Thereafter 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 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. Schedule of Variable Interest Entities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Adjustments to sales incentives Revenue, Change in Judgment Related to Sales Incentives Revenue, Change in Judgment Related to Sales Incentives Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits Retirement Benefits [Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Product liability Loss Contingency Accrual, Product Liability, Gross Other current assets [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] Expected amount of cash flows Effect on Future Cash Flows, Amount Fair Value of Assets Derivative Asset Due between one and five years Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, after Year One Through Five Statistical Measurement [Domain] Statistical Measurement [Domain] LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Line of Credit [Member] Line of Credit [Member] 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. Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Dividends to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Investment in subsidiaries Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Floating Rate Notes [Member] Floating Rate Notes [Member] Floating Rate Notes Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred Stock [Member] Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Entity Address, Postal Zip Code Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Postemployment benefits including facility idling reserves Postemployment Benefits Including Facility Idling Reserves NonCurrent Postemployment Benefits Including Facility Idling Reserves NonCurrent Percent of Contractual Amount Due Financing Receivable, Percent Past Due 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 Commitments and contingencies (Note 15) Commitments and Contingencies ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Abstract] In repossession [Member] Financing Receivables, In Repossession [Member] Financing receivables that are in repossession Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company Cover [Abstract] Cover [Abstract] 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. Accounts payable (principally trade) Accounts Payable, Current Document Type Document Type Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - 2009 Sales Order [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - 2009 Sales Order [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - 2009 Sales Order [Member] Financial Asset, Period Past Due [Axis] Financial Asset, Period Past Due [Axis] Three Year Revolving Credit Facility April 2022 [Member] Three Year Revolving Credit Facility April 2022 [Member] Three Year Revolving Credit Facility April 2022 [Member] Financing Receivable, including Past Due, Percent Financing Receivable, including Past Due, Percent Financing Receivable, including Past Due, Percent Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) 2020 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Remainder of Fiscal Year Equipment on operating leases, net Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Debt Type [Axis] Debt Type [Axis] Information by type of debt Money market funds Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value Other Other Accrued Liabilities, Noncurrent Leased vehicle income Lease Income Purchases and expenses Related Party Transaction, Purchases from Related Party Schedule of Fair Value of Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Long-term debt (Note 9 and Note 8 at VIEs) GM Financial long-term debt Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Maximum liability, guarantees Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Gains (losses) on derivative instruments Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Asset Impairments, Sales Allowances, Inventory Provisions and Other Charges [Member] Asset Impairments, Sales Allowances, Inventory Provisions and Other Charges [Member] Asset Impairments, Sales Allowances, Inventory Provisions and Other Charges Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Debt Type [Domain] Debt Type [Domain] [Domain] for Debt Type [Axis] U.S. government and agencies [Member] US Treasury and Government [Member] Total costs and expenses Operating Expenses Accrued and Other Liabilities Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities [Text Block] Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (Note 18) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Document Quarterly Report Document Quarterly Report Common stock par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Other liabilities (Note 13) Total other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Other investing activities Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Brazil [Member] BRAZIL 2023 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 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Stock based compensation APIC, Share-based Payment Arrangement, Increase for Cost Recognition Proceeds from issuance of debt (original maturities greater than three months) Proceeds from Debt, Maturing in More than Three Months 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 Series F Preferred Stock [Member] Series F Preferred Stock [Member] Inventories (Note 6) Total inventories Inventory, Net Automotive Automotive net sales and revenue Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Thereafter Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, After Year Four Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, After Year Four Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation [Abstract] Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation [Abstract] Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation 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, Not Past Due Financing Receivable, Not Past Due Entity File Number Entity File Number Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Current [Member] Not Past Due [Member] Not Past Due [Member] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Axis] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Forecast [Member] Forecast [Member] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Weighted-average interest rate on outstanding long-term debt Long-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time Proceeds borrowed Proceeds from Long-term Lines of Credit Debt term Debt Instrument, Term Near-prime - FICO score 620 to 679 [Member] FICO Score, 620 to 679 [Member] FICO Score, 620 to 679 [Member] Number of states Loss Contingency, Number of States Loss Contingency, Number of States Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Prime - FICO score 680 and greater [Member] FICO Score, Greater than 680 [Member] FICO Score, Greater than 680 [Member] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] GM Brazil Indirect Tax Claim [Member] GM Brazil Indirect Tax Claim [Member] GM Brazil Indirect Tax Claim [Member] Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Statistical Measurement [Axis] Statistical Measurement [Axis] Total restricted cash Restricted Cash and Money Market Funds Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Money Market Funds 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). Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Fair Value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Retail Finance Receivables Delinquency Financing Receivable, Past Due [Table Text Block] 2015 Financing Receivable, Originated Five Years before Latest Fiscal Year Financing Receivable, Originated Five Years before Latest Fiscal Year Repayments of lines of credit Repayments of Long-term Lines of Credit Total Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments to be Received Number of jurisdictions Loss Contingency, Number of Jurisdictions Loss Contingency, Number of Jurisdictions Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Finance Receivables Credit Quality Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block] Carrying Amount of Hedged Items Hedged Liability, Fair Value Hedge Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] 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] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Domain] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Domain] Marketable Debt Securities Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Commercial Finance Receivables [Member] Commercial Finance Receivables [Member] Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Transformation Activities [Member] Transformation Activities [Member] Transformation Activities [Member] Debt Debt Disclosure [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. Marketable debt securities [Member] Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Current [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing marketable securities. Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Financial Asset, Period Past Due [Domain] Financial Asset, Period Past Due [Domain] Available-for-sale marketable securities, liquidations Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Debt Securities, Available-for-sale Schedule of Earnings Per Share Basic and Diluted Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Floorplan Advances [Member] Floorplan Advances [Member] Floorplan Advances [Member] Proceeds from termination of leased vehicles Proceeds from Leases Held-for-investment 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. Corporate [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Other Other Accrued Liabilities, Current PSA Warrants [Member] Warrants Exercisable Into Fixed Number Of Publicly Traded Shares [Member] Warrants Exercisable Into Fixed Number Of Publicly Traded Shares [Member] Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Retail finance receivables, nonaccrual status Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual Restructuring and Other Initiatives Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Attorneys' fees and costs Litigation Settlement, Expense Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Marketable debt securities (Note 4) Debt Securities, Available-for-sale, Current Accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Debt carrying amount and fair value Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Supplier-related Charges [Member] Supplier-related Charges [Member] Supplier-related Charges Financing Receivable, Past Due [Table] Financing Receivable, Past Due [Table] Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Non-cash property additions Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Undistributed earnings Retained Earnings, Undistributed Earnings from Equity Method Investees Percent Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Percent Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss, Percent Payments on debt (original maturities greater than three months) Repayments of Debt, Maturing in More than Three Months Valuation allowance against deferred tax assets Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Local Phone Number Local Phone Number Retail Finance Receivables [Member] Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Postretirement benefits other than pensions (Note 14) Liability, Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Long-Lived Tangible Asset [Axis] Nonperforming Financial Instruments [Member] Nonperforming Financial Instruments [Member] Prior Financing Receivable, Originated, More than Six Years before Current Fiscal Year Financing Receivable, Originated, More than Six Years before Current Fiscal Year Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] 2018 Financing Receivable, Year Three, Originated, Two Years before Current Fiscal Year Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Recoveries of indirect taxes Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions 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. Accounts and Notes Receivable Receivable [Policy Text Block] Automotive and other selling, general and administrative expense Selling, General and Administrative Expense Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Notional Derivative, Notional Amount Foreign Currency [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Business Group [Axis] Business Group [Axis] Information by reporting groups. Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Total Long-term Debt and Lease Obligation, Including Current Maturities Other assets (Note 4; Note 10 at VIEs) Other Assets, Noncurrent Equity in Net Assets of Nonconsolidated Affiliates Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Dilutive effect of warrants and awards under stock incentive plans (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Call Options and Warrants Issuance of subsidiary preferred stock Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Total cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Total Assets Total assets Assets Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Proposed Settlement [Member] Proposed Settlement [Member] Proposed Settlement [Member] North America Reporting Unit [Member] North America Reporting Unit [Member] North America Reporting Unit [Member] Sovereign debt [Member] Debt Security, Government, Non-US [Member] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Amortization of prior service cost (credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Lessor, Lease, Description [Table] Lessor, Lease, Description [Table] Equipment on Operating Leases Lessor, Operating Leases [Text Block] Entity Small Business Entity Small Business 2022 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Two Automotive