Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Domain] Operating Activities [Domain] Continuing Operations [Member] Continuing Operations [Member] Discontinued Operations [Member] Discontinued Operations [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges The amount of expense recognized in the current period that reflects the allocation of the cost of tangible assets and finite-lived intangible assets over the assets' useful lives, as well as impairment charges on tangible and intangible assets. Includes production and non-production related depreciation and amortization. Foreign currency remeasurement and transaction (gains) losses Foreign Currency Remeasurement and Transaction Gains (Losses) The aggregate realized and unrealized foreign currency transaction gain or loss, net (pretax) or remeasurement gain or loss, net (pretax) included in determining net income for the reporting period. Represents the aggregate of gains or losses, net, on foreign currency transactions that are unsettled as of the balance sheet date, which is therefore an adjustment to reconcile income or loss from continuing operations to net cash provided by or used in continuing operations. Also includes the gains or losses associated with remeasuring foreign currency denominated entities into the functional currency of those entities. Excludes foreign currency transactions designated as hedges of net investment in a foreign entity. Undistributed earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates, net Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Net of Dividends or Distributions Pension contributions and OPEB payments Payment for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Pension and OPEB income, net Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Cost (Reversal of Cost) Provision for deferred taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Change in other operating assets and liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Net cash provided by operating activities – continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by operating activities – discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Expenditures for property Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Available-for-sale marketable securities, acquisitions Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities Trading marketable securities, acquisitions Payments to Acquire Trading Securities Held-for-investment Available-for-sale marketable securities, liquidations Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities Trading marketable securities, liquidations Proceeds from Sale of Trading Securities Held-for-investment Acquisition of companies/investments, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Purchases of finance receivables, net Payments to Acquire Finance Receivables Principal collections and recoveries on finance receivables Proceeds from Collection of Finance Receivables Purchases of leased vehicles, net Payments to Acquire Leases Held-for-investment Proceeds from termination of leased vehicles Proceeds from Leases Held-for-investment Other investing activities Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities – continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash used in investing activities – discontinued operations (Note 2) Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net 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 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 Payments to purchase common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Proceeds from issuance of GM Financial preferred stock Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Dividends paid Payments of Dividends Other financing activities Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities – continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by financing activities – discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Discontinued Operations 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 in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period Significant Non-cash Investing and Financing Activity Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Non-cash property additions Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Non-cash business acquisition – continuing operations (Note 18) Noncash or Part Noncash Acquisition, Net Nonmonetary Assets Acquired (Liabilities Assumed) Non-cash proceeds on sale of discontinued operations (Note 2) Noncash or Part Noncash Divestiture, Amount of Consideration Received Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Business Group [Axis] Business Group [Axis] Information by reporting groups. Business Group [Domain] Business Group [Domain] [Domain] for Information by reporting groups. Automotive [Member] Automotive [Member] Represents the Automotive section for segment consolidation GM Financial [Member] GM Financial [Member] Represents the GM Financial section for segment consolidation. Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Debt Type [Axis] Debt Type [Axis] Information by type of debt Debt Type [Domain] Debt Type [Domain] [Domain] for Debt Type [Axis] Secured Debt [Member] Secured Debt [Member] Unsecured Debt [Member] Unsecured Debt [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Carrying Amount Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Fair Value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation [Abstract] Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation 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 2014-09 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Forecast [Member] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Pro Forma [Member] Pro Forma [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Cumulative Effect on Retained Earnings, Net of Tax Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Equity investments not accounted for under the equity method of accounting Cost Method Investments Interest income and other non-operating income, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Decrease to Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Consolidated VIE [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Restricted cash – current Restricted Cash and Investments, Current Restricted cash – non-current Restricted Cash and Investments, Noncurrent GM Financial receivables, net of fees – current Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current GM Financial receivables, net of fees – non-current Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Noncurrent GM Financial equipment on operating leases, net Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Net GM Financial short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt Debt, Current GM Financial long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Accrued liabilities and Other liabilities [Member] Accrued Liabilities, Current and Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Member] Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable, pertaining to costs that are statutory in nature, are incurred on contractual obligations, or accumulate over time and for which invoices have not yet been received or will not be rendered and aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent obligations not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent liabilities are expected to be paid after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Examples include taxes, interest, rent and utilities. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations [Member] Litigations filed related to ignition switch recalls. Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Economic-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 - Shareholder Derivative Action [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations, Shareholder Derivative Action [Member] Ignition switch recall litigations, in which the complaint alleges breach of fiduciary duty, waste of corporate assets, and unjust enrichment by defendant's directors in connection with monitoring, remediation and disclosure of the issues underlying the ignition switch recall. Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Shareholder Class Action [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Shareholder Class Action [Member] Putative shareholder class action filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Investigation by the Office [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Investigation by the Office [Member] The investigation on recalls announced by the reporting entity conducted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (the Office). 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 - Salaried (Nov. 26, 2015) [Member] Korea Wage Litigation - Salaried, Case One [Member] [Member] Korea Wage Litigation - Salaried, Case One [Member] [Member] Korea Wage Litigation - Salaried (Nov. 27, 2015) [Member] Korea Wage Litigation - Salaried, Case Two [Member] Korea Wage Litigation - Salaried, Case Two [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] U.S. [Member] UNITED STATES Eastern District of Michigan [Member] Eastern District of Michigan [Member] Eastern District of Michigan. Wayne County, Michigan [Member] Wayne County, Michigan [Member] Wayne County, Michigan BRAZIL [Member] BRAZIL 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] Consolidated Litigation [Member] Consolidated Litigation [Member] Risk of loss associated with the outcome of consolidated litigation against the entity. Consolidated Litigation with Denied Dismissal [Member] Consolidated Litigation with Denied Dismissal [Member] Consolidated Litigation with Denied Dismissal [Member] Judicial Ruling [Member] Judicial Ruling [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] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Indirect Tax Matters [Member] Indirect Tax Matters [Member] Loss contingencies related to indirect tax matters. Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Estimated litigation liability Estimated Litigation Liability Number of pending claims Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Number of states Loss Contingency, Number of States Loss Contingency, Number of States Litigation settlement amount Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded to Other Party Number of shareholders filing an appeal Loss Contingency, Number of Shareholders Filing an Appeal The number of shareholders filing an appeal of the decision approving the settlement. Number of state attorneys general State Attorney General, Number Number of state attorney generals involved in inquiries, investigations, subpoenas and requests for information in connection with recalls. Damages paid Loss Contingency, Damages Paid, Value Prosecution deferral period Loss Contingency, Prosecution Deferral Period Term of the deferral-of-prosecution period. Period after the expiration of the period of deferral Loss Contingency, Period after the expiration of the period of deferral Period after the expiration of deferral-of-prosecution period, during which a dismissal of the prosecution can occur. Number of group actions filed 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 Number of employees in the case Number of Employee in the Case Number of employee involved in the case related to which supreme court rendered its decision. Estimate of possible loss Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued Number of claims remanded Loss Contingency, Claims Remanded, Number The total number of claims remanded to lower courts, pertaining to litigation cases. Estimated potential recovery Loss Contingency, Estimated Potential Recovery From Taxing Authority Estimated potential recovery from the taxing authority. Indirect tax-related escrow deposit Indirect Tax-Related Escrow Deposit Represents the contingent indirect tax-related escrow deposit amount that may be required. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] Acquisition of Business Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Receivables [Abstract] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] 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] Finance Receivables [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Finance receivables, collectively evaluated for impairment, net of fees Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment Finance receivables, individually evaluated for impairment, net of fees Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment GM Financial receivables Financing Receivable, Gross Less: allowance for loan losses Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses GM Financial receivables, net Financing Receivable, Net Fair value of GM Financial receivables Receivables, Fair Value Disclosure Basis of Accounting Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Accounting Standards New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Net [Abstract] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, by Major Property Class [Table] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, by Major Property Class [Table] Major Property Class [Axis] Major Property Class [Axis] Major Property Class [Domain] Major Property Class [Domain] Vehicles [Member] Vehicles [Member] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items] Equipment on operating leases Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Gross Less: accumulated depreciation Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Accumulated Depreciation Equipment on operating leases, net Depreciation expense Depreciation Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract] Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract] 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Two Years 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Three Years 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Four Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Five Years Debt carrying amount and fair value Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract] Schedule of policy, product warranty, recall campaigns and courtesy transportation Schedule of policy, product warranty, recall campaigns and courtesy transportation [Table Text Block] Table which summarizes the activity for policy, product warranty, recall campaigns and courtesy transportation for reporting periods. Schedule of 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. Eliminations [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 [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. 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 [Member] GM Financial Segment [Member] Represents the GM Financial segment. Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Separation Programs In South Africa And India [Member] Separation Programs In South Africa And India [Member] Separation Programs In South Africa And India [Member] Separation Programs In Venezuela [Member] Separation Programs In Venezuela [Member] Separation Programs In Venezuela [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Net sales and revenue Revenues Earnings (loss) before automotive interest and taxes-adjusted Earnings (loss) before automotive interest and taxes-adjusted Earnings or loss from continuing operations attributable to the economic entity which may also be defined as revenue less expenses from ongoing operations, after income or loss from equity method investment and net of income or loss attributable to noncontrolling interest, but before adjustments that are not considered part of our core operations, automotive interest expense, corporate interest income, gain or loss on extinguishment of debt and income tax expense or benefit. Adjustments Adjustments Includes items that are not part of the normal operating cycle of ongoing operations. Automotive interest income Interest Income Interest income received from interest bearing assets. The balance includes income earned in return for depositing or lending money that can include income from time deposits, demand deposits, savings accounts, certificates of deposit, money market deposits, bonds, and loans. Automotive interest expense 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 expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income from continuing operations Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax (Note 2) Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Equity in net assets of nonconsolidated affiliates Equity Method Investments 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 Deconsolidation loss Deconsolidation, Gain (Loss), Amount Charges for legal related matters Litigation Settlement, Expense Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (Note 16) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments and other Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Defined benefit plans Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive income (loss) Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to stockholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Opel/Vauxhall Business and Fincos [Member] Opel/Vauxhall Business and Fincos [Member] The Opel and Vauxhall businesses and certain other assets in Europe, and our European financing subsidiaries and branches. Opel/Vauxhall Business [Member] Opel/Vauxhall Business [Member] Opel/Vauxhall Business [Member] Fincos [Member] Fincos [Member] Fincos [Member] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale [Member] Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Line of Credit [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [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] Estimated net consideration for transferred business Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Cash received from sale Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Warrants received Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Received, Equity Interests Received Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Received, Equity Interests Received De-risking premium payment Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Payments for De-Risking Premium Payment to be made to the acquirer for the assumption of certain underfunded pension liabilities. Warrant vesting period Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Received, Equity Interests Received, Warrant Vesting Period Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Received, Equity Interests Received, Warrant Vesting Period Threshold to sell the warrants after exercise (in days) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Received, Equity Interests Received, Exercise Covenants, Number of Days, Threshold Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Received, Equity Interests Received, Exercise Covenants, Number of Days, Threshold Percent of book value received Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration, Percent of Book Value Received Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration, Percent of Book Value Received Charge at closing Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Charge Charge to expenses from the disposal upon closing. De-risking premium payment and deferred pension losses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Payments for De-Risking Premium and Recognition of Deferred Pension Losses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Payments for De-Risking Premium and Recognition of Deferred Pension Losses Disposal loss Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax Income tax expense (benefit) Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Charge for deferred tax assets no longer realizable upon transfer Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Charge Related To Deferred Tax Assets Charge related to deferred tax assets that will no longer be realizable upon transfer. Loss on sale of discontinued operations before taxes Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Other costs and charges Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Expense Underfunded pension liabilities of retired and former employees retained by GM Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Pension Plan Benefit Obligation, Retired and Former Employees Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Pension Plan Benefit Obligation, Retired and Former Employees Underfunded pension liabilities of current employees transferred to PSA Group Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Pension Plan Benefit Obligation, Current Employees Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Pension Plan Benefit Obligation, Current Employees Payment to PSA Group at closing for assumed underfunded pension liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Payments to Acquirer Payments to be made to the acquirer at closing of the disposal, Debt term Debt Instrument, Term Total net sales and revenue transactions with discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Intra-Entity Amounts, Discontinued Operation after Disposal, Revenue Cash receipts provided by operating activities Discontinued Operation, Amount of Continuing Cash Flows after Disposal Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Automotive and GM Financial Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Credit Quality Indicator [Axis] Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Financing Receivable, by Credit Quality Indicator [Domain] Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Group I - Dealers with superior financial metrics [Member] Group I Dealers [Member] Credit quality indicators that are developed and used internally by the company, the first Group. Group I is the classification of dealers with superior financial metrics. Group II - Dealers with strong financial metrics [Member] Group II Dealers [Member] Credit quality indicators that are developed and used internally by the company, the second Group. Group II is the classification of dealers with strong financial metrics. Group III - Dealers with fair financial metrics [Member] Group III Dealers [Member] Credit quality indicators that are developed and used internally by the company, the third Group. Group III is the classification of dealers with fair financial metrics. Group IV - Dealers with weak financial metrics [Member] Group IV Dealers [Member] Credit quality indicators that are developed and used internally by the company, the fourth Group. Group IV is the classification of dealers with weak financial metrics. Group V - Dealers warranting special mention due to potential weaknesses [Member] Group V [Member] Credit quality indicators that are developed and used internally by the company, the fifth Group. Group V is the classification of dealers warranting special mention due to potential weaknesses. Group VI - Dealers with loans classified as substandard, doubtful or impaired [Member] Group VI Dealers [Member] Credit quality indicators that are developed and used internally by the company, the sixth Group. Group VI is the classification of dealers with loans classified as substandard, doubtful, or impaired. Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] GM Financial receivables Schedule of Financing Receivables Past Due [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivables Past Due [Table] North America [Member] North America [Member] Financing Receivables, Period Past Due [Axis] Financing Receivables, Period Past Due [Axis] Financing Receivables, Period Past Due [Domain] Financing Receivables, Period Past Due [Domain] 31-to-60 days delinquent [Member] Financing Receivables, 31 to 60 Days Past Due [Member] Financing receivables that are more than 30 days past due but fewer than 61 days past due. Greater-than-60 days delinquent [Member] Financing Receivables, Greater than 60 Days Past Due [Member] Financing receivables that are greater than 60 days past due. Total finance receivables more than 30 days delinquent [Member] Financing Receivables, Greater than 30 Days Past Due [Member] Financing receivables that are greater than 30 days past due. In repossession [Member] Financing Receivables, In Repossession [Member] Financing receivables that are in repossession Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Additional Information [Abstract] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Additional Information [Abstract] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Additional Information [Abstract] Percentage of receivables with sub-prime credit scores Percentage of Sub-Prime Loans Sub-prime loans as percentage of the total loans. Sub-prime FICO score Sub-prime FICO Score The FICO score used to separate sub-prime from prime loans. The loans with a borrower that has less then this score will be considered as sub-prime. Retail finance receivables, nonaccrual status Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status Delinquent Contracts [Abstract] Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Abstract] Past Due Amount Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due Percent of Contractual Amount Due Financing Receivable, Percent Past Due Finance receivables classified as TDRs Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment Allowance for loan losses - TDRs Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment Components of Inventories Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Schedule of Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Table] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward] Allowance for loan losses at beginning of period Provision for loan losses Provision for Loan, Lease, and Other Losses Charge-offs Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs Recoveries Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Recovery Effect of foreign currency Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Foreign Currency Translation Allowance for loan losses at end of period Collective allowance Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment Specific allowance Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Marketable securities (Note 3) Marketable Securities, Current Accounts and notes receivable, net Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current GM Financial receivables, net (Note 4; Note 8 at VIEs) Inventories (Note 5) Inventory, Net Equipment on operating leases, net (Note 6) 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. Other current assets (Note 8 at VIEs) Other Assets, Current Current assets held for sale (Note 2) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Non-current Assets Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] GM Financial receivables, net (Note 4; Note 8 at VIEs) Equity in net assets of nonconsolidated affiliates (Note 7) Property, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill and intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill) Equipment on operating leases, net (Note 6; Note 8 at VIEs) Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Other assets (Note 8 at VIEs) Other Assets, Noncurrent Non-current assets held for sale (Note 2) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, 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) Accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Current liabilities held for sale (Note 2) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Non-current Liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt (Note 9) Postretirement benefits other than pensions (Note 12) Liability, Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Pensions (Note 12) Liability, Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Noncurrent Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Non-current liabilities held for sale (Note 2) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Noncurrent Total non-current liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Total Liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies (Note 13) Commitments and Contingencies Equity (Note 16) Equity [Abstract] Common stock, $0.01 par value Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Total stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity Income Statement [Abstract] Net sales and revenue Revenues [Abstract] Automotive Revenue, Net GM Financial Financial Services Revenue Total net sales and revenue Costs and expenses Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Automotive cost of sales Cost of Goods and Services Sold GM Financial interest, operating and other expenses Financial Services Costs Automotive selling, general and administrative expense Selling, General and Administrative Expense Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Operating income Automotive interest expense Equity income (Note 7) Income tax expense (Note 14) Net income (loss) Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Earnings per share (Note 17) Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Basic earnings (loss) per common share – continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Basic earnings (loss) per common share – discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Basic earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Diluted earnings (loss) per common share – continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Diluted earnings (loss) per common share – discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted-average common shares outstanding (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring and Other Initiatives Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Product Warranty and Related Liabilities [Roll Forward] Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward] Warranty balance at beginning of period Policy, Product warranty, 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 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, recall campaigns and courtesy transportation - Payments Represents the aggregate decrease in the liability for payments made (in cash or in kind) to satisfy claims under the terms of the standard product warranty or related liabilities. Does not include any Increase or Decrease in the liability for payments related