Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Schedule of Equity Income Schedule of equity income [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied including gain (loss) on disposition of interest in nonconsolidated affiliates. Summarized Financial Data for Nonconsolidated Affiliates Summarized Financial Data of Equity Method Investees [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of aggregated summarized financial data for equity-method investees for the reporting period, including but not limited to, balance sheet, income statements etc. Receivables [Abstract] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Axis] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Axis] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Domain] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Domain] Retail Finance Receivables [Member] Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member] Commercial Finance Receivables [Member] Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] 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. Finance Receivables [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] GM Financial receivables, net of fees Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss Less: allowance for loan losses Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss GM Financial receivables, net Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss Fair value of GM Financial receivables Receivables, Fair Value Disclosure Dealer cash management balance Dealer Cash Management Dealer Cash Management Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Automotive [Member] Automotive [Member] Represents the Automotive section for segment consolidation Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt carrying amount and fair value Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of maturities of long-term debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract] Product Warranty and Related Liabilities [Roll Forward] Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward] Warranty balance at beginning of period Policy, Product warranty and Recall campaigns - Accrual Amount as of the balance sheet date of the aggregate standard product warranty and related liabilities. Does not include the balance for the extended product warranty liability. Warranties issued and assumed in period – recall campaigns Warranties Issued And Assumed In Period, Recall Campaigns Represents the aggregate increase in the liability for accruals for recall campaigns and related liabilities issued during the reporting period. Warranties issued and assumed in period – product warranty Warranties Issued And Assumed In Period, Product Warranty Represents the aggregate increase in the liability for accruals related to warranty issued during the reporting period. Does not include any increase in the liability for accruals related to extended product warranties. Payments Policy, product warranty and recall campaigns - Payments Represents the aggregate decrease in the liability for payments made (in cash or in kind) to satisfy claims under the terms of the standard product warranty or related liabilities. Does not include any Increase or Decrease in the liability for payments related to extended product warranties. Adjustments to pre-existing warranties Policy, product warranty and recall campaigns - preexisting adjustments Represents the aggregate Increase or Decrease in the liability during the reporting period for accruals related to preexisting standard product warranties (including adjustments related to changes in estimates) and related liabilities. Does not include any Increase or Decrease in the liability for accruals related to extended product warranties. Effect of foreign currency and other Policy, product warranty and recall campaigns and - Currency translation and other increase (decrease) Increase or Decrease in standard product warranty liability and related liabilities due to currency translation and other. Does not include any Increase or Decrease in an extended product warranty liability due to currency translation. Warranty balance at end of period Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Corporate [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] GMNA [Member] GMNA [Member] Represents the GM North America region for segment consolidation. GMI [Member] GMI [Member] GMI [Member] Cruise [Member] Cruise [Member] Cruise [Member] GM Financial [Member] GM Financial Segment [Member] Represents the GM Financial segment. Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Transformation Activities [Member] Transformation Activities [Member] Transformation Activities [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Brazil [Member] BRAZIL Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] GM Brazil Indirect Tax Claim [Member] GM Brazil Indirect Tax Claim [Member] GM Brazil Indirect Tax Claim [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Net sales and revenue Revenues Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes-adjusted Earnings (loss) before automotive interest and taxes-adjusted Earnings or loss from continuing operations attributable to the economic entity which may also be defined as revenue less expenses from ongoing operations, after income or loss from equity method investment and net of income or loss attributable to noncontrolling interest, but before adjustments that are not considered part of our core operations, automotive interest expense, corporate interest income, gain or loss on extinguishment of debt and income tax expense or benefit. Adjustments Reconciling 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 Interest Expense Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax benefit (expense) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to stockholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Equity in net assets of nonconsolidated affiliates Equity Method Investments Goodwill and intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill) Total assets Assets Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Impairment charges Asset Impairment Charges Equity income Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Pre-tax restructuring costs Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions Recoveries of indirect taxes Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Components of Inventories Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income tax expense Net deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net GM Financial Receivables Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Allowance for Loan Losses Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table Text Block] Finance Receivables Credit