate sub-prime from prime loans. The loans with a borrower that has less then this score will be considered as sub-prime. Consumer finance receivables, nonaccrual status Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status 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 Segment Reporting [Text Block] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Variable Interest Entities [Text Block] Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block] Product Warranty and Related Liabilities [Roll Forward] Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward] 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 product 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 Standard Product Warranty Disclosure [Abstract] Standard Product Warranty Disclosure [Abstract] Recall charges recorded Inventory Recall Expense Vehicles recalled Vehicles recalled Number of vehicles recalled Accounting Policies [Abstract] Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document and 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 Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus 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 Marketable Securities [Text Block] Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Change of Business Model in Russia [Member] Change of Business Model in Russia [Member] Restructuring plan related to the change in our business model in Russia. Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] 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. 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] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] GM Financial Segment [Member] GM Financial Segment [Member] Represents the GM Financial segment. VENEZUELA VENEZUELA Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Net sales and revenue Income (loss) before automotive 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 income Interest Income Interest income received from interest bearing assets. The balance includes income earned in return for depositing or lending money that can include income from time deposits, demand deposits, savings accounts, certificates of deposit, money market deposits, bonds, and loans. Automotive interest expense Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Total assets 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. Net insurance recoveries related to flood damage Insurance Recoveries Net of Flood Damage Charges The amount recovered from insurance, net of flood damage charges. These net recoveries reduce costs and losses that are reported in costs of goods sold. Cost Related to Business Withdrawal Business Exit Costs Charge related to Ignition Switch Recall Compensation Program Loss Contingency Accrual, Provision Charge for foreign currency devaluation 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. 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. 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 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] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period 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 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. Transactions with Nonconsolidated Affiliates [Table Text Block] Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Available-for-sale Securities, Sale Proceeds Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains (Losses), Sale Proceeds 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 Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value Due after one year through five years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value Total contractual maturities of available-for-sale securities Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities 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. Compensation Program Activity [Roll Forward] Loss Contingency Accrual [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Loss Contingency Accrual Additions Payments Loss Contingency Accrual, Payments Ending balance Estimated Potential Total Charge for Ignition Switch Recall Compensation Program Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Maximum Number of Claims Filed Loss Contingency, New Claims Filed, Number Eligible Claims, Number Loss Contingency, Eligible Claims, Number Number of claims eligible for payments pertaining to a loss contingency. Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Dealer Restructuring and Other Contract Cancellation Costs [Member] Dealer Restructuring and Other Contract Cancellation Costs [Member] Dealer restructuring and other contract cancellation costs associated with exit from or disposal of business activities or restructurings pursuant to a plan. Employee Severance [Member] Employee Severance [Member] GME and GMIO [Member] GME and GMIO [Member] Represents the GM Europe and GM International Operations regions for segment consolidation. Separation Programs in Australia, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and Chevrolet Europe [Member] Separation Programs in Australia, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and Chevrolet Europe [Member] Separation programs in Australia, Korea, Thailand, Indonesia, and Chevrolet Europe. 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 [Member] Separation Program in Brazil and Venezuela [Domain] Separation Program in Brazil and Venezuela. Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] 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 impacted as of the balance sheet date since inception of the restructuring plan(s). Noncontrolling Interest Adjustments Noncontrolling Interest Adjustments Adjustments to charges for noncontrolling interests. Cumulative Translation and Other Charges Cumulative Translation and Other Charges Charges related to cumulative translation and other costs. Sales Incentives and Inventory Related Costs Sales Incentive and Inventory Costs Charges related to sales incentives and inventory related costs. Asset Impairment Charges Asset Impairment Charges 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