v2.4.0.6
Variable Interest Entities Variable Interest Entities (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
Mar. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated VIE [Abstract]      
Total net sales and revenue $ 37,328 $ 35,899  
Non-consolidated VIE [Abstract]      
Accounts and notes receivable, net 12,485   9,964
Equity in net assets of nonconsolidated affiliates 6,793   6,790
Other assets 3,411   2,928
Automotive [Member] | Consolidated VIE [Member]
      
Consolidated VIE [Abstract]      
Total Assets 493   463
Total Liabilities 309   298
Total net sales and revenue 236 110  
Total Net Income (loss) (5) 3  
Automotive [Member] | Consolidated VIE [Member] | GM Korea [Member]
      
Consolidated VIE [Abstract]      
Nonrecourse Short Term Debt 116   171
Nonrecourse Current Derivative Liabilities 26   44
Nonrecourse Long-term Debt 6   7
Automotive [Member] | Nonconsolidated VIE [Member]
      
Non-consolidated VIE [Abstract]      
Accounts and notes receivable, net 8   1
Equity in net assets of nonconsolidated affiliates 193   190
Other assets 1   1
Total Assets 202   192
Accounts and Notes Receivables Maximum Exposure to loss 8   1
Equity in Net Assets of Nonconsolidated Affiliates Maximum Exposure to loss 189   186
Other Assets Maximum Exposure to loss 1   1
Total Assets Maximum Exposure to loss 198   188
Other Liabilities 197   198
Loan Commitment Maximum Exposure to loss 15   15
Other Liquidity Arrangement Maximum Exposure to loss 227   220
Total Off-balance Sheet Arrangements Maximum Exposure to loss $ 242   $ 235