XML 72 R55.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v3.6.0.2

Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Cash Equivalents [Abstract]
Maximum Maturity Period for Highly Liquid Securities	90 days
Pension and Other Postretirement Plans [Abstract]
Percentage Recognized as Pension Expense in the First Year	60.00%
Percentage of Pension Expense Recognized in Each of the Next Four Years	10.00%
Subsequent Period Over Which Pension Return Adjustment Is Amortized	4 years
Percentage of Non-US Pension Benefit Obligation Related to Canada, United Kingdom and Germany	91.00%
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Valuation Allowance Methodology Number Of Years Utilized	3 years
Minimum Percentage Threshold To Recognize The Tax Benefit For Uncertain Tax Positions	50.00%
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation [Abstract]
Foreign currency transaction and remeasurement losses	$ 358	$ 829	$ 437
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards and Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted [Abstract]
Equity investments not accounted for under the equity method of accounting	526
Automotive Selling, General and Administrative Expense [Member]
Advertising and Promotion Expenditures [Abstract]
Advertising and Promotion Expenditures	5,300	5,100	5,200
Automotive Cost of Sales [Member]
Research and Development Expenditures [Abstract]
Research and Development Expenditures	$ 8,100	7,500	7,400
GM Financial [Member] | Minimum [Member] | Vehicles [Member]
Equipment on Operating Leases, net [Abstract]
Leasing Arrangements, Term of Contract	2 years
GM Financial [Member] | Maximum [Member] | Vehicles [Member]
Equipment on Operating Leases, net [Abstract]
Leasing Arrangements, Term of Contract	5 years
GM Financial [Member] | Retail Finance Receivables [Member]
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Period Past Due Threshold for Suspending Accrual of Finance Charge Income	60 days
Finance Receivables [Abstract]
Period Past Due Threshold for Charge Off of Finance Receivables	120 days
GM Financial [Member] | Commercial Finance Receivables [Member]
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]
Period Past Due Threshold for Suspending Accrual of Finance Charge Income	90 days
Automotive [Member] | Vehicles [Member]
Equipment on Operating Leases, net [Abstract]
Leasing Arrangements, Term of Contract	8 months
Accounting Standards Update 2015-17 [Member]
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards and Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted [Abstract]
Decrease in Current Deferred Income Taxes		8,600
Decrease in Accrued Liabilities		249
Increase in non-current Deferred Income Taxes		8,400
Accounting Standards Update 2016-18 [Member]
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards and Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted [Abstract]
Decrease in net cash provided by operating activities		287
Decrease in net cash used in investing activities		325	339
Increase in beginning of period cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash	$ 2,100	2,200	$ 2,000
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | GM Financial [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	20,700	11,900
Derivative Liability, Notional Amount	20,600	13,900
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Automotive [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	5,700	6,800
Derivative Liability, Notional Amount	651	264
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | Automotive [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	909
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap and Currency Swap [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member] | GM Financial [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	3,500
Derivative Liability, Notional Amount	2,100
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member] | GM Financial [Member]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Liability, Notional Amount	7,700	$ 1,000
Derivative Liability	$ 276

X

- Definition

Equipment on Operating Leases, net [Abstract]

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gm_EquipmentOnOperatingLeasesNetAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	gm_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