Quality Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block] Retail Finance Receivables Delinquency Financing Receivable, Past Due [Table Text Block] Intercompany Transactions Schedule of Intercompany Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Intercompany Transactions [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Affiliated Entity [Member] Affiliated Entity [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] PSA Group [Member] PSA Group [Member] PSA Group [Member] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Net sales and revenue Revenue from Related Parties Purchases and expenses Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party Cash payments Related Party Transactions, Cash Payments Related Party Transactions, Cash Payments Cash receipts Related Party Transactions, Cash Receipts Related Party Transactions, Cash Receipts GM Financial Receivables and Transactions Financing Receivables [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Earnings Per Share Basic and Diluted Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated VIE [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Equipment Leased to Other Party [Member] Equipment Leased to Other Party [Member] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Restricted cash – current Restricted Cash and Investments, Current Restricted cash – non-current Restricted Cash and Investments, Noncurrent GM Financial receivables, net of fees – current Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current GM Financial receivables, net of fees – non-current Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent GM Financial equipment on operating leases, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net GM Financial short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt Debt, Current GM Financial long-term debt Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation Marketable Securities [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Restricted cash included in Other current assets Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Restricted cash included in Other assets Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Total Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Net income Cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and impairment of Equipment on operating leases, net Depreciation and Impairment of Equipment on Operating Leases, Net Depreciation and Impairment of Equipment on Operating Leases, Net Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges on Property, net Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges on Property The amount of expense recognized in the current period that reflects the allocation of the cost of tangible assets and finite-lived intangible assets over the assets' useful lives, as well as impairment charges on tangible and intangible assets. Includes production and non-production related depreciation and amortization. Foreign currency remeasurement and transaction (gains) losses Foreign Currency Remeasurement and Transaction Gains (Losses) The aggregate realized and unrealized foreign currency transaction gain or loss, net (pretax) or remeasurement gain or loss, net (pretax) included in determining net income for the reporting period. Represents the aggregate of gains or losses, net, on foreign currency transactions that are unsettled as of the balance sheet date, which is therefore an adjustment to reconcile income or loss from continuing operations to net cash provided by or used in continuing operations. Also includes the gains or losses associated with remeasuring foreign currency denominated entities into the functional currency of those entities. Excludes foreign currency transactions designated as hedges of net investment in a foreign entity. Undistributed earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates, net Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Net of Dividends or Distributions Pension contributions and OPEB payments Payment for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Pension and OPEB income, net Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Cost (Reversal of Cost) Provision (benefit) for deferred taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Change in other operating assets and liabilities Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Expenditures for property Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Available-for-sale marketable securities, acquisitions Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities Available-for-sale marketable securities, liquidations Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Purchases of finance receivables, net Payments to Acquire Finance Receivables Principal collections and recoveries on finance receivables Proceeds from Collection of Finance Receivables Purchases of leased vehicles, net Payments to Acquire Leases Held-for-investment Proceeds from termination of leased vehicles Proceeds from Leases Held-for-investment Other investing activities Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net increase in short-term debt Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt, Maturing in Three Months or Less Proceeds from issuance of debt (original maturities greater than three months) Proceeds from Debt, Maturing in More than Three Months Payments on debt (original maturities greater than three months) Repayments of Debt, Maturing in More than Three Months 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 Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period Significant Non-cash Investing and Financing Activity Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Non-cash property additions Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Marketable debt securities (Note 4) Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Current Accounts and notes receivable, net Accounts and Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current GM Financial receivables, net (Note 5; Note 10 at VIEs) Inventories (Note 6) Inventory, Net Other current assets (Note 4; Note 10 at VIEs) Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Non-current Assets Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] GM Financial receivables, net (Note 5; Note 10 at VIEs) Equity in net assets of nonconsolidated affiliates (Note 8) Property, net Operating Lease, Right-of-use Asset, Noncurrent Operating Lease, Right-of-use Asset, Noncurrent Operating Lease, Right-of-use Asset, Noncurrent Equipment on operating leases, net (Note 7; Note 10 at VIEs) Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Other assets (Note 4; Note 10 at VIEs) Other Assets, Noncurrent Total non-current assets Assets, Noncurrent Total Assets LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable (principally trade) Accounts Payable, Current Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt (Note 9 and Note 8 at VIEs) Accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Non-current Liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt (Note 9 and Note 8 at VIEs) Postretirement benefits other than pensions (Note 14) Liability, Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Pensions (Note 14) Liability, Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Noncurrent Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total non-current liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Total Liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies (Note 15) Commitments and Contingencies Equity (Note 18) Equity [Abstract] Common stock, $0.01 par value Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity Common stock par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation [Abstract] Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation Basis of Accounting Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recently Adopted Accounting Standards and Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Marketable Debt Securities Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounts and Notes Receivable Receivable [Policy Text Block] GM Financial Receivables Financing Receivable [Policy Text Block] Summary of Transactions with PSA Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Credit Score, FICO [Axis] Credit Score, FICO [Axis] Credit Score, FICO [Domain] Credit Score, FICO [Domain] Prime - FICO score 680 and greater [Member] FICO Score, Greater than 680 [Member] FICO Score, Greater than 680 [Member] Near-prime - FICO score 620 to 679 [Member] FICO Score, 620 to 679 [Member] FICO Score, 620 to 679 [Member] Sub-prime - FICO score less than 620 [Member] FICO Score, Less than 620 [Member] FICO Score, Less than 620 [Member] Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items] 2020 Financing Receivable, Originated in Current Fiscal Year 2019 Financing Receivable, Originated in Fiscal Year before Latest Fiscal Year 2018 Financing Receivable, Originated Two Years before Latest Fiscal Year 2017 Financing Receivable, Originated Three Years before Latest Fiscal Year 2016 Financing Receivable, Originated Four Years before Latest Fiscal Year 2015 Financing Receivable, Originated Five Years before Latest Fiscal Year Financing Receivable, Originated Five Years before Latest Fiscal Year Prior Financing Receivable, Originated, More than Six Years before Current Fiscal Year Financing Receivable, Originated, More than Six Years before Current Fiscal Year GM Financial receivables, net of fees Percent Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Percent Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Percent Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as Hedges [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedges [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Fair Value Hedges [Member] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Foreign Currency [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Commodity [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] PSA Warrants [Member] Warrants Exercisable Into Fixed Number Of Publicly Traded Shares [Member] Warrants Exercisable Into Fixed Number Of Publicly Traded Shares [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Foreign Currency Swaps [Member] Foreign Currency Swaps [Member] Foreign Currency Swaps [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Fair Value Level 2 [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other assets [Member] Other Assets [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Interest Income and Other Non-Operating Income, Net [Member] Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Notional Derivative, Notional Amount Fair Value of Assets Derivative Asset Fair Value of Liabilities Derivative Liability Fair value of derivative instruments Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Gains (losses) on derivative instruments Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Gains on derivative instruments, net Gain (Loss) on Derivative Instruments, Net, Pretax Collateral Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities Collateral available for netting Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] Floorplan Advances [Member] Floorplan Advances [Member] Floorplan Advances [Member] Credit Quality Indicator [Axis] Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Financing Receivable, by Credit Quality Indicator [Domain] Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Group I - Performing accounts with strong to acceptable financial metrics [Member] Internal Investment Grade [Member] Group II - Performing accounts experiencing potential weakness in financial metrics [Member] Special Mention [Member] Group III - Non-Performing accounts with inadequate paying capacity for current obligations [Member] Substandard [Member] Group IV - Non-Performing accounts with inadequate paying capacity for current obligations and inherent weaknesses [Member] Subprime [Member] Revolving Financing Receivable, Revolving Percent of revolving balance Financing Receivable, Revolving, Percent of Total Financing Receivable, Revolving, Percent of Total Marketable and Other Securities Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities [Text Block] Financing Receivable, Past Due [Table] Financing Receivable, Past Due [Table] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Axis] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Axis] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Domain] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Domain] Performing Financial Instruments [Member] Performing Financial Instruments [Member] Nonperforming Financial Instruments [Member] Nonperforming Financial Instruments [Member] Financial Asset, Period Past Due [Axis] Financial Asset, Period Past Due [Axis] Financial Asset, Period Past Due [Domain] Financial Asset, Period Past Due [Domain] Current [Member] Not Past Due [Member] Not Past Due [Member] 31-to-60 days delinquent [Member] Financing Receivables, 31 to 60 Days Past Due [Member] Financing receivables that are more than 30 days past due but fewer than 61 days past due. Greater-than-60 days delinquent [Member] Financing Receivables, Greater than 60 Days Past Due [Member] Financing receivables that are greater than 60 days past due. Total finance receivables more than 30 days delinquent [Member] Financing Receivables, Greater than 30 Days Past Due [Member] Financing receivables that are greater than 30 days past due. In repossession [Member] Financing Receivables, In Repossession [Member] Financing receivables that are in