v2.4.0.6

Derivative Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Details) Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended |  |  |  |  |  | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended |  |  |  |  |  | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended |  |  |  |  |  | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3 Months Ended | 6 Months Ended |  |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2011 Automotive [Member] USD ($) | Mar. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2011 Automotive [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Level 1 [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Level 1 [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Level 2 [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Level 2 [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Level 3 [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2011 Automotive [Member] Level 3 [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Level 3 [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2011 Automotive [Member] Level 3 [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Level 3 [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Other Noncurrent Liability [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Other Noncurrent Liability [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2011 Automotive [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2011 Automotive [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Level 1 [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Level 1 [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Level 2 [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Level 2 [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Level 3 [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Level 3 [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Other Noncurrent Liability [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Other Noncurrent Liability [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2011 Automotive [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2011 Automotive [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Level 1 [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Level 1 [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Level 2 [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Level 2 [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Level 3 [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2011 Automotive [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Level 3 [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Level 3 [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2011 Automotive [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Level 3 [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Level 3 [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Other Noncurrent Liability [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Other Noncurrent Liability [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2011 Automotive [Member] Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2011 Automotive [Member] Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Level 1 [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Level 1 [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Level 2 [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Level 2 [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Level 3 [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2011 Automotive [Member] Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Level 3 [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Level 3 [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Level 3 [Member] EUR (€) | Jun. 30, 2011 Automotive [Member] Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Level 3 [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Level 3 [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Other Noncurrent Liability [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 Automotive [Member] Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Other Noncurrent Liability [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Warrant [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2011 Automotive [Member] Warrant [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Warrant [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2011 Automotive [Member] Warrant [Member] USD ($) | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Coal [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Level 3 [Member] | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Heavy Fuel Oil [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] Level 3 [Member] | Jun. 30, 2012 Automotive [Member] Euro/Turkish Lira Exchange Rate [Member] Embedded Derivative Financial Instruments [Member] Level 3 [Member] EUR (€) | Jun. 30, 2012 GM Financial [Member] USD ($) | Dec. 31, 2011 GM Financial [Member] USD ($)
Fair value of Derivatives [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Notional Amount of Derivatives | $ 10,708,000,000 |  |  | $ 10,708,000,000 |  | $ 10,534,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 6,860,000,000 |  | $ 6,860,000,000 |  | $ 6,507,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 2,512,000,000 |  | $ 2,512,000,000 |  | $ 2,566,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,336,000,000 |  | $ 1,336,000,000 |  | $ 1,461,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative Asset, Fair Value | 151,000,000 |  |  | 151,000,000 |  | 225,000,000 | 0 | 0 | 95,000,000 | 77,000,000 | 56,000,000 |  | 56,000,000 |  | 148,000,000 | 112,000,000 | 101,000,000 | 39,000,000 | 124,000,000 |  |  |  |  | 88,000,000 |  | 88,000,000 |  | 64,000,000 | 0 | 0 | 88,000,000 | 64,000,000 | 0 | 0 | 88,000,000 | 64,000,000 | 0 | 0 |  |  |  |  | 12,000,000 |  | 12,000,000 |  | 9,000,000 | 0 | 0 | 4,000,000 | 9,000,000 | 8,000,000 |  | 8,000,000 |  | 0 | 8,000,000 | 9,000,000 | 4,000,000 | 0 |  |  |  |  | 51,000,000 |  | 51,000,000 |  | 152,000,000 | 0 | 0 | 3,000,000 | 4,000,000 | 48,000,000 |  | 48,000,000 |  |  | 148,000,000 | 16,000,000 | 28,000,000 | 35,000,000 | 124,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative Liability, Fair Value | 51,000,000 |  |  | 51,000,000 |  | 67,000,000 | 0 | 0 | 51,000,000 | 57,000,000 | 0 |  | 0 |  | 10,000,000 |  |  |  |  | 45,000,000 | 57,000,000 | 6,000,000 | 10,000,000 | 38,000,000 |  | 38,000,000 |  | 46,000,000 | 0 | 0 | 38,000,000 | 46,000,000 | 0 | 0 |  |  |  |  | 38,000,000 | 46,000,000 | 0 | 0 | 7,000,000 |  | 7,000,000 |  | 15,000,000 | 0 | 0 | 7,000,000 | 5,000,000 | 0 |  | 0 |  | 10,000,000 |  |  |  |  | 5,000,000 | 10,000,000 | 2,000,000 | 5,000,000 | 6,000,000 |  | 6,000,000 |  | 6,000,000 | 0 | 0 | 6,000,000 | 6,000,000 | 0 |  | 0 |  |  | 0 |  |  |  |  | 2,000,000 | 1,000,000 | 4,000,000 | 5,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Forward Contract Price |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 110.44 | 528.56 |  |  |
Supplier nonperformance risk |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2.72% |  | 2.72% |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Forward Exchange Rate |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2.75 |  |
Volume commitment and vehicle mix |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,000,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fair Value of Derivatives, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance at Beginning of Period |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 120,000,000 | 57,000,000 | 138,000,000 | 0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 16,000,000 | 0 | (10,000,000) | 0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 104,000,000 | 57,000,000 | 148,000,000 |  | 0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Realized Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (49,000,000) | 87,000,000 | (88,000,000) | 140,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (6,000,000) | 0 | (2,000,000) | 0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (43,000,000) | 87,000,000 | (86,000,000) |  | 140,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Realized Unrealized Gain (Loss) Included in Other Comprehensive Income |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (7,000,000) | 1,000,000 | (3,000,000) | 5,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (1,000,000) | 0 | (1,000,000) | 0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (6,000,000) | 1,000,000 | (2,000,000) |  | 5,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Settlements |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (8,000,000) | 0 | (15,000,000) | 0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (1,000,000) | 0 | (3,000,000) | 0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (7,000,000) | 0 | (12,000,000) |  | 0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Issuances |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 24,000,000 | 0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 24,000,000 | 0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 |  | 0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Balance at End of Period |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 56,000,000 | 145,000,000 | 56,000,000 | 145,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 8,000,000 | 0 | 8,000,000 | 0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 48,000,000 | 145,000,000 | 48,000,000 |  | 145,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Gain (Loss) on Derivative [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Gains and (losses) in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized gains or (losses) relating to assets still held at the reporting date |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (50,000,000) | 87,000,000 | (88,000,000) | 140,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (6,000,000) | 0 | (2,000,000) | 0 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (44,000,000) | 87,000,000 | (86,000,000) |  | 140,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Gains (Losses) Recorded in Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) | (41,000,000) | 77,000,000 |  | (106,000,000) | 130,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 24,000,000 | 35,000,000 | 8,000,000 | 25,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (20,000,000) | (44,000,000) | (26,000,000) | (44,000,000) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | (45,000,000) | 86,000,000 | (88,000,000) | 145,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4,000,000 |  |  |  |  |
