v2.4.0.6
Goodwill Goodwill Rollforward (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
Mar. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Goodwill [Line Items]        
Goodwill, beginning balance $ 29,019      
Effect of adoption of ASU 2010-28   1,466    
Impairment charges (617) (395)    
Effect of foreign currency translation and other 31      
Goodwill, ending balance 28,433      
Accumulated impairment charges (3,369)   (2,752)  
Effect of adoption of ASU 2010-28   1,466    
Aggregrate goodwill impairment in the period   1,861    
Automotive [Member]
       
Goodwill [Line Items]        
Goodwill, beginning balance 27,741      
Impairment charges (617) (395)    
Effect of foreign currency translation and other 31      
Goodwill, ending balance 27,155      
Accumulated impairment charges (3,369)   (2,752)  
Effect of adoption of ASU 2010-28   1,466    
Aggregrate goodwill impairment in the period   1,861    
Automotive [Member] | GMNA [Member]
       
Goodwill [Line Items]        
Goodwill, beginning balance 26,399      
Impairment charges 0 0    
Effect of foreign currency translation and other 1      
Goodwill, ending balance 26,400      
Accumulated impairment charges 0   0  
Effect of adoption of ASU 2010-28   0    
Aggregrate goodwill impairment in the period   0    
Automotive [Member] | GME [Member]
       
Goodwill [Line Items]        
Goodwill, beginning balance 581      
Impairment charges (590) (395)    
Effect of foreign currency translation and other 9      
Goodwill, ending balance 0      
Accumulated impairment charges (3,072)   (2,482)  
Effect of adoption of ASU 2010-28   1,466    
Goodwill Before Impairment Charge 594 1,661   3,053
Weighted-Average Cost of Capital 17.50% 16.50%   17.00%
Long-Term Growth Rates 0.50% 0.50%   0.50%
Aggregrate goodwill impairment in the period   1,861    
Automotive [Member] | GME [Member] | Years 2011 and 2012 [Member]
       
Goodwill [Line Items]        
Industry Vehicle Sales (in units) 19,100,000 18,400,000   18,400,000
Market Share 6.20% 6.60%   6.60%
Automotive [Member] | GME [Member] | Years 2015 and 2016 [Member]
       
Goodwill [Line Items]        
Industry Vehicle Sales (in units) 21,900,000 22,000,000   22,000,000
Market Share 6.30% 7.40%   7.40%
Automotive [Member] | GMIO [Member]
       
Goodwill [Line Items]        
Goodwill, beginning balance 610      
Impairment charges (27) 0    
Effect of foreign currency translation and other 15      
Goodwill, ending balance 598      
Accumulated impairment charges (297)   (270)  
Effect of adoption of ASU 2010-28   0    
Aggregrate goodwill impairment in the period   0    
Automotive [Member] | GMSA [Member]
       
Goodwill [Line Items]        
Goodwill, beginning balance 151      
Impairment charges 0 0    
Effect of foreign currency translation and other 6      
Goodwill, ending balance 157      
Accumulated impairment charges 0   0  
Effect of adoption of ASU 2010-28   0    
Aggregrate goodwill impairment in the period   0    
Automotive [Member] | GM Korea [Member]
       
Goodwill [Line Items]        
Goodwill Before Impairment Charge 564      
Weighted-Average Cost of Capital 14.80%      
Long-Term Growth Rates 3.00%      
Automotive [Member] | GM Korea [Member] | Years 2011 and 2012 [Member]
       
Goodwill [Line Items]        
Industry Vehicle Sales (in units) 81,000,000      
Market Share 1.40%      
Automotive [Member] | GM Korea [Member] | Years 2015 and 2016 [Member]
       
Goodwill [Line Items]        
Industry Vehicle Sales (in units) 97,100,000      
Market Share 1.10%      
GM Financial [Member]
       
Goodwill [Line Items]        
Goodwill, beginning balance 1,278      
Impairment charges 0 0    
Effect of foreign currency translation and other 0      
Goodwill, ending balance 1,278      
Accumulated impairment charges 0   0  
Effect of adoption of ASU 2010-28   0    
Aggregrate goodwill impairment in the period   $ 0