repossession Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items] Retail finance receivables, nonaccrual status Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual Financing Receivable, Past Due and Not Past Due [Abstract] Financing Receivable, Past Due and Not Past Due [Abstract] Total, Not Past Due Financing Receivable, Not Past Due Past Due Amount Financing Receivable, Past Due Percent of Contractual Amount Due Financing Receivable, Percent Past Due Financing Receivable, including Past Due, Percent Financing Receivable, including Past Due, Percent Financing Receivable, including Past Due, Percent TDR's Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Automotive China JVs equity income [Member] Automotive China Joint Ventures [Member] Automotive China joint ventures. Other joint ventures equity income [Member] Other joint ventures [Member] Other nonconsolidated affiliates other than Automotive China joint ventures. Equity Method Investee [Member] Equity Method Investee [Member] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Change in ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Change in Ownership Percentage The change in percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Net sales Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue Net income Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Dividends declared but not paid Dividends Receivable Undistributed earnings Retained Earnings, Undistributed Earnings from Equity Method Investees Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Deferred revenue recognized Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Deferred revenue expected to be recognized Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount Expected timing of performance obligation Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Line of Credit [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Three Year Revolving Credit Facility April 2021 [Member] Three Year Revolving Credit Facility April 2021 [Member] Three Year Revolving Credit Facility April 2021 [Member] Three Year Revolving Credit Facility April 2022 [Member] Three Year Revolving Credit Facility April 2022 [Member] Three Year Revolving Credit Facility April 2022 [Member] Debt Type [Axis] Debt Type [Axis] Information by type of debt Debt Type [Domain] Debt Type [Domain] [Domain] for Debt Type [Axis] Unsecured Debt [Member] Unsecured Debt [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] 2020 (April 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020) Long-term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year Long-term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2021 Long-term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two Long-term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2022(b) Long-term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three Long-term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2023 Long-term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four Long-term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2024 Long-term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Long-term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five 2025 Long-term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Six Long-term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Six Thereafter Long-term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Seven Long-term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Seven Total Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation, Including Current Maturities Debt outstanding Long-term Debt, Gross Debt term Debt Instrument, Term Aggregate borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Credit Losses [Member] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Member] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Adoption of accounting standards (Note 1) New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Preferred stock shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Preferred stock shares outstanding (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Common stock shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Variable Interest Entities Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [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. Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] U.S. government and agencies [Member] US Treasury and Government [Member] Corporate debt [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Mortgage and asset-backed [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member] Sovereign debt [Member] Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member] Cash and cash equivalents [Member] Cash And Cash Equivalents Line Item [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing cash and cash equivalents. Marketable debt securities [Member] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Current [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing marketable securities. Other current assets [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] GM Korea [Member] GM Korea [Member] GM Korea [Member] Marketable Securities [Line Items] Investment Holdings [Line Items] Cash and time deposits Cash And Time Deposits Sum of cash (other than available-for-sale and trading securities) and time deposits. Total available-for-sale debt securities with contractual maturities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Money market funds Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value Total cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Total restricted cash Restricted Cash and Money Market Funds Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Money Market Funds Due in one year or less Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, within One Year, Fair Value Due between one and five years Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after One Through Five Years, Fair Value Total available-for-sale debt securities with contractual maturities Secured Debt [Member] Secured Debt [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Domain] Scenario [Domain] Forecast [Member] Forecast [Member] $2.0 Billion Dollar Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Two Billion Dollar Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Two Billion Dollar Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Carrying Amount Long-term Debt Carrying Amount Debt and Lease Obligation Fair Value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Finance lease liabilities Finance Lease, Liability Finance lease liabilities, Fair Value Finance Lease Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Finance Lease Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Carrying Amount Debt and Finance Lease