to extended product warranties. Adjustments to pre-existing warranties Policy, product warranty, recall campaigns and courtesy transportation - preexisting adjustments Represents the aggregate Increase or Decrease in the liability during the reporting period for accruals related to preexisting standard product warranties (including adjustments related to changes in estimates) and related liabilities. Does not include any Increase or Decrease in the liability for accruals related to extended product warranties. Effect of foreign currency and other Policy, product warranty, recall campaigns and courtesy transportation - Currency translation and other increase (decrease) Increase or Decrease in standard product warranty liability and related liabilities due to currency translation and other. Does not include any Increase or Decrease in an extended product warranty liability due to currency translation. Warranty balance at end of period GM Financial Receivables Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Allowance for Loan Losses Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Retail Finance Receivables Delinquency Past Due Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Commercial Finance Receivables Credit Quality Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block] Inventory, Current [Table] Inventory, Current [Table] Inventory [Line Items] Inventory [Line Items] Total productive material, supplies and work in process Inventory, Work in Process and Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Finished product, including service parts Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Total inventories Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Schedule of Notional Amounts for Derivative Financial Instruments Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information(Abstract) Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] 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) net of reclassification adjustment, noncontrolling interests and tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Parent Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustment, net of tax 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 Balance at end of period GM Financial Receivables Financing Receivables [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Non-US [Member] Non-US [Member] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Income tax expense Tax expense, entities included in effective tax rate calculation Tax expense (benefit), entities included in effective tax rate calculation Tax expense (benefit) from entities included in the effective tax rate calculation, prior to other adjustments (i.e., audit settlements). Tax expense from change in deferred tax asset valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Net deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net Operating loss and tax credit carryforwards subject to expiration Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforwards, Subject to Expiration The sum of the tax effects as of the balance sheet date of the amount of excesses of ordinary or capital tax deductions over income and excess tax credits in a year which cannot be used on the tax returns in the current year but can be carried forward to reduce taxable income or income taxes payable in a future year subject to expiration, for which there must be sufficient tax-basis income to utilize a portion or all of the carryforward amount to realize the deferred tax asset. Operating loss and tax credit carryforward deferred tax assets Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforwards The sum of the tax effects as of the balance sheet date of the amount of excesses of ordinary or capital tax deductions over income and excess tax credits in a year which cannot be used on the tax returns in the current year but can be carried forward to reduce taxable income or income taxes payable in a future year, for which there must be sufficient tax-basis income to utilize a portion or all of the carryforward amount to realize the deferred tax assets. Operating loss and tax credit carryforwards not subject to expiration Operating Loss and Tax Credit Carryforwards, Not Subject to Expiration The sum of the tax effects as of the balance sheet date of the amount of excesses of ordinary or capital tax deductions over income and excess tax credits in a year which cannot be used on the tax returns in the current year but can be carried forward to reduce taxable income or income taxes payable in a future year not subject to expiration, for which there must be sufficient tax-basis income to utilize a portion or all of the carryforward amount to realize the deferred tax asset. Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Equity in Net Assets of Nonconsolidated Affiliates Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Takata DIR [Member] Takata DIR [Member] Defect information report (DIR) filed by GM related to the amended consent order requiring Takata Corporation to file DIRs for previously unrecalled front airbag inflators on a multi-year, risk-based schedule through 2019. MEXICO [Member] MEXICO CANADA [Member] CANADA Accrued Liabilities, Current and Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Member] Number of vehicles subject to defect information reports Vehicles Subject to Defect Information Reports Vehicles Subject to Defect Information Reports Warranty provision 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 Schedule of Restructuring Reserves and Charges Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation Nature of Operations, 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 recently adopted accounting standards and accounting standards not yet adopted. Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Separation Programs in Australia, Korea and Chevrolet Europe [Member] Separation Programs in Australia, Korea, and Chevrolet Europe [Member] Separation programs in Australia, Korea, and Chevrolet Europe. Cash Severance Incentive Programs [Member] Cash severance incentive programs [Member] Cash severance incentive programs to qualified U.S. hourly employees as part of 2015 labor agreement. Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Asset Impairments, Sales Incentives, Inventory Provisions and Other Restructuring Costs [Member] Asset Impairments, Sales Incentives, Inventory Provisions and Other Restructuring Costs [Member] Asset Impairments, Sales Incentives, Inventory Provisions and Other Restructuring Costs [Member] Dealer Restructuring, Employee Severance and Contract Termination Costs [Member] Dealer Restructuring, Employee Severance and Contract Termination Costs [Member] Dealer Restructuring, Employee Severance and Contract Termination Costs [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 Total cost incurred to date Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date Stockholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Cruise Automation [Member] Cruise Automation [Member] Cruise Automation, Inc. Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Consideration transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Cash payments to acquire businesses Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Issuance of new common stock Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Equity Interests Issued and Issuable Intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Deferred tax liabilities Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Deferred Tax Liabilities Net of Other Assets Amount of deferred tax liability attributable to taxable temporary difference assumed at the acquisition date, net of other assets. Goodwill resulting from the acquisition Goodwill Marketable Securities [Abstract] Marketable Securities Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities [Text Block] Income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Less: cumulative dividends on GM Financial preferred stock Preferred Stock Dividends and Other Adjustments Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Available to Common Shareholders, Basic Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax Net Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations Available to Common Shareholders, Basic Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic (in shares) Income (loss) from continuing operations – diluted Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Available to Common Shareholders, Diluted Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax – diluted Net Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations Available to Common Shareholders, Diluted Net income (loss) attributable to common stockholders – diluted Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Dilutive effect of warrants and awards under stock incentive plans Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Call Options and Warrants Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares) Diluted earnings (loss) per common share (in dollars per share) Potentially dilutive securities (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] 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 of 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. Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Components of Net Periodic Pension and OPEB (Income) Expense Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Variable Interest Entities Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Operating Leases of Lessor Disclosure Lessor, Operating Leases [Text Block] Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Preferred stock shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common stock shares purchased (in shares) Common Shares Repurchased During Period Number of common shares repurchased during period. Common stock shares purchased amount Common Stock Repurchased, Amount Equity impact of the value Common Stock that has been repurchased during the period. Total dividends paid on common stock Dividends, Common Stock, Cash 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] Fixed-to-Floating Rate Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock [Member] Series A Preferred Stock [Member] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Issuance of GM Financial preferred stock Stock and Warrants Issued During Period, Value, Preferred Stock and Warrants Preferred stock par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Liquidation preference (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share Preferred stock dividend rate Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage Annual dividend payment amount Dividends, Preferred Stock, Cash Term of fixed rate dividend payments Preferred Stock, Dividend Payments, Term of Fixed Rate Dividends Preferred Stock, Dividend Payments, Term of Fixed Rate Dividends Securitization Notes Payable [Member] Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Securitization notes payable [Member] Securitization notes payable [Member] Debt issued through securitization transactions. Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Principal amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Weighted average interest rate (percent) Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Repayments on lines of credit Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit Credit facilities entered, total net additional borrowing capacity Line Of Credit Increase Maximum Borrowing Capacity The increase in the maximum borrowing capacity of the facility during the period. Schedule of Variable Interest Entities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Common stock par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share 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] Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Fair Value Hedges [Member] Fair Value 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 Swaps [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Caps and Floors [Member] Interest Rate Caps And Floors [Member] Interest Rate Cap Contract in which the cap writer, in return for a premium, agrees to limit, or cap, the cap holder's risk associated with an increase in interest rates. If rates go above a specified interest-rate-level (the strike price or the cap rate), the cap holder is entitled to receive cash payments equal to the excess of the market rate over the strike price multiplied by the notional principal amount. Interest Rate Floor Contracts in which the floor writer, in return for a premium, agrees to limit the risk associated with a decline in interest rates based on a notional amount. If rates fall below an agreed rate, the floor holder will receive cash payments from the floor writer equal to the difference between the market rate and an agreed rate multiplied by the notional principal amount. Fair Value Level 2 [Member] Fair Value Level 2/3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 And Level 3 [Member] Level 2: Inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for an asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, including, but not limited to, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, or quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets. Level 3: Unobservable inputs that reflect the entity's own assumption about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing. Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] PSA Group [Member] PSA Group [Member] PSA Group [Member] Derivative Asset Derivative Asset Notional amount, derivative asset Derivative Asset, Notional Amount Notional amount, derivative liability Derivative Liability, Notional Amount Fair value of derivative liabilities Derivative Liability Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Earnings Per Share Diluted Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [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. Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Cash And Cash Equivalents Line Item [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing cash and cash equivalents. Marketable Securities [Member] Marketable Securities [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing marketable securities. Other Current Assets and Other Assets [Member] Other Current Assets and Other Assets [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing Other Assets, both current and noncurrent. Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] 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] Corporate debt [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Mortgage and asset-backed [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member] Sovereign debt [Member] Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Axis] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Domain] Money market funds [Member] Money Market Funds [Member] Marketable Securities [Line Items] Investment Holdings [Line Items] 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. Available-for-sale securities Available-for-sale Securities Total cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Total restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Due in one year or less Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value Due between one and five years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value Total available-for-sale securities with contractual maturities Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities Sale proceeds from investments classified as available-for-sale and sold prior to maturity Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains (Losses), Sale Proceeds 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] Domestic Plan [Member] 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] U.S. Hourly Pension Plan [Member] U.S. hourly pension plan [Member] U.S. hourly pension plan. Global OPEB Plans [Member] Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Service cost including administrative expenses Service and Administrative cost The actuarial present value of benefits attributed to the pension benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the period and administrative expenses Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Amortization of prior service cost (credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization of net actuarial (gains) losses Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Net periodic pension and OPEB (income) expense Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Discretionary employer contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer Held-for-sale [Member] Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale or Disposed of by Sale [Member] Current Assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cash and Cash Equivalents Accounts and notes receivable, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net GM Financial receivables, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current Inventories Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory, Current Equipment on operating leases, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Subject to or Available for Operating Lease Net, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Subject to or Available for Operating Lease Net, Current Other current assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Current Total current assets held for sale Non-current Assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] GM Financial receivables, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Noncurrent Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Noncurrent Property, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Deferred Tax Assets, Noncurrent Other assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Noncurrent Total non-current assets held for sale Total Assets Held for Sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Current Liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable (principally trade) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable, Current Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Debt, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Debt, Current Accrued liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accrued Liabilities, Current Total current liabilities held for sale Non-current Liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Pensions Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Pension Plan Benefit Obligation, Noncurrent Other liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total non-current liabilities held for sale Total Liabilities Held for Sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities Schedule of Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease Schedule of Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments Receivable for Operating Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments Receivable for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of future minimum payments receivable on operating leases of the lessor. 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. Other current assets [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] Other assets [Member] Other Assets [Member] Cash and cash equivalents Restricted cash Total Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Continuing Operations Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Continuing Operations Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interests [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Other comprehensive income Issuance of common stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Purchase of common stock Stock Repurchased, Value Equity impact of the value of stock that has been repurchased during the period. Exercise of common stock warrants Stock Issued During Period, Value, Warrants Exercised Equity impact of the value of new stock issued during the period from the 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 to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Other Stockholders' Equity, Other Automotive net sales and revenue Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Sales Revenue, Net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Sales Revenue, Net GM Financial net sales and revenue Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Financial Services Revenue Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Financial Services Revenue Total net sales and revenue Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Automotive cost of sales Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Costs of Goods Sold GM Financial interest, operating and other expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Financial Services Costs Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Financial Services Costs Automotive selling, general, and administrative expense Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, General and Administrative Expense Other income and (expense) items Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other (Income) Expense Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other (Income) Expense Loss from discontinued operations before taxes Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Total loss from discontinued operations before taxes Discontinued Operation,Total Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Discontinued Operation,Total Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax Amount of deferred tax assets transferred Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Amount Of Deferred Tax Assets Transferred Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operations, Amount Of Deferred Tax Assets Transferred 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. Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Equity Method Investee [Member] Equity Method Investee [Member] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Change in ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Change in Ownership Percentage The change in percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Automotive China JVs' net sales Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue Automotive China JVs' net income Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Dividends received Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution, Return of Capital Undistributed earnings Retained Earnings, Undistributed Earnings from Equity Method Investees Available-for-sale Securities Available-for-sale Securities [Table 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 Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]