interest expense Automotive interest expense Interest Expense Other Stockholders' Equity, Other Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Preferred stock liquidation preference (in usd per share) Preferred Stock, Liquidation Preference Per Share Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Domain] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Domain] GM Financial net sales and revenue Revenue Not from Contract with Customer Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Restricted cash – non-current Restricted Cash and Investments, Noncurrent Total Liabilities Liabilities Entity Address, City or Town Entity Address, City or Town Financing Receivable, by Credit Quality Indicator [Domain] Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Accrued and other liabilities Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities [Table Text Block] Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities Employee benefits excluding postemployment benefits Accrued Employee Benefits Noncurrent Accrued Employee Benefits Noncurrent Carrying Amount Debt and Finance Lease Liabilities Debt and Finance Lease Liabilities Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Financing Receivable, Past Due and Not Past Due [Abstract] Financing Receivable, Past Due and Not Past Due [Abstract] Subvention receivable Intercompany Subvention Receivable Intercompany Subvention Receivable Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Deferred revenue recognized Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Roll Forward] Net income attributable to common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Weighted average interest rate (percent) Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Restricted cash included in Other assets Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Less: allowance for loan losses Allowance for loan losses at beginning of period Allowance for loan losses at end of period Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss Cash receipts Related Party Transactions, Cash Receipts Related Party Transactions, Cash Receipts Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Less: cumulative dividends on subsidiary preferred stock Preferred Stock Dividends and Other Adjustments Fair Value Hedges [Member] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Total productive material, supplies and work in process Inventory, Work in Process and Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Credit Losses [Member] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Member] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Member] Interest Income and Other Non-Operating Income, Net [Member] Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] GM Cruise Holdings LLC [Member] GM Cruise Holdings LLC [Member] GM Cruise Holdings LLC Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Change in other operating assets and liabilities Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement 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] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Sub-prime - FICO score less than 620 [Member] FICO Score, Less than 620 [Member] FICO Score, Less than 620 [Member] Fair Value of Liabilities Derivative Liability Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Group IV - Non-Performing accounts with inadequate paying capacity for current obligations and inherent weaknesses [Member] Subprime [Member] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Credit Quality Indicator [Axis] Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] 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). Common stock shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Equity in net assets of nonconsolidated affiliates (Note 8) Equity in net assets of nonconsolidated affiliates Equity Method Investments Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Variable Interest Entities Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block] Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Securitization notes payable [Member] Securitization notes payable [Member] Debt issued through securitization transactions. Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Common stock shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized 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. Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock Proceeds from Issuance of Convertible Preferred Stock Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Net [Abstract] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Net [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Repayments of debt Repayments of Senior Debt Operating lease liabilities Operating Lease, Liability, Noncurrent Net increase in short-term debt Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt, Maturing in Three Months or Less GM Korea [Member] GM Korea [Member] GM Korea [Member] Defined benefit plans Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Consolidated VIE [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] TDR's Financing Receivable, Troubled Debt Restructuring Net discount and debt issuance costs Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium) and Debt Issuance Costs, Net Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Credit Score, FICO [Domain] Credit Score, FICO [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Percent of revolving balance Financing Receivable, Revolving, Percent of Total Financing Receivable, Revolving, Percent of Total Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Line Items] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Subsegments [Domain] Subsegments [Domain] Comprehensive income attributable to stockholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Preferred stock par value (in dollars per share) Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Scenario [Domain] Scenario [Domain] Expenditures for property Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Cash payments Related Party Transactions, Cash Payments Related Party Transactions, Cash Payments Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Dealer Restructuring and Employee Separation Payments [Member] Dealer Restructuring and Employee Separation Payments [Member] Dealer Restructuring and Employee Separation Payments 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. Interest subvention earned on finance receivables Interest Income, Intercompany Transactions Interest Income, Intercompany Transactions 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 Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Lyft, Inc. [Member] Lyft, Inc. [Member] Lyft, Inc. [Member] Entity Tax Identification Number Entity Tax Identification Number Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] 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. Probable loss accrual Warranty provision related to DIR's Loss Contingency Accrual Indirect Tax Matters [Member] Indirect Tax Matters [Member] Loss contingencies related to indirect tax matters. Equity income (Note 8) Equity income (loss) Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Net income Net income Net income (loss) Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Schedule of Revenue by Major Source Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Reclassification adjustment, net of tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax 2025 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 Product Warranty and Related Liabilities [Roll Forward] Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Components of Inventories Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] 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] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Purchase of common stock Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Australia and New Zealand [Member] Australia and New Zealand [Member] Australia and New Zealand [Member] Other financing activities Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Designated as Hedges [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Schedule of Restructuring Reserves and Charges Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Lessor Operating Lease Payments to be Received Lessor, Operating Lease, Payments, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Performing Financial Instruments [Member] Performing Financial Instruments [Member] 2020 (October 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 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 Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Equity Method Investee [Member] Equity Method Investee [Member] Affiliated Entity [Member] Affiliated Entity [Member] Carrying Amount Long-term Debt Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] PSA Group [Member] PSA Group [Member] PSA Group [Member] Korea Wage Litigation - Salaried [Member] Korea Wage Litigation - Salaried [Member] Litigation alleging incorrect wage calculation for current and former salaried employees of GM Korea. Carrying Amount Debt and Lease Obligation Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Cash and cash equivalents Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Curtailments, settlements and other Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments, Settlements and Other Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments, Settlements and Other City Area Code City Area Code Net deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net 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. Automotive and other cost of sales Cost of Goods and Services Sold Total available-for-sale debt securities with contractual maturities Total available-for-sale debt securities with contractual maturities Debt Securities, Available-for-sale 2022 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 Equipment Leased to Other Party [Member] Equipment Leased to Other Party [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Title of 12(b) Security Title of 12(b) Security Number of filed claims Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Restricted cash – current Restricted Cash and Investments, Current Finished product, including service parts Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Past Due Amount Financing Receivable, Past Due Equipment on operating leases, net (Note 7; Note 10 at VIEs) Operating Lease, Right-of-use Asset, Noncurrent Operating Lease, Right-of-use Asset, Noncurrent Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Receivables [Abstract] Receivables [Abstract] Schedule Of Cash, Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities [Table] Schedule Of Cash, Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities [Table] Schedule of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities balances, including restricted cash and marketable securities. Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Principal collections and recoveries on finance receivables Proceeds from Collection of Finance Receivables Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Weighted-average interest rate on outstanding short-term debt Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate, at Point in Time Commercial loan funding payable Intercompany Payable Intercompany Payable Thailand [Member] THAILAND Pension Curtailment and Other Charges [Member] Pension Curtailment and Other Charges [Member] Pension Curtailment and Other Charges Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] Class of Financing Receivable [Domain] Amortization of net actuarial losses Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Mortgage and asset-backed [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member] Purchases of leased vehicles, net Payments to Acquire Leases Held-for-investment Net periodic pension and OPEB (income) expense Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) U.S. [Member] UNITED STATES Net sales and revenue Revenues [Abstract] Number of safety recalls Litigation Settlement, Number of Safety Recalls Litigation Settlement, Number of Safety Recalls Credit Score, FICO [Axis] Credit Score, FICO [Axis] Cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Recoveries Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Recovery Commodity [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Finance Receivables [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Impact of Adoption ASU 2016-13 [Member] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption, Adjustment [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] GMNA [Member] GMNA [Member] Represents the GM North America region for segment consolidation. Amount awarded to other party Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded to Other Party Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Marketable Securities [Abstract] Marketable Securities [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Granted Motion to Dismiss [Member] Granted Motion to Dismiss [Member] Granted Motion to Dismiss [Member] Total non-current assets Assets, Noncurrent Impairment charges Asset Impairment Charges Revolving Financing Receivable, Revolving Eliminations/ Reclassifications [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Pension and OPEB income, net Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Cost (Reversal of Cost) 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. Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Vehicles [Member] Vehicles [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Supplier Claims [Member] Supplier Claims [Member] Supplier Claims Product warranty and related liabilities Policy, Product Warranty, Recall Campaigns and Courtesy Transportation Accrual, Current Policy, Product Warranty, Recall Campaigns and Courtesy Transportation Accrual, Current Not Designated as Hedges [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] GMI [Member] GMI [Member] GMI [Member] Accounts and notes receivable, net Accounts Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Accrued Liabilities and Other Liabilities [Abstract] 2024 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 Non-U.S. [Member] Foreign Plan [Member] Balance at beginning of period Balance at end of period Restructuring Reserve Non-cash Accelerated Depreciation, Pension Curtailment and Other Charges [Member] Non-cash Accelerated Depreciation, Pension Curtailment and Other Charges [Member] Non-cash Accelerated Depreciation, Pension Curtailment and Other Charges Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Accounting Standards Update [Axis] Undistributed earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates, net Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Net of Dividends or Distributions Adjustments Reconciling Adjustments Includes items that are not part of the normal operating cycle of ongoing operations. Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Payments Payments for Restructuring Goodwill Goodwill Due in one year or less Debt Securities, Available-for-Sale, Fair Value, Maturity, Allocated and Single Maturity Date, Year One GM Financial [Member] GM Financial [Member] Represents the GM Financial section for segment consolidation. Restricted cash included in Other current assets Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared Principal amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Level 2 [Member] Fair Value Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Other current assets (Note 4; Note 10 at VIEs) Other Assets, Current Marketable Securities [Line Items] Investment Holdings [Line Items] Equity (Note 18) Equity [Abstract] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Employee Severance and Supplier-related Payments [Member] Employee Severance and Supplier-related Payments [Member] Employee Severance and Supplier-related Payments Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 [Member] GM Financial receivables, net (Note 5; Note 10 at VIEs) GM Financial receivables, net of fees – current Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Current Used Vehicles [Member] Used Vehicles [Member] Used Vehicles [Member] Deferred revenue Contract with Customer, Liability, Current Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Provision for loan losses Provision for Loan, Lease, and Other Losses Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List] Accounting Standards Update [Extensible List] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares) Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Cash payments Intersegment Eliminations, Subvention Paid Intersegment Eliminations, Subvention Paid 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. Services and Other [Member] Services and Other [Member] Services and Other [Member] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Axis] Financial Instrument Performance Status [Axis] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] GM Financial receivables, net (Note 5; Note 10 at VIEs) GM Financial receivables, net of fees – non-current Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss, Noncurrent Intercompany Transactions Schedule of Intercompany Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Intercompany Transactions [Table Text Block] Equipment on operating leases Operating Lease, Right-of-use Asset, Gross Operating Lease, Right-of-use Asset, Gross 2024 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Four Unsecured Debt [Member] Unsecured Debt [Member] Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Common stock dividends declared and paid Dividends, Common Stock Group III - Non-Performing accounts with inadequate paying capacity for current obligations [Member] Substandard [Member] Deferred revenue expected to be recognized Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount Estimate of possible loss Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued Number of plaintiffs Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs Other joint ventures equity income [Member] Other joint ventures [Member] Other nonconsolidated affiliates other than Automotive China joint ventures. Nonaccrual loans Impaired Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual Impaired Financing Receivable, Nonaccrual Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Common stock, $0.01 par value Common Stock, Value, Issued Long-term Debt [Member] Long-term Debt [Member] Three Year Revolving Credit Facility April 2021 [Member] Three Year Revolving Credit Facility April 2021 [Member] Three Year Revolving Credit Facility April 2021 [Member] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Vehicles and Parts [Member] Vehicles and Parts [Member] Vehicles and Parts [Member] 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. Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Contingently Issuable Shares [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Contingently Issuable Shares [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Contingently Issuable Shares [Member] Non-current Assets Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] GM Financial Receivables Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt (Note 9 and Note 8 at VIEs) GM Financial short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt Debt, Current Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Purchases of finance receivables, net Payments to Acquire Finance Receivables Goodwill and intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill) Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Automotive [Member] Automotive [Member] Represents the Automotive section for segment consolidation Schedule of Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Less: accumulated depreciation Operating Lease, Right-of-use Asset, Accumulated Depreciation Operating Lease, Right-of-use Asset, Accumulated Depreciation Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Other income Other Income 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. Group II - Performing accounts experiencing potential weakness in financial metrics [Member] Special Mention [Member] Common stock shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Estimated litigation liability Estimated Litigation Liability Cash and time deposits Cash And Time Deposits Sum of cash (other than available-for-sale and trading securities) and time deposits. 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] Marketable and Other Securities Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities [Text Block] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting [Abstract] 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 $2.0 Billion Dollar Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Two Billion Dollar Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Two Billion Dollar Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Dealer cash management balance Dealer Cash Management Dealer Cash Management Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Unrealized gain (loss) on securities Fair Value, Asset (Liability), Recurring Basis, Still Held, Unrealized Gain (Loss) Business Group [Domain] Business Group [Domain] [Domain] for Information by reporting groups. Total stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Number of rendered favorable decisions Loss Contingency, Claims Settled and Dismissed, Number Fair value of GM Financial receivables Receivables, Fair Value Disclosure Total Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Fair value of derivative instruments Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Total non-current liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Employee Severance and Statutory Pension Payments [Member] Employee Severance and Statutory Pension Payments [Member] Employee Severance and Statutory Pension Payments [Member] Payrolls and employee benefits excluding postemployment benefits Accrued Payroll And Employee Benefits Current Accrued Payroll And Employee Benefits Current Other assets [Member] Other Assets [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] GM Financial receivables, net Financing receivable, net Financing Receivable, after Allowance for Credit Loss Automotive China JVs equity income [Member] Automotive China Joint Ventures [Member] Automotive China joint ventures. Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update [Domain] Series C Preferred Stock [Member] Series C Preferred Stock [Member] Potentially dilutive securities (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount MLC GUC Trust [Member] MLC GUC Trust [Member] MLC GUC Trust [Member] Korea Wage Litigation - Former Subcontract Workers [Member] Korea Wage Litigation - Former Subcontract Workers [Member] Korea Wage Litigation - Former Subcontract Workers [Member] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Dividends paid Payments of Dividends Entity Address, Address Line One Entity Address, Address Line One Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] Property, net GM Financial equipment on operating leases, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Schedule of Notional Amounts for Derivative Financial Instruments Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Net income attributable to stockholders Net income attributable to stockholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Entity Address, State or Province Entity Address, State or Province Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other comprehensive income (loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Cash and cash equivalents [Member] Cash And Cash Equivalents Line Item [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing cash and cash equivalents. Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Total current assets Assets, Current Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Goodwill Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Earnings per share (Note 19) Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Additions, interest accretion and other Restructuring Charges Finance lease liabilities Finance Lease, Liability 2021 Long-term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year One Long-term Debt and Finance Lease Obligations, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year One 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 Defined benefit plans [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] 2016 Financing Receivable, Year Five, Originated, Four Years before Current Fiscal Year Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Interactive Data Current Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding GM [Member] Parent Company [Member] Warranty balance at beginning of period Warranty balance at end 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. Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Financing Receivable, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Effect of foreign currency Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Foreign Currency Translation Group I - Performing accounts with strong to acceptable financial metrics [Member] Internal Investment Grade [Member] Deferred revenue Contract with Customer, Liability, Noncurrent Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code Net income attributable to common stockholders – diluted Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Pensions (Note 14) Liability, Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Noncurrent GM Financial Receivables Financing Receivable [Policy Text Block] 2020 Financing Receivable, Year One, Originated, Current Fiscal Year Significant Non-cash Investing and Financing Activity Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Cruise [Member] Cruise [Member] Cruise [Member] Cost since inception Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date Estimate of maximum possible loss Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Finance lease liabilities, Fair Value Finance Lease Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Finance Lease Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Foreign currency translation adjustments [Member] Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Long-Lived Tangible Asset [Domain] Distributions received Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution, Return of Capital Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table] 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. Preferred stock dividend rate Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage Secured Debt [Member] Secured Debt [Member] 2021 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year One Available under credit facility agreements(b) Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items] Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items] Dividends declared but not paid Dividends Receivable Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Expected timing of performance obligation Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Period GM Financial receivables, net of fees GM Financial receivables, net of fees Financing Receivable, before Allowance for Credit Loss Summary of Transactions with PSA Schedule of Related Party Transactions [Table Text Block] Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] 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 Interest income and other non-operating income, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] GM Financial [Member] GM Financial Segment [Member] Represents the GM Financial segment. Basis of Accounting Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] 2019 Financing Receivable, Year Two, Originated, Fiscal Year before Current Fiscal Year Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic (in shares) Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Costs and expenses Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Number of employees in the case Number of Employees in Case Number of Employees in Case Schedule of Cumulative Basis Adjustments for Fair Value Hedges Schedule of Fair Value Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Foreign currency translation adjustments and other Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Cumulative fair value adjustment on discontinued hedging relationships Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Adjustment on Discontinued Hedging Relationships Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Adjustment on Discontinued Hedging Relationships Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] 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 Revenue Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Dealer and customer allowances, claims and discounts Dealer And Customer Allowances And Claims And Discounts Current Dealer And Customer Allowances And Claims And Discounts Current 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. Total Equity Balance at beginning of period Balance at end of period Stockholders' equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 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] Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Past Due [Line Items] Product warranty and related liabilities Policy, Product Warranty, Recall Campaigns and Courtesy Transportation Accrual, Non-current Policy, Product Warranty, Recall Campaigns and Courtesy Transportation Accrual, Non-current Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Fair Value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Total net sales and revenue (Note 3) Net sales and revenue Revenues Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Income tax expense (Note 16) Income tax expense Income tax benefit (expense) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period Total Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Schedule of maturities of long-term debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Available-for-sale marketable securities, acquisitions Payments to Acquire Marketable Securities New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Accounting Standards Update and Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Accrued liabilities (Note 13) Total accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Proceeds from issuance of subsidiary preferred stock (Note 18) Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Sale proceeds from investments classified as available-for-sale and sold prior to maturity Proceeds from Sale of Debt Securities, Available-for-sale 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. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain] Cumulative Effect, Period of Adoption [Domain] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Depreciation expense Depreciation Proceeds from sale of business Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested Contract liabilities Contract with Customer, Liability Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Provision for deferred taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) 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. Major Property Class [Axis] Major Property Class [Axis] Aggregate borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustments on Hedging Relationships Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Adjustment Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Adjustment Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable [Axis] Foreign Currency Swaps [Member] Foreign Currency Swaps [Member] Foreign Currency Swaps [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] GM Financial interest, operating and other expenses Operating Costs and Expenses Security Exchange Name Security Exchange Name Preferred stock shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Noncontrolling Interests [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Leased vehicle subvention earned Intercompany Transactions, Leased Vehicle Income Earned Intercompany Transactions, Leased Vehicle Income Earned Cash dividends paid on common stock Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Preferred stock shares outstanding (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding Major Property Class [Domain] Major Property Class [Domain] Charge-offs Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss, Writeoff Components of Net Periodic Pension and OPEB (Income) Expense Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Pending Litigation [Member] Pending Litigation [Member] 2023 Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Year Three Schedule of Future Rental Payments Receivable for Operating Leases Lessor, Operating Lease, Payment to be Received, Fiscal Year Maturity [Table Text Block] Non-current Liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Document Transition Report Document Transition Report Australia, New Zealand and Thailand [Member] Australia, New Zealand and Thailand [Member] Australia, New Zealand and Thailand [Member] 2017 Financing Receivable, Year Four, Originated, Three Years before Current Fiscal Year Allowance for Loan Losses Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss [Table Text Block] Global OPEB Plans [Member] Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Corporate debt [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Net sales and revenue Revenue from Related Parties Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block] Pre-tax restructuring charges Pre-tax restructuring costs Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions Interest Income and Other Non-Operating Income [Member] Interest Income and Other Non-Operating Income [Member] Interest Income and Other Non-Operating Income [Member] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Pension Plan [Member] Pension Plan [Member] Collateral available for netting Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Cash Collateral Derivative, Collateral, Right to Reclaim Securities Finance charge income Interest and Fee Income, Loans, Consumer 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. Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Pension contributions and OPEB payments Payment for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits GM Financial Receivables and Transactions Financing Receivables [Text Block] 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. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards and Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Axis]