Liabilities Debt and Finance Lease Liabilities Fair Value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Available under credit facility agreements(b) Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Weighted-average interest rate on outstanding short-term debt Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time Weighted-average interest rate on outstanding long-term debt Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time Net discount and debt issuance costs Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Net [Abstract] Lessor, Lease, Description [Table] Lessor, Lease, Description [Table] Major Property Class [Axis] Major Property Class [Axis] Major Property Class [Domain] Major Property Class [Domain] Vehicles [Member] Vehicles [Member] Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items] Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items] Equipment on operating leases Operating Lease, Right-of-use Asset, Gross Operating Lease, Right-of-use Asset, Gross Less: accumulated depreciation Operating Lease, Right-of-use Asset, Accumulated Depreciation Operating Lease, Right-of-use Asset, Accumulated Depreciation Equipment on operating leases, net Depreciation expense Depreciation Lessor Operating Lease Payments to be Received Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2020 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2021 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Two Years 2022 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Three Years 2023 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Four Years 2024 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Five Years Total Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received Accounting Policies [Abstract] Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Five Year Revolving Credit Facility Due 2023 [Member] Five Year Revolving Credit Facility Due 2023 [Member] Five Year Revolving Credit Facility Due 2023 [Member] Five Year Revolving Credit Facility April 2020 [Member] Five Year Revolving Credit Facility April 2020 [Member] Five Year Revolving Credit Facility April 2020 [Member] Securitization notes payable [Member] Securitization notes payable [Member] Debt issued through securitization transactions. Proceeds borrowed Proceeds from Long-term Lines of Credit Dividend restriction covenant, amount outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Dividend Restrictions, Amount Outstanding Line of Credit Facility, Covenant Terms, Dividend Restrictions, Amount Outstanding Principal amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Weighted average interest rate (percent) Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate 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 Schedule of Revenue by Major Source Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation [Text Block] The entire disclosure for the nature of an entity's business, the major products or services it sells or provides and its principal markets, including the locations of those markets as well as the basis of presentation concept. If the entity operates in more than one business, the disclosure also indicates the relative importance of its operations in each business and the basis for the determination (for example, assets, revenues, or earnings). Basis of presentation describes the underlying basis used to prepare the financial statements (for example, US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Other Comprehensive Basis of Accounting, IFRS). Revenue Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value of Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash from Balance Sheet to Statements of Cash Flows Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash from Balance Sheet to Statement of Cash Flows [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash from the consolidated balance sheet to the consolidated statements of cash flows. Income Statement [Abstract] Net sales and revenue Revenues [Abstract] Automotive Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Total net sales and revenue (Note 3) Costs and expenses Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Automotive and other cost of sales Cost of Goods and Services Sold GM Financial interest, operating and other expenses Operating Costs and Expenses Automotive and other selling, general and administrative expense Selling, General and Administrative Expense Total costs and expenses Operating Expenses Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Automotive interest expense Interest income and other non-operating income, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Equity income (loss) (Note 8) Income tax expense (Note 16) Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Net income attributable to common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Earnings per share (Note 19) Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain] [Domain] for Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis] Impact of Adoption ASU 2016-13 [Member] Cumulative Effect, Period Of Adoption, Adjustment [Member] Cumulative Effect, Period Of Adoption, Adjustment [Member] Financing 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Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Domain] Subsegments [Domain] North America Reporting Unit [Member] North America Reporting Unit [Member] North America Reporting Unit [Member] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill Goodwill Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring Reserves and Charges Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease Lessor, Operating Lease, Carrying Value of Assets Subject to Leases [Table Text Block] Lessor, Operating Lease, Carrying Value of Assets Subject to Leases [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Rental Payments Receivable for Operating Leases Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received, Maturity [Table Text Block] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] U.S. [Member] UNITED STATES Non-U.S. [Member] Foreign Plan [Member] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Pension Plan [Member] Pension Plan [Member] Global OPEB Plans [Member] Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Amortization of prior service cost (credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization of net actuarial losses Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Net periodic pension and OPEB (income) expense Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Non-service cost components of net periodic pension and OPEB income Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Expense (Income), Excluding Service Cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Expense (Income), Excluding Service Cost 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 Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Defined benefit plans [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustment, net of tax and impact of adoption of accounting standards Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Reclassification adjustment, net of tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Balance at end of period Cover [Abstract] Document Type Document Type Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Entity File Number Entity File Number Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code City Area Code City Area Code Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of policy, product warranty and recall campaigns Schedule of policy, product warranty and recall campaigns [Table Text Block] Table which summarizes the activity for policy, product warranty and recall campaigns for reporting periods. Restructuring and Other Initiatives Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Components of Net Periodic Pension and OPEB (Income) Expense Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interests [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred Stock [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Other comprehensive income (loss) Issuance of subsidiary preferred stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Purchase of common stock Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Stock based compensation APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition Cash dividends paid on common stock Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Dividends to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Other Stockholders' Equity, Other Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Net income attributable to stockholders Less: cumulative dividends on subsidiary preferred stock Preferred Stock Dividends and Other Adjustments Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Net income attributable to common stockholders – diluted Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic (in shares) Dilutive effect of warrants and awards under stock incentive plans (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Call Options and Warrants Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares) Potentially dilutive securities (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Australia, New Zealand and Thailand [Member] Australia, New Zealand and Thailand [Member] Australia, New Zealand and Thailand [Member] Australia and New Zealand [Member] Australia and New Zealand [Member] Australia and New Zealand [Member] Asset Impairments, Sales Allowances and Other Charges [Member] Asset Impairments, Sales Allowances and Other Charges [Member] Asset Impairments, Sales Allowances and Other Charges [Member] Dealer Restructurings and Employee Severance [Member] Dealer Restructurings and Employee Severance [Member] Dealer Restructurings and Employee Severance [Member] Unallocation of Products to Certain Manufacturing Facilities And Other Employee Separation Programs [Member] Unallocation of Products to Certain Manufacturing Facilities And Other Employee Separation Programs [Member] Unallocation of Products to Certain Manufacturing Facilities And Other Employee Separation Programs [Member] Employee Severance and Statutory Pension Payments [Member] Employee Severance and Statutory Pension Payments [Member] Employee Severance and Statutory Pension Payments [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Restructuring Reserve Additions, interest accretion and other Restructuring Charges Payments Payments for Restructuring Revisions to estimates and effect of foreign currency Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment including Foreign Currency Amount of any reversal and other adjustment made during the period to the amount of a previously accrued liability for a specified type of restructuring cost including foreign currency translation adjustments, excluding adjustments for costs incurred during the period and costs settled during the period. Balance at end of period Pre-tax restructuring charges Valuation allowance against deferred tax assets Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Expected costs Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Expected amount of cash flows Effect on Future Cash Flows, Amount Cost since inception Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Commercial Finance Receivables [Member] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Financing receivable, net Subvention receivable Intercompany Receivable Intercompany Receivable Commercial loan funding payable Intercompany Payable Intercompany Payable Interest subvention earned on finance receivables Interest Income, Intercompany Transactions Interest Income, Intercompany Transactions Leased vehicle subvention earned Intercompany Transactions, Leased Vehicle Income Earned Intercompany Transactions, Leased Vehicle Income Earned Cash payments to GM Financial Intersegment Eliminations, Receivables (Payables), Net Intersegment Eliminations, Receivables (Payables), Net Common stock dividends declared and paid Dividends, Common Stock Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Takata DIR [Member] Takata DIR [Member] Defect information report (DIR) filed by GM related to the amended consent order requiring Takata Corporation to file DIRs for previously unrecalled front airbag inflators on a multi-year, risk-based schedule through 2019. Accrued Liabilities, Current and Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Member] Accrued Liabilities, Current and Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Member] Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable, pertaining to costs that are statutory in nature, are incurred on contractual obligations, or accumulate over time and for which invoices have not yet been received or will not be rendered and aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent obligations not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent liabilities are expected to be paid after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Examples include taxes, interest, rent and utilities. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Warranty provision related to DIR's Loss Contingency Accrual Estimate of maximum possible loss Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Product liability Loss Contingency Accrual, Product Liability, Gross Maximum liability, guarantees Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Vehicles and Parts [Member] Vehicles and Parts [Member] Vehicles and Parts [Member] Used Vehicles [Member] Used Vehicles [Member] Used Vehicles [Member] Services and Other [Member] Services and Other [Member] Services and Other [Member] Eliminations/ Reclassifications [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Automotive net sales and revenue Leased vehicle income Lease Income Finance charge income Interest and Fee Income, Loans, Consumer Other income Other Income GM Financial net sales and revenue Revenue Not from Contract with Customer Product Warranty and Related Liabilities Product Warranty and Related Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] The entire disclosure for standard product warranties and other product guarantee contracts, including a tabular reconciliation of the changes in the guarantors aggregate product warranty liability for the reporting period. This disclosure excludes extended warranties. Equity in Net Assets of Nonconsolidated Affiliates Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Equipment on Operating Leases Lessor, Operating Leases [Text Block] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Long-term Debt [Member] Long-term Debt [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Carrying Amount of Hedged Items Hedged Liability, Fair Value Hedge Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustments on Hedging Relationships Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Adjustment Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Adjustment Loss on derivative instruments, net GM [Member] Parent Company [Member] MLC GUC Trust [Member] MLC GUC Trust [Member] MLC GUC Trust [Member] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Amended and Restated Master Sale and Purchase Agreement [Member] Amended and Restated Master Sale and Purchase Agreement [Member] Amended and Restated Master Sale and Purchase Agreement [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Economic-loss cases [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Economic Damage [Member] Ignition switch recall claims seeking recovery for purported compensatory damages. Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - July 2009 Sale Order [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - July 2009 Sale Order [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - July 2009 Sale Order [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Lost Personal Time and Certain Unjust Enrichment Claims [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Lost Personal Time and Certain Unjust Enrichment Claims [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Lost Personal Time and Certain Unjust Enrichment Claims [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Contingently Issuable Shares [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Contingently Issuable Shares [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Contingently Issuable Shares [Member] Korea Wage Litigation - Hourly [Member] Korea Wage Litigation - Hourly [Member] Litigation related to Ordinary Wage regulation for current and former hourly employees of GM Korea. Korea Wage Litigation - Salaried [Member] Korea Wage Litigation - Salaried [Member] Litigation alleging incorrect wage calculation for current and former salaried employees of GM Korea. Korea Wage Litigation - Former Subcontract Workers [Member] Korea Wage Litigation - Former Subcontract Workers [Member] Korea Wage Litigation - Former Subcontract Workers [Member] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Granted Motion to Dismiss [Member] Granted Motion to Dismiss [Member] Granted Motion to Dismiss [Member] Pending Litigation [Member] Pending Litigation [Member] Proposed Settlement [Member] Proposed Settlement [Member] Proposed Settlement [Member] Indirect Tax Matters [Member] Indirect Tax Matters [Member] Loss contingencies related to indirect tax matters. Estimated litigation liability Estimated Litigation Liability Number of filed claims Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Number of states Loss Contingency, Number of States Loss Contingency, Number of States Number of jurisdictions Loss Contingency, Number of Jurisdictions Loss Contingency, Number of Jurisdictions Number of safety recalls Litigation Settlement, Number of Safety Recalls Litigation Settlement, Number of Safety Recalls Amount awarded to other party Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded to Other Party Attorneys' fees and costs Litigation Settlement, Expense Allowed general unsecured claims amount Motors Liquidation Company GUC Trust, Material Contingent Liabilities, General Unsecured Claims, Threshold Amount Motors Liquidation Company GUC Trust, Material Contingent Liabilities, General Unsecured Claims, Threshold Amount Contingently issuable shares (in shares) Motors Liquidation Company GUC Trust, Amounts of Material Contingent Liabilities Remaining, Shares Issuable Motors Liquidation Company GUC Trust, Amounts of Material Contingent Liabilities Remaining, Shares Issuable Value of contingently issuable shares Motors Liquidation Company GUC Trust, Amounts of Material Contingent Liabilities Remaining, Value of Shares Issuable Motors Liquidation Company GUC Trust, Amounts of Material Contingent Liabilities Remaining, Value of Shares Issuable Amount of allowed general unsecured claims Motors Liquidation Company GUC Trust, Amounts of General Unsecured Claims, Amount Motors Liquidation Company GUC Trust, Amounts of General Unsecured Claims, Amount Amount petitioned to be distributed to unitholders Litigation Settlement, Amount Petitioned to be Distributed to Unitholders Litigation Settlement, Amount Petitioned to be Distributed to Unitholders Number of plaintiffs Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs Number of employees in the case Number of Employees in Case Number of Employees in Case Estimate of possible loss Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued Probable loss accrual Number of rendered favorable decisions Loss Contingency, Claims Settled and Dismissed, Number Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (Note 18) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments and other Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Defined benefit plans Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to stockholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Lyft, Inc. [Member] Lyft, Inc. [Member] Lyft, Inc. [Member] Interest Income and Other Non-Operating Income [Member] Interest Income and Other Non-Operating Income [Member] Interest Income and Other Non-Operating Income [Member] Sale proceeds from investments classified as available-for-sale and sold prior to maturity Proceeds from Sale of Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Fair value of equity securities Equity Securities, FV-NI Unrealized gain (loss) on securities Equity Securities, FV-NI, Unrealized Gain (Loss)