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.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gm_ForeignCurrencyRemeasurementandTransactionGainsLosses
Namespace Prefix:	gm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Maximum period past due before the accrual of finance charge income is suspended.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gm_MaximumPeriodPastDuebeforeSuspensionofAccrualofFinanceChargeIncome
Namespace Prefix:	gm_
Data Type:	us-types:durationStringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Maximum original maturity period threshold for securities that are considered highly liquid. 'P90D' represents the reported fact of 90 days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gm_Maximummaturityperiodforhighlyliquidsecurities
Namespace Prefix:	gm_
Data Type:	us-types:durationStringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Percentage threshold applied to uncertain tax positions to determine recognition of the tax benefit. If greater than this percentage, the largest amount of the tax benefit will be recognized.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gm_MinimumPercentageThresholdToRecognizeTheTaxBenefitForUncertainTaxPositions
Namespace Prefix:	gm_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Represents the quantification of the effect of adopting the new accounting standard or change in accounting principle on Cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gm_NewAccountingPronouncementorChangeinAccountingPrincipleEffectofAdoptionQuantificationCashcashequivalentsrestrictedcashandrestrictedcashequivalents
Namespace Prefix:	gm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Represents the quantification of the effect of adopting the new accounting standard or change in accounting principle on current Accrued liabilities

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gm_NewAccountingPronouncementorChangeinAccountingPrincipleEffectofAdoptionQuantificationcurrentAccruedliabilities
Namespace Prefix:	gm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Represents the quantification of the effect of adopting the new accounting standard or change in accounting principle on current Deferred income tax

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gm_NewAccountingPronouncementorChangeinAccountingPrincipleEffectofAdoptionQuantificationcurrentDeferredincometax
Namespace Prefix:	gm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Represents the quantification of the effect of adopting the new accounting standard or change in accounting principle on net cash provided by operating activities.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gm_NewAccountingPronouncementorChangeinAccountingPrincipleEffectofAdoptionQuantificationnetcashprovidedbyoperatingactivities
Namespace Prefix:	gm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Represents the quantification of the effect of adopting the new accounting standard or change in accounting principle on net cash used in investing activities.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gm_NewAccountingPronouncementorChangeinAccountingPrincipleEffectofAdoptionQuantificationnetcashusedininvestingactivities
Namespace Prefix:	gm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Represents the quantification of the effect of adopting the new accounting standard or change in accounting principle on non-current Deferred income tax

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gm_NewAccountingPronouncementorChangeinAccountingPrincipleEffectofAdoptionQuantificationnoncurrentDeferredincometax
Namespace Prefix:	gm_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Percentage of benefit obligation for pension plans of Canada, the United Kingdom and Germany to the total non- U.S. pension benefit obligation.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gm_PercentageOfBenefitObligationForPensionPlansOfCanadaUkAndGermany
Namespace Prefix:	gm_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

An expected return on plan asset methodology is utilized to calculate future pension expense for certain significant funded benefit plans. A market-related value of plan assets methodology is also utilized that averages gains and losses on the plan assets over a period of years to determine future pension expense. The element represents the percentage recognized of the difference between the fair value of assets and the expected calculated value in each of the next four years after the first year.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gm_PercentageOfPensionExpenseRecognizedInNextFourYears
Namespace Prefix:	gm_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

An expected return on plan asset methodology is utilized to calculate future pension expense for certain significant funded benefit plans. A market-related value of plan assets methodology is also utilized that averages gains and losses on the plan assets over a period of years to determine future pension expense. The element represents the percentage recognized of the difference between the fair value of assets and the expected calculated value in the first year.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gm_PercentageRecognizedAsPensionExpenseInFirstYear
Namespace Prefix:	gm_
Data Type:	num:percentItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

The period of time over which expected return on pension plan assets is amortized, after the first year.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gm_PeriodOfTimeOverWhichPensionReturnAdjustmentIsAmortized
Namespace Prefix:	gm_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Number of rolling years of actual and current year results utilized as the primary measure of cumulative losses for purposes of establishing the deferred tax asset valuation allowance.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gm_ValuationAllowanceMethodologyNumberOfYearsUtilized
Namespace Prefix:	gm_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Amount, after adjustment, of cost-method investment. Adjustments include, but are not limited to, dividends received in excess of earnings after date of investment that are considered a return of investment and other than temporary impairments.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.12)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 325
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872867&loc=d3e40691-111596

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 325
-SubTopic 20
-Section 35
-Paragraph 2
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=29638308&loc=d3e40346-111594

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_CostMethodInvestments
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

X

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanAssumptionsUsedInCalculationsAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Nominal or face amount used to calculate payments on the derivative asset.

+ References

Reference 1: 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=64837297&loc=SL5579245-113959

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 1B
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=64837297&loc=SL5580258-113959

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeAssetNotionalAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

X

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

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

X

- Definition

Fair value, after the effects of master netting arrangements, of a financial liability or contract with one or more underlyings, notional amount or payment provision or both, and the contract can be net settled by means outside the contract or delivery of an asset. Includes liabilities not subject to a master netting arrangement and not elected to be offset.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 20
-Section 55
-Paragraph 10
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51825145&loc=SL20226008-175313

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 15
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=73719730&loc=d3e13495-108611

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 3
-Subparagraph (c)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=51824906&loc=SL20225862-175312

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 825
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 10
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=73719730&loc=d3e13433-108611

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 6
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6945355&loc=d3e41271-113958

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 815
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 5
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6945355&loc=d3e41228-113958

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

X

- Definition

Nominal or face amount used to calculate payments on the derivative liability.

+ 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=64837297&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=64837297&loc=SL5579245-113959

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityNotionalAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	instant

X

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Term of the lessor's leasing arrangement, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_LessorLeasingArrangementsOperatingLeasesTermOfContract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

The total expense recognized in the period for promotion, public relations, and brand or product advertising.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 225
-SubTopic 10
-Section S99
-Paragraph 2
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.4)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=63488584&loc=d3e20235-122688

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_MarketingAndAdvertisingExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

X

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_MarketingAndAdvertisingExpenseAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementsAndChangesInAccountingPrinciplesAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_NotesReceivableNetAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

The aggregate costs incurred (1) in a planned search or critical investigation aimed at discovery of new knowledge with the hope that such knowledge will be useful in developing a new product or service, a new process or technique, or in bringing about a significant improvement to an existing product or process; or (2) to translate research findings or other knowledge into a plan or design for a new product or process or for a significant improvement to an existing product or process whether intended for sale or the entity's use, during the reporting period charged to research and development projects, including the costs of developing computer software up to the point in time of achieving technological feasibility, and costs allocated in accounting for a business combination to in-process projects deemed to have no alternative future use.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 730
-SubTopic 10
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6420194&loc=d3e21568-108373

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 985
-SubTopic 20
-Section 50
-Paragraph 1
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6501960&loc=d3e128462-111756

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

X

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ResearchAndDevelopmentExpenseAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_RevenueRecognitionAbstract
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Definition

Threshold period past due for financing receivable to write off as uncollectible, in 'PnYnMnDTnHnMnS' format, for example, 'P1Y5M13D' represents the reported fact of one year, five months, and thirteen days.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ThresholdPeriodPastDueForWriteoffOfFinancingReceivable
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=us-gaap_SellingGeneralAndAdministrativeExpensesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis=us-gaap_CostOfSalesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

Name:	gm_BusinessGroupAxis=gm_GmFinancialMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MinimumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_MajorPropertyClassAxis=us-gaap_VehiclesMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MaximumMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis=us-gaap_ConsumerPortfolioSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_FinancingReceivablePortfolioSegmentAxis=us-gaap_CommercialPortfolioSegmentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

Name:	gm_BusinessGroupAxis=gm_AutomotiveMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis=us-gaap_AccountingStandardsUpdate201517Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis=gm_AccountingStandardsUpdate201618Member
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis=us-gaap_NondesignatedMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_HedgingDesignationAxis=us-gaap_DesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis=us-gaap_CashFlowHedgingMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis=gm_InterestRateSwapandCurrencySwapMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis=us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type:

X

- Details

Name:	us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentsGainLossByHedgingRelationshipAxis=us-gaap_FairValueHedgingMember
Namespace Prefix:
Data Type:	na
Balance Type:
Period Type: