Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]	Significant Accounting Policies The accounting policies which follow are utilized by our automotive and automotive financing operations, unless otherwise indicated. Revenue Recognition Automotive Automotive net sales and revenue primarily consist of revenue generated from the sale of vehicles. Vehicle sales are recorded when title and risks and rewards of ownership have passed to our customers. For the majority of our automotive sales this occurs when a vehicle is released to the carrier responsible for transporting it to a dealer and when collectability is reasonably assured. Vehicle sales are recorded when the vehicle is delivered to the dealer in most remaining cases. Provisions for recurring or announced dealer and customer sales and leasing incentives, consisting of allowances and rebates, are recorded as reductions to Automotive net sales and revenue at the time of vehicle sale. All other incentives, allowances and rebates related to vehicles previously sold are recorded as reductions to Automotive net sales and revenue when announced. Taxes assessed by various government entities, such as sales, use and value-added taxes, collected at the time of sale are excluded from Automotive net sales and revenue. Vehicle sales to daily rental car companies with guaranteed repurchase obligations are accounted for as operating leases. Estimated lease revenue is recorded ratably over the estimated term of the lease based on the difference between net sales proceeds and the guaranteed repurchase amount. The difference between the cost of the vehicle and estimated residual value is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated term of the lease. Automotive Financing - GM Financial Finance charge income earned on receivables is recognized using the effective interest method. Fees and commissions (including incentive payments) received and direct costs of originating loans are deferred and amortized over the term of the related finance receivables using the effective interest method and are removed from the consolidated balance sheets when the related finance receivables are sold, charged off or paid in full. Accrual of finance charge income on retail finance receivables is generally suspended on accounts that are more than 60 days delinquent, accounts in bankruptcy and accounts in repossession. Payments received on nonaccrual loans are first applied to any fees due, then to any interest due and then any remaining amounts are recorded to principal. Interest accrual generally resumes once an account has received payments bringing the delinquency to less than 60 days past due. Accrual of finance charge income on commercial finance receivables is generally suspended on accounts that are more than 90 days delinquent, upon receipt of a bankruptcy notice from a borrower, or where reasonable doubt exists about the full collectability of contractually agreed upon principal and interest. Payments received on nonaccrual loans are first applied to principal. Interest accrual resumes once an account has received payments bringing the account fully current and collection of contractual principal and interest is reasonably assured (including amounts previously charged off). Income from operating lease assets, which includes lease origination fees, net of lease origination costs and incentives, is recorded as operating lease revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease agreement. Advertising and Promotion Expenditures Advertising and promotion expenditures, which are expensed as incurred in Automotive selling, general and administrative expense, were $5.3 billion, $5.1 billion and $5.2 billion in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. Research and Development Expenditures Research and development expenditures, which are expensed as incurred in Automotive cost of sales, were $8.1 billion, $7.5 billion and $7.4 billion in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Cash equivalents are defined as short-term, highly-liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less. Cash and cash equivalents subject to contractual restrictions and not readily available are classified as restricted cash. We are required to post cash as collateral as part of certain agreements that we enter into as part of our operations. Restricted cash is invested in accordance with the terms of the underlying agreements and include amounts related to various deposits, escrows and other cash collateral. Restricted cash is included in Other current assets and Other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Fair Value Measurements A three-level valuation hierarchy, based upon observable and unobservable inputs, is used for fair value measurements. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect market assumptions based on the best evidence available. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy: Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets; Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations whose significant inputs are observable; and Level 3 - Instruments whose significant inputs are unobservable. Financial instruments are transferred in and/or out of Level 1, 2 or 3 at the beginning of the accounting period in which there is a change in the valuation inputs. Marketable Securities We classify marketable securities as available-for-sale or trading. Various factors, including turnover of holdings and investment guidelines, are considered in determining the classification of securities. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded net of related income taxes in Accumulated other comprehensive loss until realized. Trading securities are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in Interest income and other non-operating income, net. We determine realized gains and losses for all securities using the specific identification method. We measure the fair value of our marketable securities using a market approach where identical or comparable prices are available and an income approach in other cases. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values of securities are determined using prices from a pricing service, pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flow models. These prices represent non-binding quotes. Our pricing service utilizes industry-standard pricing models that consider various inputs. We conduct an annual review of our pricing service and believe the prices received from our pricing service are a reliable representation of exit prices. An evaluation is made quarterly to determine if unrealized losses related to non-trading investments in securities are other-than-temporary. Factors considered include the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been below cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer and the intent to sell or likelihood to be forced to sell the security before any anticipated recovery. GM Financial Receivables Finance receivables are carried at amortized cost, net of allowance for loan losses. The component of the allowance for retail finance receivables that is collectively evaluated for impairment is based on a statistical calculation which is supplemented by management judgment. GM Financial uses a combination of forecasting models to determine the allowance for loan losses. Factors that are considered when estimating the allowance include historical delinquency migration to loss, probability of default and loss given default. The loss confirmation period is a key assumption within the models and represents the average amount of time from when a loss event first occurs to when the receivable is charged off. GM Financial also considers an evaluation of overall portfolio credit quality based on various indicators. Retail finance receivables that become classified as troubled debt restructurings (TDRs) are separately assessed for impairment. A specific allowance is estimated based on the present value of the expected future cash flows of the receivable discounted at the loan's original effective interest rate. Finance charge income from loans classified as TDRs is accounted for in the same manner as other accruing loans. Cash collections on these loans are allocated according to the same payment hierarchy methodology applied to loans that are not classified as TDRs. Retail finance receivables are generally charged off in the month in which the account becomes 120 days contractually delinquent if GM Financial has not yet recorded a repossession charge-off. A charge-off generally represents the difference between the estimated net sales proceeds and the amount of the contract, including accrued interest. Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less cost to sell, and considers general market and economic conditions, periodic reviews of current profitability of vehicles, product warranty costs and the effect of current and expected incentive offers at the balance sheet date. Net realizable value for off-lease and other vehicles is current auction sales proceeds less disposal and warranty costs. Productive material, work in process, supplies and service parts are reviewed to determine if inventory quantities are in excess of forecasted usage or if they have become obsolete. Equipment on Operating Leases Equipment on operating leases, net is reported at cost, less accumulated depreciation and impairment, net of origination fees or costs and lease incentives. Estimated income from operating lease assets, which includes lease origination fees, net of lease origination costs, is recorded as operating lease revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease agreement. Leased vehicles are depreciated on a straight-line basis to an estimated residual value over the term of the lease agreements. We have significant investments in vehicle operating lease portfolios, which consist of vehicle leases to retail customers with lease terms of two to five years and vehicles leased to rental car companies with lease terms that average eight months. We are exposed to changes in the residual values of these assets. For impairment purposes the residual values represent estimates of the values of the vehicles leased at the end of the lease contracts and are determined based on forecasted auction proceeds when there is a reliable basis to make such a determination. Realization of the residual values is dependent on the future ability to market the vehicles under prevailing market conditions. The adequacy of the estimate of the residual value is evaluated over the life of the lease and adjustments may be made to the extent the expected value of the vehicle at lease termination changes. Adjustments may be in the form of revisions to the depreciation rate or recognition of an impairment charge. Impairment is determined to exist if an impairment indicator exists and the expected future cash flows, which include estimated residual values, are lower than the carrying amount of the vehicles leased. If the carrying amount is considered impaired an impairment charge is recorded for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds fair value. Fair value is determined primarily using the anticipated cash flows, including estimated residual values. In our automotive operations when a leased vehicle is returned the asset is reclassified from Equipment on operating leases, net to Inventories at the lower of cost or estimated selling price, less cost to sell. Upon disposition, proceeds are recorded in Automotive net sales and revenue and costs are recorded in Automotive cost of sales. In our automotive finance operations when a leased vehicle is returned or repossessed the asset is recorded in Other assets at the lower of cost or estimated selling price, less costs to sell. Upon disposition a gain or loss is recorded in GM Financial interest, operating and other expenses for any difference between the net book value of the leased asset and the proceeds from the disposition of the asset. Depreciation expense and impairment charges related to Equipment on operating leases, net are recorded in Automotive cost of sales or GM Financial interest, operating and other expenses. Valuation of Cost and Equity Method Investments When events and circumstances warrant, investments accounted for under the cost or equity method of accounting are evaluated for impairment. An impairment charge is recorded whenever a decline in value of an investment below its carrying amount is determined to be other-than-temporary. Impairment charges related to equity method investments are recorded in Equity income. Impairment charges related to cost method investments are recorded in Interest income and other non-operating income, net. Property, net Property, plant and equipment, including internal use software, is recorded at cost. Major improvements that extend the useful life or add functionality are capitalized. The gross amount of assets under capital leases is included in property, plant and equipment. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. We depreciate all depreciable property using the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the period of lease or the life of the asset, whichever is shorter. The amortization of the assets under capital leases is included in depreciation expense. Upon retirement or disposition of property, plant and equipment, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated and any resulting gain or loss is recorded in earnings. Impairment charges related to property are recorded in Automotive cost of sales, Automotive selling, general and administrative expense or GM Financial interest, operating and other expenses. Special Tools Special tools represent product-specific powertrain and non-powertrain related tools, dies, molds and other items used in the vehicle manufacturing process. Expenditures for special tools are recorded at cost and are capitalized. We amortize special tools over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method or an accelerated amortization method based on their historical and estimated production volume. Impairment charges related to special tools are recorded in Automotive cost of sales. Goodwill Goodwill is tested for impairment annually on October 1 or when events occur or circumstances change that would trigger such a review. A two-step impairment test is used to identify potential goodwill impairment. Impairment exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. When performing our goodwill impairment testing, the fair values of our reporting units are determined based on valuation techniques using the best available information, primarily discounted cash flow projections. Because the fair value of goodwill can be measured only as a residual amount and cannot be determined directly we calculate the implied goodwill for those reporting units failing Step 1 in the same manner that goodwill is recognized in a business combination pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 805. Intangible Assets, net Intangible assets, excluding goodwill, primarily include brand names, technology and intellectual property, customer relationships and dealer networks. Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line or an accelerated method of amortization over their estimated useful lives. An accelerated amortization method reflecting the pattern in which the asset will be consumed is utilized if that pattern can be reliably determined. We consider the period of expected cash flows and underlying data used to measure the fair value of the intangible assets when selecting a useful life. Impairment charges related to intangible assets are recorded in Automotive selling, general and administrative expense or Automotive cost of sales. Amortization of developed technology and intellectual property is recorded in Automotive cost of sales. Amortization of brand names, customer relationships and our dealer networks is recorded in Automotive selling, general and administrative expense or GM Financial interest, operating and other expenses. Valuation of Long-Lived Assets The carrying amount of long-lived assets and finite-lived intangible assets to be held and used in the business are evaluated for impairment when events and circumstances warrant. If the carrying amount of a long-lived asset group is considered impaired, a loss is recorded based on the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds fair value. Product-specific long-lived asset groups and non-product specific long-lived assets are separately tested for impairment on an asset group basis. Fair value is determined using either the market or sales comparison approach, cost approach or anticipated cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. Long-lived assets to be disposed of other than by sale are considered held for use until disposition. Pension and OPEB Plans Attribution, Methods and Assumptions The cost of benefits provided by defined benefit pension plans is recorded in the period employees provide service. The cost of pension plan amendments that provide for benefits already earned by plan participants is amortized over the expected period of benefit which may be the duration of the applicable collective bargaining agreement specific to the plan, the expected future working lifetime or the life expectancy of the plan participants. The cost of medical, dental, legal service and life insurance benefits provided through postretirement benefit plans is recorded in the period employees provide service. The cost of postretirement plan amendments that provide for benefits already earned by plan participants is amortized over the expected period of benefit which may be the average period to full eligibility or the average life expectancy of the plan participants. 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 methodology recognizes 60% of the difference between the fair value of assets and the expected calculated value in the first year and 10% of that difference over each of the next four years. The discount rate assumption is established for each of the retirement-related benefit plans at their respective measurement dates. In the U.S. we use a cash flow matching approach that uses projected cash flows matched to spot rates along a high quality corporate bond yield curve to determine the present value of cash flows to calculate a single equivalent discount rate. Effective 2016 we applied the individual annual yield curve rates instead of the single equivalent discount rate to determine the service cost and interest cost for our pension and OPEB plans. This refinement more specifically links the cash flows related to service cost and interest cost to bonds maturing in their year of payment. The benefit obligation for pension plans in Canada, the U.K. and Germany represents 91% of the non-U.S. pension benefit obligation at December 31, 2016. The discount rates for plans in Canada, the U.K. and Germany are determined using a cash flow matching approach similar to the U.S. approach. Plan Asset Valuation Due to the lack of timely available market information for certain investments in the asset classes described below as well as the inherent uncertainty of valuation, reported fair values may differ from fair values that would have been used had timely available market information been available. Common and Preferred Stock Common and preferred stock for which market prices are readily available at the measurement date are valued at the last reported sale price or official closing price on the primary market or exchange on which they are actively traded and are classified in Level 1. Such equity securities for which the market is not considered to be active are valued via the use of observable inputs, which may include, among others, the use of adjusted market prices last available, bids or last available sales prices and/or other observable inputs and are classified in Level 2. Common and preferred stock classified in Level 3 are privately issued securities or other issues that are valued via the use of valuation models using significant unobservable inputs that generally consider, among others, aged (stale) pricing, earnings multiples, discounted cash flows and/or other qualitative and quantitative factors. Debt Securities Valuations for debt securities are based on quotations received from independent pricing services or from dealers who make markets in such securities. Debt securities priced via pricing services that utilize matrix pricing which considers readily observable inputs such as the yield or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type as well as dealer supplied prices, are classified in Level 2. Debt securities that are typically priced by dealers and pricing services via the use of proprietary pricing models which incorporate significant unobservable inputs are classified in Level 3. These inputs primarily consist of yield and credit spread assumptions, discount rates, prepayment curves, default assumptions and recovery rates. Investment Funds, Private Equity and Debt Investments and Real Estate Investments Investment funds, private equity and debt investments and real estate investments are valued based on the Net Asset Value (NAV) per Share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient to estimate fair value due to the absence of readily available market prices. NAV's are provided by the respective investment sponsors or investment advisers and are subsequently reviewed and approved by management. In the event management concludes a reported NAV does not reflect fair value or is not determined as of the financial reporting measurement date, we will consider whether and when deemed necessary to make an adjustment at the balance sheet date. In determining whether an adjustment to the external valuation is required, we will review material factors that could affect the valuation, such as changes in the composition or performance of the underlying investments or comparable investments, overall market conditions, expected sale prices for private investments which are probable of being sold in the short-term and other economic factors that may possibly have a favorable or unfavorable effect on the reported external valuation. Stock Incentive Plans Our stock incentive plans include RSUs, RSAs, Performance Share Units (PSUs) and stock options. We measure and record compensation expense based on the fair value of our common stock on the date of grant for RSUs, RSAs and PSUs and the grant date fair value of stock options determined utilizing a lattice model or the Black-Scholes-Merton formula. Compensation cost for awards that do not have an established accounting grant date is based on the fair value of our common stock at the end of each reporting period. We record compensation cost for RSUs, RSAs and PSUs on a straight-line basis over the entire vesting period, or for retirement eligible employees over the requisite service period. We use the graded vesting method to record compensation cost for stock options over the lesser of the vesting period or the time period an employee becomes eligible to retain the award at retirement. The liability for stock incentive plan awards settled in cash is remeasured to fair value at the end of each reporting period. Product Warranty and Recall Campaigns The estimated costs related to product warranties are accrued at the time products are sold and are charged to Automotive cost of sales. These estimates are established using historical information on the nature, frequency and average cost of claims of each vehicle line or each model year of the vehicle line and assumptions about future activity and events. Revisions are made when necessary and are based on changes in these factors. The estimated costs related to recall campaigns are generally accrued at the time of vehicle sale in GMNA by applying a frequency times severity approach that considers the number of historical recall campaigns, the number of vehicles per recall campaign, the estimated number of vehicles to be repaired and the cost per vehicle for each recall campaign. The estimated costs associated with recall campaigns in other geographical regions are accrued when probable and estimable using the estimated costs of repairs and the estimated number of vehicles to be repaired. Costs associated with recall campaigns are charged to Automotive cost of sales. Revisions are made when necessary based on changes in these factors. Income Taxes The liability method is used in accounting for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements using the statutory tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recorded in the results of operations in the period that includes the enactment date under the law. Deferred income tax assets are evaluated quarterly to determine if valuation allowances are required or should be adjusted. We establish valuation allowances for deferred tax assets based on a more likely than not standard. The ability to realize deferred tax assets depends on the ability to generate sufficient taxable income within the carryback or carryforward periods provided for in the tax law for each applicable tax jurisdiction. The assessment regarding whether a valuation allowance is required or should be adjusted also considers all available positive and negative evidence factors. It is difficult to conclude a valuation allowance is not required when there is significant objective and verifiable negative evidence, such as cumulative losses in recent years. We utilize a rolling three years of actual and current year results as the primary measure of cumulative losses in recent years. Income tax expense (benefit) for the year is allocated between continuing operations and other categories of income such as Other comprehensive income (loss). In periods in which there is a pre-tax loss from continuing operations and pre-tax income in another income category, the tax benefit allocated to continuing operations is determined by taking into account the pre-tax income of other categories. We record uncertain tax positions on the basis of a two-step process whereby we determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained based on the technical merits of the position, and for those tax positions that meet the more likely than not recognition, we recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. We record interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions in Income tax expense (benefit). Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation The assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries that use the local currency as their functional currency are translated to U.S. Dollars based on the current exchange rate prevailing at each balance sheet date and any resulting translation adjustments are included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss. The assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries whose local currency is not their functional currency are remeasured from their local currency to their functional currency and then translated to U.S. Dollars. Revenues and expenses are translated into U.S. Dollars using the average exchange rates prevailing for each period presented. Gains and losses arising from foreign currency transactions and the effects of remeasurements discussed in the preceding paragraph are recorded in Automotive cost of sales and GM Financial interest, operating and other expenses unless related to Automotive debt, which are recorded in Interest income and other non-operating income, net. Foreign currency transaction and remeasurement losses were $358 million, $829 million and $437 million in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative financial instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of each derivative financial instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as an accounting hedge, as well as the type of hedging relationship identified. Derivative instruments are not used for trading or speculative purposes. Automotive We utilize options, swaps and forward contracts to manage foreign currency and commodity price risks. The change in fair value of option and forward contracts not designated as hedges is recorded in Interest income and other non-operating income, net. Cash flows for all derivative financial instruments are classified in cash flows from operating activities. At December 31, 2016 and 2015 we had derivative instruments not designated as hedges in asset positions with notional amounts of $5.7 billion and $6.8 billion and in liability positions with notional amounts of $651 million and $264 million. The fair value of these derivative instruments was insignificant at December 31, 2016 and 2015. Certain foreign currency and commodity forward contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges. The risk being hedged is the foreign currency and commodity price risk related to forecasted transactions. If the contract has been designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the cash flow hedge is deferred in Accumulated other comprehensive loss and is recognized in Automotive cost of sales when the hedged item affects earnings. Any ineffective portion is recorded in Automotive cost of sales in the period of remeasurement. At December 31, 2016 the notional amount of these derivative instruments in asset positions was $909 million and was insignificant at December 31, 2015. The fair value of these derivative instruments was insignificant at December 31, 2016 and 2015. Automotive Financing - GM Financial GM Financial utilizes interest rate option and swap agreements to manage interest rate risk and foreign currency swap agreements to manage foreign currency risk. The change in fair value of the option and swap agreements not designated as hedges is recorded in GM Financial interest, operating and other expenses. Cash flows for all derivative financial instruments are classified in cash flows from operating activities. At December 31, 2016 and 2015 GM Financial had derivative instruments not designated as hedges in asset positions with notional amounts of $20.7 billion and $11.9 billion and liability positions with notional amounts of $20.6 billion and $13.9 billion. The fair value of these derivatives was insignificant at December 31, 2016 and 2015. Certain interest rate swap agreements have been designated as fair value hedges of fixed-rate debt. At December 31, 2016 and 2015 the notional amounts of these instruments in liability positions were $7.7 billion and $1.0 billion. The fair value of these derivative instruments in liability positions was $276 million at December 31, 2016 and was insignificant at December 31, 2015. The risk being hedged is the risk of changes in the fair value of the hedged debt attributable to changes in the benchmark interest rate. If the swap has been designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the hedged debt are recorded in Interest expense. The change in fair value of the related derivative (excluding accrued interest) is also recorded in Interest expense. Beginning in 2016 certain interest rate swap and foreign currency swap agreements have been designated as cash flow hedges. At December 31, 2016 the notional amount of these designated instruments in asset positions was $3.5 billion and in liability positions was $2.1 billion. The fair value of these derivative instruments was insignificant at December 31, 2016. The risk being hedged is the foreign currency and interest rate risk related to forecasted transactions. If the contract has been designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the cash flow hedge is deferred in Accumulated other comprehensive loss and is recognized in GM Financial interest, operating and other expenses when the hedged item affects earnings. Any ineffective portion is recorded in GM Financial interest, operating and other expenses in the period of remeasurement. The gains or losses on all derivative instruments included in the consolidated income statements and Accumulated other comprehensive loss were insignificant in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Effective January 1, 2016 we retrospectively adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015-17, "Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes", which requires all deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as non-current. As a result current Deferred income taxes and Accrued liabilities decreased by $8.6 billion and $249 million and non-current Deferred income taxes increased by $8.4 billion at December 31, 2015 in our consolidated balance sheets. In November 2016 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2016-18, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash" (ASU 2016-18), which clarifies the presentation of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statements of cash flows. Under ASU 2016-18 restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents are included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statements of cash flows. We adopted ASU 2016-18 during the three months ended December 31, 2016 on a retrospective basis. As a result Net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $287 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 and increased by an insignificant amount in the year ended December 31, 2014. Net cash used in investing activities decreased by $325 million and $339 million in the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 and beginning-of-period cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash increased by $2.1 billion, $2.2 billion and $2.0 billion in 2016, 2015 and 2014. Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted In May 2014 the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (ASU 2014-09), which requires us to recognize revenue when a customer obtains control rather than when we have transferred substantially all risks and rewards of a good or service and requires expanded disclosures. ASU 2014-09, as amended, is effective for us beginning January 1, 2018. ASU 2014-09 will affect the amount and timing of certain revenue related transactions primarily resulting from the earlier recognition of certain sales incentives and fixed fee license arrangements. Upon adoption of ASU 2014-09 sales incentives will be recorded at the time of sale rather than at the later of sale or announcement and fixed fee license arrangements will be recognized when the customer is granted access to intellectual property instead of over the contract period. Certain transactions with daily rental car companies may also qualify to be accounted for as a sale as opposed to the current accounting as an operating lease. We have not yet determined whether we will adopt the provisions of ASU 2014-09 on a retrospective basis or through a cumulative adjustment to equity. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-09 to be material to our consolidated financial statements. We continue to assess the overall impact the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements, and anticipate testing our new controls and processes designed to comply with ASU 2014-09 throughout 2017 to permit adoption by January 1, 2018. In January 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (ASU 2016-01), which requires, among other items, equity investments that are not accounted for under the equity method of accounting to be measured at fair value with changes recognized in net income and updates certain presentation and disclosure requirements. ASU 2016-01 is effective for us beginning January 1, 2018. At December 31, 2016 the carrying value of equity investments that are not accounted for under the equity method of accounting totaled $526 million and unrealized gains or losses were insignificant. Currently we do not believe the adoption of ASU 2016-01 will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, however changes in future market conditions and equity investment balances prior to the implementation date will affect the impact the adoption may have on our consolidated financial statements. In February 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases" (ASU 2016-02), which requires us as the lessee to recognize most leases on the balance sheet thereby resulting in the recognition of lease assets and liabilities for those leases currently classified as operating leases. The accounting for leases where we are the lessor remains largely unchanged. ASU 2016-02 is effective for us beginning January 1, 2019 with early adoption permitted. While we are currently assessing the impact ASU 2016-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements, we expect the primary impact to our consolidated financial position upon adoption will be the recognition, on a discounted basis, of our minimum commitments under noncancelable operating leases on our consolidated balance sheets resulting in the recording of right of use assets and lease obligations. Our current minimum commitments under noncancelable operating leases are disclosed in Note 15. In June 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments" (ASU 2016-13), that requires entities to use a new impairment model based on expected losses. Under this new model an entity would recognize an impairment allowance equal to its current estimate of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost. ASU 2016-13 is effective for us beginning January 1, 2020 with early adoption permitted January 1, 2019. Credit losses under the new model will consider relevant information about past events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts, resulting in recognition of lifetime expected credit losses by GM Financial upon loan origination as compared to our current accounting that recognizes credit losses as incurred. We are currently evaluating new processes to calculate credit losses in accordance with ASU 2016-13 that, once completed, will determine the impact on our consolidated financial statements which at the date of adoption will increase the allowance for credit losses with a resulting negative adjustment to retained earnings.

Significant Accounting Policies

The accounting policies which follow are utilized by our automotive and automotive financing operations, unless otherwise indicated.

Revenue Recognition

Automotive Automotive net sales and revenue primarily consist of revenue generated from the sale of vehicles. Vehicle sales are recorded when title and risks and rewards of ownership have passed to our customers. For the majority of our automotive sales this occurs when a vehicle is released to the carrier responsible for transporting it to a dealer and when collectability is reasonably assured. Vehicle sales are recorded when the vehicle is delivered to the dealer in most remaining cases. Provisions for recurring or announced dealer and customer sales and leasing incentives, consisting of allowances and rebates, are recorded as reductions to Automotive net sales and revenue at the time of vehicle sale. All other incentives, allowances and rebates related to vehicles previously sold are recorded as reductions to Automotive net sales and revenue when announced. Taxes assessed by various government entities, such as sales, use and value-added taxes, collected at the time of sale are excluded from Automotive net sales and revenue.

Vehicle sales to daily rental car companies with guaranteed repurchase obligations are accounted for as operating leases. Estimated lease revenue is recorded ratably over the estimated term of the lease based on the difference between net sales proceeds and the guaranteed repurchase amount. The difference between the cost of the vehicle and estimated residual value is depreciated on a straight-line basis over the estimated term of the lease.

Automotive Financing - GM Financial Finance charge income earned on receivables is recognized using the effective interest method. Fees and commissions (including incentive payments) received and direct costs of originating loans are deferred and amortized over the term of the related finance receivables using the effective interest method and are removed from the consolidated balance sheets when the related finance receivables are sold, charged off or paid in full. Accrual of finance charge income on retail finance receivables is generally suspended on accounts that are more than 60 days delinquent, accounts in bankruptcy and accounts in repossession. Payments received on nonaccrual loans are first applied to any fees due, then to any interest due and then any remaining amounts are recorded to principal. Interest accrual generally resumes once an account has received payments bringing the delinquency to less than 60 days past due. Accrual of finance charge income on commercial finance receivables is generally suspended on accounts that are more than 90 days delinquent, upon receipt of a bankruptcy notice from a borrower, or where reasonable doubt exists about the full collectability of contractually agreed upon principal and interest. Payments received on nonaccrual loans are first applied to principal. Interest accrual resumes once an account has received payments bringing the account fully current and collection of contractual principal and interest is reasonably assured (including amounts previously charged off).

Income from operating lease assets, which includes lease origination fees, net of lease origination costs and incentives, is recorded as operating lease revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease agreement.

Advertising and Promotion Expenditures Advertising and promotion expenditures, which are expensed as incurred in Automotive selling, general and administrative expense, were $5.3 billion, $5.1 billion and $5.2 billion in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

Research and Development Expenditures Research and development expenditures, which are expensed as incurred in Automotive cost of sales, were $8.1 billion, $7.5 billion and $7.4 billion in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash Cash equivalents are defined as short-term, highly-liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less. Cash and cash equivalents subject to contractual restrictions and not readily available are classified as restricted cash. We are required to post cash as collateral as part of certain agreements that we enter into as part of our operations. Restricted cash is invested in accordance with the terms of the underlying agreements and include amounts related to various deposits, escrows and other cash collateral. Restricted cash is included in Other current assets and Other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.

Fair Value Measurements A three-level valuation hierarchy, based upon observable and unobservable inputs, is used for fair value measurements. Observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect market assumptions based on the best evidence available. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy: Level 1 - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets; Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations whose significant inputs are observable; and Level 3 - Instruments whose significant inputs are unobservable. Financial instruments are transferred in and/or out of Level 1, 2 or 3 at the beginning of the accounting period in which there is a change in the valuation inputs.

Marketable Securities We classify marketable securities as available-for-sale or trading. Various factors, including turnover of holdings and investment guidelines, are considered in determining the classification of securities. Available-for-sale securities are recorded at fair value with unrealized gains and losses recorded net of related income taxes in Accumulated other comprehensive loss until realized. Trading securities are recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded in Interest income and other non-operating income, net. We determine realized gains and losses for all securities using the specific identification method.

We measure the fair value of our marketable securities using a market approach where identical or comparable prices are available and an income approach in other cases. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values of securities are determined using prices from a pricing service, pricing models, quoted prices of securities with similar characteristics or discounted cash flow models. These prices represent non-binding quotes. Our pricing service utilizes industry-standard pricing models that consider various inputs. We conduct an annual review of our pricing service and believe the prices received from our pricing service are a reliable representation of exit prices.

An evaluation is made quarterly to determine if unrealized losses related to non-trading investments in securities are other-than-temporary. Factors considered include the length of time and extent to which the fair value has been below cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer and the intent to sell or likelihood to be forced to sell the security before any anticipated recovery.

GM Financial Receivables Finance receivables are carried at amortized cost, net of allowance for loan losses. The component of the allowance for retail finance receivables that is collectively evaluated for impairment is based on a statistical calculation which is supplemented by management judgment. GM Financial uses a combination of forecasting models to determine the allowance for loan losses. Factors that are considered when estimating the allowance include historical delinquency migration to loss, probability of default and loss given default. The loss confirmation period is a key assumption within the models and represents the average amount of time from when a loss event first occurs to when the receivable is charged off. GM Financial also considers an evaluation of overall portfolio credit quality based on various indicators.

Retail finance receivables that become classified as troubled debt restructurings (TDRs) are separately assessed for impairment. A specific allowance is estimated based on the present value of the expected future cash flows of the receivable discounted at the loan's original effective interest rate. Finance charge income from loans classified as TDRs is accounted for in the same manner as other accruing loans. Cash collections on these loans are allocated according to the same payment hierarchy methodology applied to loans that are not classified as TDRs.

Retail finance receivables are generally charged off in the month in which the account becomes 120 days contractually delinquent if GM Financial has not yet recorded a repossession charge-off. A charge-off generally represents the difference between the estimated net sales proceeds and the amount of the contract, including accrued interest.

Inventories Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business less cost to sell, and considers general market and economic conditions, periodic reviews of current profitability of vehicles, product warranty costs and the effect of current and expected incentive offers at the balance sheet date. Net realizable value for off-lease and other vehicles is current auction sales proceeds less disposal and warranty costs. Productive material, work in process, supplies and service parts are reviewed to determine if inventory quantities are in excess of forecasted usage or if they have become obsolete.

Equipment on Operating Leases Equipment on operating leases, net is reported at cost, less accumulated depreciation and impairment, net of origination fees or costs and lease incentives. Estimated income from operating lease assets, which includes lease origination fees, net of lease origination costs, is recorded as operating lease revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease agreement. Leased vehicles are depreciated on a straight-line basis to an estimated residual value over the term of the lease agreements.

We have significant investments in vehicle operating lease portfolios, which consist of vehicle leases to retail customers with lease terms of two to five years and vehicles leased to rental car companies with lease terms that average eight months. We are exposed to changes in the residual values of these assets. For impairment purposes the residual values represent estimates of the values of the vehicles leased at the end of the lease contracts and are determined based on forecasted auction proceeds when there is a reliable basis to make such a determination. Realization of the residual values is dependent on the future ability to market the vehicles under prevailing market conditions. The adequacy of the estimate of the residual value is evaluated over the life of the lease and adjustments may be made to the extent the expected value of the vehicle at lease termination changes. Adjustments may be in the form of revisions to the depreciation rate or recognition of an impairment charge. Impairment is determined to exist if an impairment indicator exists and the expected future cash flows, which include estimated residual values, are lower than the carrying amount of the vehicles leased. If the carrying amount is considered impaired an impairment charge is recorded for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds fair value. Fair value is determined primarily using the anticipated cash flows, including estimated residual values.

In our automotive operations when a leased vehicle is returned the asset is reclassified from Equipment on operating leases, net to Inventories at the lower of cost or estimated selling price, less cost to sell. Upon disposition, proceeds are recorded in Automotive net sales and revenue and costs are recorded in Automotive cost of sales. In our automotive finance operations when a leased vehicle is returned or repossessed the asset is recorded in Other assets at the lower of cost or estimated selling price, less costs to sell. Upon disposition a gain or loss is recorded in GM Financial interest, operating and other expenses for any difference between the net book value of the leased asset and the proceeds from the disposition of the asset.

Depreciation expense and impairment charges related to Equipment on operating leases, net are recorded in Automotive cost of sales or GM Financial interest, operating and other expenses.

Valuation of Cost and Equity Method Investments When events and circumstances warrant, investments accounted for under the cost or equity method of accounting are evaluated for impairment. An impairment charge is recorded whenever a decline in value of an investment below its carrying amount is determined to be other-than-temporary. Impairment charges related to equity method investments are recorded in Equity income. Impairment charges related to cost method investments are recorded in Interest income and other non-operating income, net.

Property, net Property, plant and equipment, including internal use software, is recorded at cost. Major improvements that extend the useful life or add functionality are capitalized. The gross amount of assets under capital leases is included in property, plant and equipment. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. We depreciate all depreciable property using the straight-line method. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the period of lease or the life of the asset, whichever is shorter. The amortization of the assets under capital leases is included in depreciation expense. Upon retirement or disposition of property, plant and equipment, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated and any resulting gain or loss is recorded in earnings. Impairment charges related to property are recorded in Automotive cost of sales, Automotive selling, general and administrative expense or GM Financial interest, operating and other expenses.

Special Tools Special tools represent product-specific powertrain and non-powertrain related tools, dies, molds and other items used in the vehicle manufacturing process. Expenditures for special tools are recorded at cost and are capitalized. We amortize special tools over their estimated useful lives using the straight-line method or an accelerated amortization method based on their historical and estimated production volume. Impairment charges related to special tools are recorded in Automotive cost of sales.

Goodwill Goodwill is tested for impairment annually on October 1 or when events occur or circumstances change that would trigger such a review. A two-step impairment test is used to identify potential goodwill impairment. Impairment exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value. When performing our goodwill impairment testing, the fair values of our reporting units are determined based on valuation techniques using the best available information, primarily discounted cash flow projections. Because the fair value of goodwill can be measured only as a residual amount and cannot be determined directly we calculate the implied goodwill for those reporting units failing Step 1 in the same manner that goodwill is recognized in a business combination pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 805.

Intangible Assets, net Intangible assets, excluding goodwill, primarily include brand names, technology and intellectual property, customer relationships and dealer networks. Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line or an accelerated method of amortization over their estimated useful lives. An accelerated amortization method reflecting the pattern in which the asset will be consumed is utilized if that pattern can be reliably determined. We consider the period of expected cash flows and underlying data used to measure the fair value of the intangible assets when selecting a useful life. Impairment charges related to intangible assets are recorded in Automotive selling, general and administrative expense or Automotive cost of sales. Amortization of developed technology and intellectual property is recorded in Automotive cost of sales. Amortization of brand names, customer relationships and our dealer networks is recorded in Automotive selling, general and administrative expense or GM Financial interest, operating and other expenses.

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets The carrying amount of long-lived assets and finite-lived intangible assets to be held and used in the business are evaluated for impairment when events and circumstances warrant. If the carrying amount of a long-lived asset group is considered impaired, a loss is recorded based on the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds fair value. Product-specific long-lived asset groups and non-product specific long-lived assets are separately tested for impairment on an asset group basis. Fair value is determined using either the market or sales comparison approach, cost approach or anticipated cash flows discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk involved. Long-lived assets to be disposed of other than by sale are considered held for use until disposition.

Pension and OPEB Plans

Attribution, Methods and Assumptions The cost of benefits provided by defined benefit pension plans is recorded in the period employees provide service. The cost of pension plan amendments that provide for benefits already earned by plan participants is amortized over the expected period of benefit which may be the duration of the applicable collective bargaining agreement specific to the plan, the expected future working lifetime or the life expectancy of the plan participants.

The cost of medical, dental, legal service and life insurance benefits provided through postretirement benefit plans is recorded in the period employees provide service. The cost of postretirement plan amendments that provide for benefits already earned by plan participants is amortized over the expected period of benefit which may be the average period to full eligibility or the average life expectancy of the plan participants.

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 methodology recognizes 60% of the difference between the fair value of assets and the expected calculated value in the first year and 10% of that difference over each of the next four years.

The discount rate assumption is established for each of the retirement-related benefit plans at their respective measurement dates. In the U.S. we use a cash flow matching approach that uses projected cash flows matched to spot rates along a high quality corporate bond yield curve to determine the present value of cash flows to calculate a single equivalent discount rate. Effective 2016 we applied the individual annual yield curve rates instead of the single equivalent discount rate to determine the service cost and interest cost for our pension and OPEB plans. This refinement more specifically links the cash flows related to service cost and interest cost to bonds maturing in their year of payment.

The benefit obligation for pension plans in Canada, the U.K. and Germany represents 91% of the non-U.S. pension benefit obligation at December 31, 2016. The discount rates for plans in Canada, the U.K. and Germany are determined using a cash flow matching approach similar to the U.S. approach.

Plan Asset Valuation Due to the lack of timely available market information for certain investments in the asset classes described below as well as the inherent uncertainty of valuation, reported fair values may differ from fair values that would have been used had timely available market information been available.

Common and Preferred Stock Common and preferred stock for which market prices are readily available at the measurement date are valued at the last reported sale price or official closing price on the primary market or exchange on which they are actively traded and are classified in Level 1. Such equity securities for which the market is not considered to be active are valued via the use of observable inputs, which may include, among others, the use of adjusted market prices last available, bids or last available sales prices and/or other observable inputs and are classified in Level 2. Common and preferred stock classified in Level 3 are privately issued securities or other issues that are valued via the use of valuation models using significant unobservable inputs that generally consider, among others, aged (stale) pricing, earnings multiples, discounted cash flows and/or other qualitative and quantitative factors.

Debt Securities Valuations for debt securities are based on quotations received from independent pricing services or from dealers who make markets in such securities. Debt securities priced via pricing services that utilize matrix pricing which considers readily observable inputs such as the yield or price of bonds of comparable quality, coupon, maturity and type as well as dealer supplied prices, are classified in Level 2. Debt securities that are typically priced by dealers and pricing services via the use of proprietary pricing models which incorporate significant unobservable inputs are classified in Level 3. These inputs primarily consist of yield and credit spread assumptions, discount rates, prepayment curves, default assumptions and recovery rates.

Investment Funds, Private Equity and Debt Investments and Real Estate Investments Investment funds, private equity and debt investments and real estate investments are valued based on the Net Asset Value (NAV) per Share (or its equivalent) as a practical expedient to estimate fair value due to the absence of readily available market prices.

NAV's are provided by the respective investment sponsors or investment advisers and are subsequently reviewed and approved by management. In the event management concludes a reported NAV does not reflect fair value or is not determined as of the financial reporting measurement date, we will consider whether and when deemed necessary to make an adjustment at the balance sheet date. In determining whether an adjustment to the external valuation is required, we will review material factors that could affect the valuation, such as changes in the composition or performance of the underlying investments or comparable investments, overall market conditions, expected sale prices for private investments which are probable of being sold in the short-term and other economic factors that may possibly have a favorable or unfavorable effect on the reported external valuation.

Stock Incentive Plans Our stock incentive plans include RSUs, RSAs, Performance Share Units (PSUs) and stock options. We measure and record compensation expense based on the fair value of our common stock on the date of grant for RSUs, RSAs and PSUs and the grant date fair value of stock options determined utilizing a lattice model or the Black-Scholes-Merton formula. Compensation cost for awards that do not have an established accounting grant date is based on the fair value of our common stock at the end of each reporting period. We record compensation cost for RSUs, RSAs and PSUs on a straight-line basis over the entire vesting period, or for retirement eligible employees over the requisite service period. We use the graded vesting method to record compensation cost for stock options over the lesser of the vesting period or the time period an employee becomes eligible to retain the award at retirement. The liability for stock incentive plan awards settled in cash is remeasured to fair value at the end of each reporting period.

Product Warranty and Recall Campaigns The estimated costs related to product warranties are accrued at the time products are sold and are charged to Automotive cost of sales. These estimates are established using historical information on the nature, frequency and average cost of claims of each vehicle line or each model year of the vehicle line and assumptions about future activity and events. Revisions are made when necessary and are based on changes in these factors.

The estimated costs related to recall campaigns are generally accrued at the time of vehicle sale in GMNA by applying a frequency times severity approach that considers the number of historical recall campaigns, the number of vehicles per recall campaign, the estimated number of vehicles to be repaired and the cost per vehicle for each recall campaign. The estimated costs associated with recall campaigns in other geographical regions are accrued when probable and estimable using the estimated costs of repairs and the estimated number of vehicles to be repaired. Costs associated with recall campaigns are charged to Automotive cost of sales. Revisions are made when necessary based on changes in these factors.

Income Taxes The liability method is used in accounting for income taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded for temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements using the statutory tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recorded in the results of operations in the period that includes the enactment date under the law.

Deferred income tax assets are evaluated quarterly to determine if valuation allowances are required or should be adjusted. We establish valuation allowances for deferred tax assets based on a more likely than not standard. The ability to realize deferred tax assets depends on the ability to generate sufficient taxable income within the carryback or carryforward periods provided for in the tax law for each applicable tax jurisdiction. The assessment regarding whether a valuation allowance is required or should be adjusted also considers all available positive and negative evidence factors. It is difficult to conclude a valuation allowance is not required when there is significant objective and verifiable negative evidence, such as cumulative losses in recent years. We utilize a rolling three years of actual and current year results as the primary measure of cumulative losses in recent years.

Income tax expense (benefit) for the year is allocated between continuing operations and other categories of income such as Other comprehensive income (loss). In periods in which there is a pre-tax loss from continuing operations and pre-tax income in another income category, the tax benefit allocated to continuing operations is determined by taking into account the pre-tax income of other categories.

We record uncertain tax positions on the basis of a two-step process whereby we determine whether it is more likely than not that the tax positions will be sustained based on the technical merits of the position, and for those tax positions that meet the more likely than not recognition, we recognize the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely to be realized upon ultimate settlement with the related tax authority. We record interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions in Income tax expense (benefit).

Foreign Currency Transactions and Translation The assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries that use the local currency as their functional currency are translated to U.S. Dollars based on the current exchange rate prevailing at each balance sheet date and any resulting translation adjustments are included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss. The assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries whose local currency is not their functional currency are remeasured from their local currency to their functional currency and then translated to U.S. Dollars. Revenues and expenses are translated into U.S. Dollars using the average exchange rates prevailing for each period presented.

Gains and losses arising from foreign currency transactions and the effects of remeasurements discussed in the preceding paragraph are recorded in Automotive cost of sales and GM Financial interest, operating and other expenses unless related to Automotive debt, which are recorded in Interest income and other non-operating income, net. Foreign currency transaction and remeasurement losses were $358 million, $829 million and $437 million in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative financial instruments are recognized as either assets or liabilities at fair value. The accounting for changes in the fair value of each derivative financial instrument depends on whether it has been designated and qualifies as an accounting hedge, as well as the type of hedging relationship identified. Derivative instruments are not used for trading or speculative purposes.

Automotive We utilize options, swaps and forward contracts to manage foreign currency and commodity price risks. The change in fair value of option and forward contracts not designated as hedges is recorded in Interest income and other non-operating income, net. Cash flows for all derivative financial instruments are classified in cash flows from operating activities. At December 31, 2016 and 2015 we had derivative instruments not designated as hedges in asset positions with notional amounts of $5.7 billion and $6.8 billion and in liability positions with notional amounts of $651 million and $264 million. The fair value of these derivative instruments was insignificant at December 31, 2016 and 2015.

Certain foreign currency and commodity forward contracts have been designated as cash flow hedges. The risk being hedged is the foreign currency and commodity price risk related to forecasted transactions. If the contract has been designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the cash flow hedge is deferred in Accumulated other comprehensive loss and is recognized in Automotive cost of sales when the hedged item affects earnings. Any ineffective portion is recorded in Automotive cost of sales in the period of remeasurement. At December 31, 2016 the notional amount of these derivative instruments in asset positions was $909 million and was insignificant at December 31, 2015. The fair value of these derivative instruments was insignificant at December 31, 2016 and 2015.

Automotive Financing - GM Financial GM Financial utilizes interest rate option and swap agreements to manage interest rate risk and foreign currency swap agreements to manage foreign currency risk. The change in fair value of the option and swap agreements not designated as hedges is recorded in GM Financial interest, operating and other expenses. Cash flows for all derivative financial instruments are classified in cash flows from operating activities. At December 31, 2016 and 2015 GM Financial had derivative instruments not designated as hedges in asset positions with notional amounts of $20.7 billion and $11.9 billion and liability positions with notional amounts of $20.6 billion and $13.9 billion. The fair value of these derivatives was insignificant at December 31, 2016 and 2015.

Certain interest rate swap agreements have been designated as fair value hedges of fixed-rate debt. At December 31, 2016 and 2015 the notional amounts of these instruments in liability positions were $7.7 billion and $1.0 billion. The fair value of these derivative instruments in liability positions was $276 million at December 31, 2016 and was insignificant at December 31, 2015. The risk being hedged is the risk of changes in the fair value of the hedged debt attributable to changes in the benchmark interest rate. If the swap has been designated as a fair value hedge, the changes in the fair value of the hedged debt are recorded in Interest expense. The change in fair value of the related derivative (excluding accrued interest) is also recorded in Interest expense.

Beginning in 2016 certain interest rate swap and foreign currency swap agreements have been designated as cash flow hedges. At December 31, 2016 the notional amount of these designated instruments in asset positions was $3.5 billion and in liability positions was $2.1 billion. The fair value of these derivative instruments was insignificant at December 31, 2016. The risk being hedged is the foreign currency and interest rate risk related to forecasted transactions. If the contract has been designated as a cash flow hedge, the effective portion of changes in the fair value of the cash flow hedge is deferred in Accumulated other comprehensive loss and is recognized in GM Financial interest, operating and other expenses when the hedged item affects earnings. Any ineffective portion is recorded in GM Financial interest, operating and other expenses in the period of remeasurement.

The gains or losses on all derivative instruments included in the consolidated income statements and Accumulated other comprehensive loss were insignificant in the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards Effective January 1, 2016 we retrospectively adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015-17, "Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes", which requires all deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as non-current. As a result current Deferred income taxes and Accrued liabilities decreased by $8.6 billion and $249 million and non-current Deferred income taxes increased by $8.4 billion at December 31, 2015 in our consolidated balance sheets.

In November 2016 the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2016-18, "Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash" (ASU 2016-18), which clarifies the presentation of restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statements of cash flows. Under ASU 2016-18 restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents are included with cash and cash equivalents when reconciling the beginning-of-period and end-of-period total amounts shown on the statements of cash flows. We adopted ASU 2016-18 during the three months ended December 31, 2016 on a retrospective basis. As a result Net cash provided by operating activities decreased by $287 million in the year ended December 31, 2015 and increased by an insignificant amount in the year ended December 31, 2014. Net cash used in investing activities decreased by $325 million and $339 million in the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 and beginning-of-period cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash increased by $2.1 billion, $2.2 billion and $2.0 billion in 2016, 2015 and 2014.

Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted In May 2014 the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (ASU 2014-09), which requires us to recognize revenue when a customer obtains control rather than when we have transferred substantially all risks and rewards of a good or service and requires expanded disclosures. ASU 2014-09, as amended, is effective for us beginning January 1, 2018. ASU 2014-09 will affect the amount and timing of certain revenue related transactions primarily resulting from the earlier recognition of certain sales incentives and fixed fee license arrangements. Upon adoption of ASU 2014-09 sales incentives will be recorded at the time of sale rather than at the later of sale or announcement and fixed fee license arrangements will be recognized when the customer is granted access to intellectual property instead of over the contract period. Certain transactions with daily rental car companies may also qualify to be accounted for as a sale as opposed to the current accounting as an operating lease. We have not yet determined whether we will adopt the provisions of ASU 2014-09 on a retrospective basis or through a cumulative adjustment to equity. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2014-09 to be material to our consolidated financial statements. We continue to assess the overall impact the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will have on our consolidated financial statements, and anticipate testing our new controls and processes designed to comply with ASU 2014-09 throughout 2017 to permit adoption by January 1, 2018.

In January 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (ASU 2016-01), which requires, among other items, equity investments that are not accounted for under the equity method of accounting to be measured at fair value with changes recognized in net income and updates certain presentation and disclosure requirements. ASU 2016-01 is effective for us beginning January 1, 2018. At December 31, 2016 the carrying value of equity investments that are not accounted for under the equity method of accounting totaled $526 million and unrealized gains or losses were insignificant. Currently we do not believe the adoption of ASU 2016-01 will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, however changes in future market conditions and equity investment balances prior to the implementation date will affect the impact the adoption may have on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases" (ASU 2016-02), which requires us as the lessee to recognize most leases on the balance sheet thereby resulting in the recognition of lease assets and liabilities for those leases currently classified as operating leases. The accounting for leases where we are the lessor remains largely unchanged. ASU 2016-02 is effective for us beginning January 1, 2019 with early adoption permitted. While we are currently assessing the impact ASU 2016-02 will have on our consolidated financial statements, we expect the primary impact to our consolidated financial position upon adoption will be the recognition, on a discounted basis, of our minimum commitments under noncancelable operating leases on our consolidated balance sheets resulting in the recording of right of use assets and lease obligations. Our current minimum commitments under noncancelable operating leases are disclosed in Note 15.

In June 2016 the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments" (ASU 2016-13), that requires entities to use a new impairment model based on expected losses. Under this new model an entity would recognize an impairment allowance equal to its current estimate of credit losses on financial assets measured at amortized cost. ASU 2016-13 is effective for us beginning January 1, 2020 with early adoption permitted January 1, 2019. Credit losses under the new model will consider relevant information about past events, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts, resulting in recognition of lifetime expected credit losses by GM Financial upon loan origination as compared to our current accounting that recognizes credit losses as incurred. We are currently evaluating new processes to calculate credit losses in accordance with ASU 2016-13 that, once completed, will determine the impact on our consolidated financial statements which at the date of adoption will increase the allowance for credit losses with a resulting negative adjustment to retained earnings.