Other Derivatives [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of common stock shares warrants are called for |  |  | 4 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Exercise price for warrants |  |  | 2.76 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Proceeds from Warrant Exercises |  |  | 48,000,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
GM Financial Derivatives [Abstract] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1,500,000,000 | 2,000,000,000
Derivative Liability, Notional Amount |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,500,000,000 | $ 2,000,000,000

X
- Details
Name: | gm_FairValueOfDerivativesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | gm_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | gm_OtherDerivativesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | gm_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Unobservable input for derivative instrument measured on a recurring basis - supplier nonperformance risk + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gm_SupplierNonperformanceRisk
Namespace Prefix: | gm_
Data Type: | num:percentItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The exercise price of each class of warrants or rights outstanding. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Article 4 -Section 08 -Paragraph i -Subparagraph 4 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(i)(4)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | us-types:perUnitItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The specified number of securities that each class of warrants or rights outstanding give the holder the right but not the obligation to purchase from the issuer at a specific price, on or before a certain date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Article 4 -Section 08 -Paragraph i -Subparagraph 2 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(i)(2)) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:sharesItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Total monetary amount specified by the derivative asset(s). Expressed as an absolute value. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1B -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5580258-113959 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Notional Amount -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519104 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5579245-113959 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotionalAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fair value of derivative asset, presented on a gross basis even when the derivative instrument is subject to master netting arrangements and qualifies for net presentation in the statement of financial position. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4B -Subparagraph (a),(c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624163-113959 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 44C -Subparagraph a -Clause 1 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 205G -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Fair value of derivative liability, presented on a gross basis even when the derivative instrument is subject to master netting arrangements and qualifies for net presentation in the statement of financial position. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4B -Subparagraph (a),(c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5624163-113959 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 44C -Subparagraph a -Clause 1 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 205G -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The contractual rate at which a foreign currency can be purchased or sold under the terms of a foreign currency derivative contract. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeForwardExchangeRate
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:decimalItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The forward price on the price risk forward or futures contract, such as a gas futures contract. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeForwardPrice
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | us-types:perUnitItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Net Increase or Decrease in the fair value of the derivative or group of derivatives included in earnings. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4A -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5618551-113959 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNetAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDisclosureAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Total monetary amount specified by the derivative liability (or liabilities). Expressed as an absolute value. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1B -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5580258-113959 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Notional Amount -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519104 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 815 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1A -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6935481&loc=SL5579245-113959 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotionalAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition This item represents the amount of the total change in unrealized (holding) gains or losses for the period which are included in the statement of income (or changes in net assets) in other income. Such unrealized (holding) gains or losses relate to those assets still held at the reporting date for which fair value is measured on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph d -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (d) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19207-110258 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainLossIncludedInOtherIncome
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition This element represents total gains (losses) for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in other comprehensive income (a separate component of shareholders' equity). + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c)(1) -SubTopic 10 -Topic 820 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19207-110258 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetAndLiabilityGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition This element represents total gains or losses for the period (realized and unrealized), arising from assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3), which are included in earnings or resulted in a change in net asset value. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph c(1) -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c)(1) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19207-110258 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Issues that have taken place during the period in relation to assets measured at fair value and categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19207-110258 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetIssues
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Settlements that have taken place during the period in relation to assets measured at fair value and categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c)(2) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19207-110258 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetSettlements
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition This element represents an asset measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) which is required for reconciliation purposes of beginning and ending balances. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph c -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -Subparagraph (c) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6925170&loc=d3e19207-110258 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The minimum amount the entity agreed to spend under the long-term purchase commitment. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LongTermPurchaseCommitmentAmount
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Aggregate notional amount of all derivatives. The notional amount relates to a number of currency units, shares, bushels, pounds, or other units specified in a derivative instrument. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Glossary Notional Amount -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519104 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_NotionalAmountOfDerivatives
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The cash inflow associated with the amount received from holders exercising their stock warrants. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_ProceedsFromWarrantExercises
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration