v2.4.0.6
Restructuring And Other Initiatives Restructuring and Related Costs (Details) (USD $)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
Mar. 31, 2011
Restructuring Reserve [Abstract]    
Balance at Janaury 1 $ 1,584,000,000 $ 1,802,000,000
Additions 112,000,000 60,000,000
Interest accretion and other 24,000,000 31,000,000
Payments (286,000,000) (337,000,000)
Revisions to estimates (14,000,000) 7,000,000
Effect of foreign currency 24,000,000 50,000,000
Balance at March 31 1,444,000,000 1,613,000,000
GMNA [Member]
    
Restructuring Reserve [Abstract]    
Balance at Janaury 1 884,000,000 1,135,000,000
Additions 97,000,000 26,000,000
Interest accretion and other 3,000,000 7,000,000
Payments (86,000,000) (129,000,000)
Revisions to estimates (12,000,000) 7,000,000
Effect of foreign currency 8,000,000 16,000,000
Balance at March 31 894,000,000 1,062,000,000
Remaining Payments Including Temporary Layoffs Benefits 357,000,000 362,000,000
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]    
Number Of Skilled Hourly Employees In Cash Severance Incentive Programs 1,400  
Total Cost Of Skilled Hourly Employees In Cash Severance Incentive Programs 99,000,000  
Dealer Wind Down [Roll Forward]    
Balance at January 1 25,000,000 144,000,000
Additions and revisions to estimates 0 6,000,000
Payments (3,000,000) (80,000,000)
Balance at March 31 22,000,000 58,000,000
GME [Member]
    
Restructuring Reserve [Abstract]    
Balance at Janaury 1 687,000,000 664,000,000
Additions 9,000,000 33,000,000
Interest accretion and other 22,000,000 24,000,000
Payments (192,000,000) (205,000,000)
Revisions to estimates (2,000,000) 0
Effect of foreign currency 16,000,000 34,000,000
Balance at March 31 540,000,000 550,000,000
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]    
Total Cost of Separation Programs 313,000,000  
Number of employees affected by restructuring and early retirement programs 1,900  
Additional Amount Expected To Complete Programs 100,000,000  
Number of additional employees affected by restructuring and early retirement 350  
GMIO [Member]
    
Restructuring Reserve [Abstract]    
Balance at Janaury 1 1,000,000 3,000,000
Additions 4,000,000 0
Interest accretion and other (1,000,000) 0
Payments 0 (2,000,000)
Revisions to estimates 0 0
Effect of foreign currency 0 0
Balance at March 31 4,000,000 1,000,000
GMSA [Member]
    
Restructuring Reserve [Abstract]    
Balance at Janaury 1 12,000,000 0
Additions 2,000,000 1,000,000
Interest accretion and other 0 0
Payments (8,000,000) (1,000,000)
Revisions to estimates 0 0
Effect of foreign currency 0 0
Balance at March 31 $ 6,000,000 $ 0