Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Allowance, and Net [Abstract] Schedule of Financing Receivables Past Due [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivables Past Due [Table] Business Group [Axis] Business Group [Axis] Information by reporting groups. Business Group [Domain] Business Group [Domain] [Domain] for Information by reporting groups. GM Financial [Member] GM Financial [Member] Represents the GM Financial section for segment consolidation. Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, by Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] Consumer Finance Receivables [Member] Consumer Loans Auto Financing Receivable [Member] 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] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, 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. Financing Receivable Recorded Investment 31 To 60 Days Past Due Percentage Of Contractual Amount 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. Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, 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. Financing Receivables 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. Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Greater than 30 Days Past Due 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. Financing Receivable Greater 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. Financing Receivable Recorded Investment Pass Due and in Repossession Financing Receivable Recorded Investment Pass Due and in Repossession Recorded Investment in financing receivables that are past due and in repossession. Financing Receivables Recorded Investment Pass Due and in Repossession, Percent of Contractual Amount 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. Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due 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 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 Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] Variable Interest Entities [Text Block] Variable Interest Entities [Text Block] Disclosure of the significant judgments and assumptions made in determining whether a variable interest (as defined) held by the entity requires the variable interest entity (VIE) (as defined) to be consolidated and (or) disclose information about its involvement with the VIE, individually or in aggregate (as applicable); the nature of restrictions, if any, on the consolidated VIE's assets and on the settlement of its liabilities reported by an entity in its statement of financial position, including the carrying amounts of such assets and liabilities; the nature of, and changes in, the risks associated with involvement in the VIE; how involvement with the VIE affects the entity's financial position, financial performance, and cash flows; the lack of recourse if creditors (or beneficial interest holders) of the consolidated VIE have no recourse to the general credit of the primary beneficiary (if applicable); the terms of arrangements, giving consideration to both explicit arrangements and implicit variable interests, if any, that could require the entity to provide financial support to the VIE, including events or circumstances that could expose the entity to a loss; the methodology used by the entity for determining whether or not it is the primary beneficiary of the variable interest entity; the significant factors considered and judgments made in determining that the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance are shared (as defined); the carrying amounts and classification of assets and liabilities of the VIE included in the statement of financial position; the entity's maximum exposure to loss, if any, as a result of its involvement with the VIE, including how the maximum exposure is determined and significant sources of the entity's exposure to the VIE; a comparison of the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities and the entity's maximum exposure to loss; information about any liquidity arrangements, guarantees, and (or) other commitments by third parties that may affect the fair value or risk of the entity's variable interest in the VIE; whether or not the entity has provided financial support or other support (explicitly or implicitly) to the VIE that it was not previously contractually required to provide or whether the entity intends to provide that support, including the type and amount of the support and the primary reasons for providing the support; and supplemental information the entity determines necessary to provide. Accounting Policies [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Marketable Securities [Abstract] Marketable Securities [Text Block] Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities [Text Block] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Equity Method Investee [Member] Equity Method Investee [Member] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] 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] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Automotive [Member] Automotive [Member] Represents the Automotive section for segment consolidation Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Debt carrying amount and fair value [Table Text Block] Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Net cash provided by (used in) 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 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 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 provided by (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 (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 Dividends paid Payments of Dividends Other financing activities Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, 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 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 Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Segment Reporting [Text Block] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Series B Preferred Stock [Member] Series B Preferred Stock [Member] 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 Payments of Dividends, Common Stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock Payments of Dividends, Preferred Stock Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Percent of Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Percent of Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Preferred shares purchased as percentage of total related preferred stock held by stock holders. Schedule of Equity Method Investment, Equity Method Investee, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Equity Method Investee, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] China JVs [Member] China JVs [Member] China joint ventures. Other nonconsolidated affiliates [Member] Other nonconsolidated affiliates [Member] Nonconsolidated affiliates other than China joint ventures. Equity Method Investment, 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 Dividends Received from Nonconsolidated Affiliates Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Dividends or Distributions Undistributed earnings including dividends declared Retained Earnings, Undistributed Earnings from Equity Method Investees Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] 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] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segment [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. GM Financial Segment [Member] GM Financial Segment [Member] Represents the GM Financial segment. Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] VENEZUELA VENEZUELA Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Number of Reportable Segments Number of Reportable Segments Revenue, Net Revenue, Net GM Financial revenue Financial Services Revenue Total net sales and revenue 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. Corporate interest income Investment Income, Interest Automotive interest expense Interest Expense Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income (loss) before income taxes Income (Loss) From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes 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 investments and net of income or loss attributable to noncontrolling interest, but before income taxes. Total assets 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. 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 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. Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] 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 Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax 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 Dividends on Preferred Stock Dividends, Preferred Stock Dividends declared or paid to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Other Stockholders' Equity, Other Balance 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. 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 [Domain] Commercial Finance Receivables [Member] Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] Finance Receivables [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Finance receivables, net [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Allowance for Credit Losses on Finance Receivables [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] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Equity In Net Assets Of Nonconsolidated Affiliates [Text Block] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits [Text Block] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Income tax expense (benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Vehicles recalled Vehicles recalled Number of vehicles recalled Recall Charges Inventory Recall Expense Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table] Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Ally Financial [Member] Ally Financial [Member] Ally Financial. Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Third party commercial loans and other obligations [Member] Financial Guarantee [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. Guarantees [line items] Guarantor Obligations [Line Items] Guarantees [Abstract] Guarantees [Abstract] Liability Recorded Guarantor Obligations, Current Carrying Value Maximum Liability Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted 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. Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] 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 Years 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 Years 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 Trading Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) [Table Text Block] Trading Securities [Table Text Block] Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Summary of Fair Value Measurements of Assets 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] Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Recalls - Ignition [Member] Recalls - Ignition switches [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; to fix ignition lock cylinders that could allow removal of the ignition key while the engine is running, leading to possible rollaway or crash; and to provide courtesy transportation to owners of affect vehicles [Member] 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 [Member] Recalls - Side impact restraints [Member] Recall 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 [Member] Recalls - Other matters [Member] Recalls - Other matters [Member] Recall of vehicles due to other matters not specified in the taxonomy [Member] Movement in Product Warranty and Related Liabilities, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward] Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period 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. Does not include any increase in the liability for accruals related to extended product warranties. 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 preexisting 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 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. Balance at end of period Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member] Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Unrealized Gains (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 Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Accumulated change in equity from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources, effect of tax, at period end. Excludes Net Income (Loss), and accumulated changes in equity from transactions resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners. Includes foreign currency translation items, certain pension adjustments, unrealized gains and losses on certain investments in debt and equity securities, other than temporary impairment (OTTI) losses related to factors other than credit losses on available-for-sale and held-to-maturity debt securities that an entity does not intend to sell and it is not more likely than not that the entity will be required to sell before recovery of the amortized cost basis, as well as changes in the fair value of derivatives related to the effective portion of a designated cash flow hedge. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications Adjustment, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassification Adjustment, Tax 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 Reclassifications Adjustment, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Reclassification Adjustment, Net 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, Net Prior Service Cost or Credit, Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Prior Service Cost (Credit) Arising During Period, Tax Tax amount of cost (credit) of benefit changes attributable to plan participants' prior service resulting from a plan amendment or plan initiation that has not been recognized in net periodic benefit cost (credit). Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Reclassification Adjustment, Net 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 (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 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassification Adjustment, Actuarial Gains or Losses, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net Unamortized Gain (Loss) Arising During Period,Tax Tax amount of (increase) decrease in the value of the projected benefit obligation related to a change in an actuarial assumption and increase (decrease) in the value of the plan assets resulting from experience different from that assumed, that has not been recognized in net periodic benefit (cost) credit. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), 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 Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, before Tax Reclassification Adjustment, Tax 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 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 - Prior Service or Cost Credit, Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Amortization Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Prior Service (Cost) Credit, 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, Net of Tax Reclassification Adjustment - Actuarial Gain or Loss, before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), before Tax Reclassification Adjustment - Actuarial Gain or Loss, Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net (Gain) Loss, Tax Reclassification Adjustment - Actuarial Gain or Loss, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net (Gain) Loss, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Germany Separation Programs [Member] Germany Separation Programs [Member] Germany separation programs. Separation Program in Brazil and Venezuela [Member] Separation Program in Brazil and Venezuela [Domain] Separation Program in Brazil and Venezuela. Germany and UK Separation Programs [Member] Germany and UK Separation Programs [Member] Germany and UK Separation Programs [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 Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment Effect of Foreign Currency Restructuring Reserve, Translation Adjustment 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 Cost Incurred to Date, Restructuring and Related Cost Amount of costs incurred to date for the specified type of restructuring cost. Number of Employees Affected, Inception to Date Restructuring and Related Cost, Number of Positions Eliminated, Inception to Date Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remaining Number Of Employees Expected to be Affected Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated Components of Net Periodic Pension and OPEB Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] 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 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 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 Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [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 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] U.S. Plans [Member] United States Pension Plan of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member] Non-U.S. Plans [Member] Foreign Pension Plan, Defined Benefit [Member] U.S. Plans [Member] United States Postretirement Benefit Plan of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member] Non-U.S. Plans [Member] Foreign Postretirement Benefit Plan, Defined Benefit [Member] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Service cost 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 (gains) losses Curtailments, settlements and other losses 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 Product Warranty and Related Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Product Warranty and Related Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Product Warranty and Related Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Net sales and revenue Revenues [Abstract] Automotive GM Financial Total net sales and revenue 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 Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Operating income (loss) Operating Income (Loss) Automotive interest expense Interest income and other non-operating income (loss), net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income (loss) before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax expense (benefit) Net income (loss) Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Basic Earnings per 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 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 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 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 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 Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Net Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Noncurrent Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total non-current assets Assets, Noncurrent Total Assets LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities, Current [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 Liabilities, Noncurrent [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 and deferred income taxes Other Liabilities, Noncurrent 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 Guarantees [Table Text Block] Schedule of Guarantor Obligations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Loss Contingencies by Contingency [Table Text Block] Schedule of Loss Contingencies by Contingency [Table Text Block] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations [Member] Litigation related to ignition switch recall litigations. 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. Canadian 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. UNITED STATES UNITED STATES CANADA CANADA BRAZIL BRAZIL Opel Vauxhall Restructuring [Member] Opel Vauxhall Restructuring [Member] Opel Vauxhall restructuring program Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Other Litigation Liability Estimated Litigation Liability 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 New Claims Filed Loss Contingency, New Claims Filed, Number 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 Plaintiffs Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Loss Contingency, Possible Loss Portion Not Accrued Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued Litigation Claims Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value Increase in Excise Tax Rate Increase in Excise Tax Rate Represents the increase (decrease) in the excise tax rate. Planned Spending Guarantee Planned Spending Guarantee - Euro Planned spending guarantee amount during the required period pertaining to specified milestones agreed to as part of a restructuring plan agreed to with labor representatives. Fair Value of Short and Long-Term Debt [Abstract] Fair Value of Short and Long-Term Debt [Abstract] 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] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Securitization notes payable [Member] Securitization notes payable [Member] Securitization notes payable other than private securitization Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Bank Lines and Other Unsecured Debt [Member] Bank lines and other unsecured debt [Member] Bank lines and other uncsecured debt. Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Carrying amount Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Fair Value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Parenthetical [Abstract] Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet Parenthetical [Abstract] 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, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [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] 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] Preferred Stock, par value Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common Stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Notes Receivable Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Non-Recourse Debt Non-Recourse Debt Finance Receivables at VIEs, Current Gross Finance Receivables Transferred to Special Purpose Entities The total current gross amount of finance receivables transferred to special purpose entities at the balance sheet date. Finance Receivables at VIEs, Noncurrent Gross Finance Receivables Transferred to Special Purpose Entities Noncurrent The total noncurrent gross amount of finance receivables transferred to special purpose entities at the balance sheet date. Operating Lease Assets at VIEs Operating Lease Assets Transferred to Special Purpose Entities Operating lease assets transferred to special purpose entities, net of accumulated depreciation, subject to or available for lease as of the balance sheet date. Secured Debt Secured Debt Debt [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Restructuring and Other Initiatives [Text Block] Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of policy, product warranty, recall campaigns and courtesy transportation [Table Text Block] Schedule of policy, product warranty, recall campaigns and courtesy transportation [Table Text Block] Schedule of policy, product warranty, recall campaigns and courtesy transportation [Table 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 Financing Receivable, Gross Less: Allowance for Loan Losses Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses Total Finance Receivables, Net Financing Receivable, Net Finance Receivables, Fair Value Receivables, Fair Value Disclosure Allownace for Loan Losses - Current Allowance for Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Current 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 Balance at end of period Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Nonconsolidated Affiliates [Member] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Results of operations [Abstract] Automotive sales and revenue Revenue from Related Parties Automotive purchases, net Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party Cash flows [Abstract] Operating 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. Financial position [Abstract] Accounts and notes receivable, net Due from Related Parties Accounts payable Due to Related Parties 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] Financing Receivable, by Credit Quality Indicator [Domain] Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Group I [Member] Group I [Member] Credit quality indicators that are developed and used internally by the company, the first Group. Group I is the classification of dealers with strong to superior financial metrics. Group II [Member] Group II [Member] Credit quality indicators that are developed and used internally by the company, the second Group. Group II is the classification of dealers with fair to favorable financial metrics. Group III [Member] Group III [Member] Credit quality indicators that are developed and used internally by the company, the third Group. Group III is the classification of dealers with marginal to weak financial metrics. Group IV [Member] Group IV [Member] Credit quality indicators that are developed and used internally by the company, the fourth Group. Group IV is the classification of dealers with poor financial metrics. Group V [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 [Member] Group VI [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 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 Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities [Abstract] 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 [Abstract] Available-for-sale securities classified by contractual maturity, amortized cost [Abstract] Available-for-sale securities classified by contractual maturity, amortized cost [Abstract] Due in one year or less, amortized cost Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next 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 available-for-sale securities with contractual maturities, amortized cost Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, 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 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 Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Nonconsolidated VIEs [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member] Variable interest entity disclosures Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] 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 - 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] Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] Corporate debt [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Other [Member] 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] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Marketable Securities [Line Items] Investment Holdings [Line Items] Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis 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 Senior Notes Issued September 2013 [Member] Senior Notes Issued September 2013 [Member] Senior Notes Issued September 2013 Foreign Subsidiary out of Compliance with Covenants [Member] Foreign Subsidiary out of Compliance with Covenants [Member] Term loan credit facility of a foreign subsidiary out of compliance with financial debt covenants. Bank Lines [Member] Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Days After the Closing Date of the Debt Issuance for Registration Statement to be Declared Effective Days After the Closing Date of the Debt Issuance for Registration Statement to be Declared Effective Days after the closing date of the debt issuance for registration statement to be declared effective Days After Effective Target Date Before Additional Interest is Charged Days After Effective Target Date Before Additional Interest is Charged Number of business days after effective target date before the reporting entity is charged with additional interest. Additional Interest Above Stated Rate First 90 Day Period Additional Interest Above Stated Rate First 90 Day Period Additional interest of per annum for the first 90 day period following failure to consummate terms outlined in registration agreement of senior unsecured notes issued. Additional Interest Above Stated Rate Subsequent 90 Day Period Additional Interest Above Stated Rate Subsequent 90 Day Period Additional interest rate of per annum for each 90 day period subsequent to a failure to consummate terms outlined in registration agreement of senior unsecured notes issued. Maximum Interest Above Stated Rate Subsequent 90 Day Period Maximum Interest Above Stated Rate Subsequent 90 Day Period Maximum interest rate of per annum for failure to consummate terms outlined in registration agreement of senior unsecured notes issued in September 2013. Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Debt Instrument, Term Debt Instrument, Term Line of Credit Facitlity, Armotization Period after Revolving Period Ends Line of Credit Facitlity, Armotization Period after Revolving Period Ends Line of credit facitlity, armotization period of the outstanding debt balance after revolving period ends. Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Debt Instrument, Increase (Decrease) Debt Instrument, Increase (Decrease), Net Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End GM Korea and GM India [Member] GM Korea and GM India [Member] Non-wholly owned subsidiaries of the reporting entity, GM Korea and GM India. Consolidated VIE [Abstract] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Does Not Hold Majority Voting Interest, Disclosures [Abstract] Total Assets Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets Total Liabilities Variable Interest Entity, Consolidated, Carrying Amount, Liabilities Total net sales and revenue 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 Maximum Maturity Days for Highly Liquidy 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. Nonconsolidated VIEs [Abstract] Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Comparison of Carrying Amount of Assets and Liabilities to Maximum Loss Exposure [Abstract] Total Assets Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets Total Liabilities Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Liabilities Total Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability Commitments And Contingencies [Text Block] Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block] Inventories [Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] 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 Less: undistributed earnings allocated to Series B Preferred Stock participating security Undistributed Earnings Allocated to Participating Securities Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders - Basic Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic Diluted earnings per share Less: undistributed earnings allocated to Series B Preferred Stock participating security Undistributed Earnings Allocated to Participating Securities, Diluted For diluted earnings per share calculation, earnings allocated (not distributed) to participating securities under the two-class method to the extent that participating securities may share in earnings as if all of the earnings for the period had been distributed. 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 Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Dilutive effect of warrants Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Call Options and Warrants Dilutive effect of restricted stock units Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted EPS, Additional Disclosures [Abstract] Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract] Earned but undeclared dividends Preferred Stock, Amount of Preferred Dividends in Arrears Lower share price boundary for two class method 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 Number of common stock consecutive trading days Number of Common Stock Consecutive Trading Days Number of common stock consecutive trading days that are used to calculate average closing price of the common stock. Warrants excluded from diluted EPS Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount GM Financial Receivables, net [Text Block] Financing Receivables [Text Block]