XML 76 R62.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT
v3.7.0.1

Commitments and Contingencies Litigation-Related Liability and Tax Administrative Matters (Details) CAD in Millions, $ in Millions |  |  |  |  |  | 6 Months Ended |  |  |  |  |
--- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
May 23, 2016 USD ($) | Sep. 16, 2015 USD ($) | Nov. 23, 2012 employee | Sep. 29, 2010 action employee | Feb. 12, 2010 dealer | Jun. 30, 2017 CAD attorney_general dealer shareholder | Jul. 17, 2017 action | Jun. 30, 2017 USD ($) case | Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) | Nov. 27, 2015 case | Nov. 26, 2015 case
Minimum [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Indirect tax-related escrow deposit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 200 |  |  |
Maximum [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Indirect tax-related escrow deposit |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 600 |  |  |
Indirect Tax Matters [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Estimate of possible loss |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 900 |  |  |
BRAZIL [Member] | Foreign Tax Authority [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Estimated potential recovery |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,400 |  |  |
Ignition Switch Recall Litigations [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of state attorneys general | attorney_general |  |  |  |  |  | 49 |  |  |  |  |
Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Economic-loss cases [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of pending claims | action |  |  |  |  |  |  | 100 |  |  |  |
Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Civil Actions Brought by Governmental Entities [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of pending claims | action |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2 |  |  |  |
Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Shareholder Derivative Action [Member] | Eastern District of Michigan [Member] | Consolidated Litigation [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of pending claims | case |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 3 |  |  |
Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Shareholder Derivative Action [Member] | Wayne County, Michigan [Member] | Consolidated Litigation [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of pending claims | case |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 2 |  |  |
Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Shareholder Class Action [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Litigation settlement amount | $ 300 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of shareholders filing an appeal | shareholder |  |  |  |  |  | 1 |  |  |  |  |
Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Investigation by the Office [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Damages paid |  | $ 900 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Prosecution deferral period |  | 3 years |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Period after the expiration of the period of deferral |  | 30 days |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
GM Canada Dealer Litigation [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of plaintiffs | dealer |  |  |  |  | 200 | 181 |  |  |  |  |
Damages sought | CAD |  |  |  |  |  | CAD 750 |  |  |  |  |
Korea Wage Litigation - Hourly [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of plaintiffs | employee |  |  |  | 10,000 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of group actions filed | action |  |  |  | 8 |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Number of employees in the case | employee |  |  | 5 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Estimate of possible loss |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 547 |  |  |
Korea Wage Litigation - Salaried [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Estimate of possible loss |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 167 |  |  |
Number of claims remanded | case |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | 1 | 1
Accrued liabilities and Other liabilities [Member] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Loss Contingencies [Line Items] |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Estimated litigation liability |  |  |  |  |  |  |  | $ 1,200 | $ 1,200 |  |

X
- Definition Represents the contingent indirect tax-related escrow deposit amount that may be required. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gm_IndirectTaxRelatedEscrowDeposit
Namespace Prefix: | gm_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The total number of claims remanded to lower courts, pertaining to litigation cases. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gm_LossContingencyClaimsRemandedNumber
Namespace Prefix: | gm_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Estimated potential recovery from the taxing authority. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gm_LossContingencyEstimatedPotentialRecoveryFromTaxingAuthority
Namespace Prefix: | gm_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Number of group actions that have been filed pertaining to a loss contingency. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gm_LossContingencyNumberOfGroupActions
Namespace Prefix: | gm_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The number of shareholders filing an appeal of the decision approving the settlement. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gm_LossContingencyNumberofShareholdersFilinganAppeal
Namespace Prefix: | gm_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Period after the expiration of deferral-of-prosecution period, during which a dismissal of the prosecution can occur. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gm_LossContingencyPeriodaftertheexpirationoftheperiodofdeferral
Namespace Prefix: | gm_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Term of the deferral-of-prosecution period. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gm_LossContingencyProsecutionDeferralPeriod
Namespace Prefix: | gm_
Data Type: | xbrli:durationItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of employee involved in the case related to which supreme court rendered its decision. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gm_NumberofEmployeeintheCase
Namespace Prefix: | gm_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of state attorney generals involved in inquiries, investigations, subpoenas and requests for information in connection with recalls. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | gm_StateAttorneyGeneralNumber
Namespace Prefix: | gm_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Aggregate carrying amount of the estimated litigation liability for known or estimated probable loss from litigation, which may include attorneys' fees and other litigation costs. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 450 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82911808&loc=d3e14326-108349 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 210 -SubTopic 10 -Section S99 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.25) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LitigationReserve
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition Amount awarded to other party in judgment or settlement of litigation. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmountAwardedToOtherParty
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Line items represent financial concepts included in a table. These concepts are used to disclose reportable information associated with domain members defined in one or many axes to the table. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Amount of damages paid to the plaintiff in the legal matter. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 450 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82911808&loc=d3e14326-108349 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 450 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82911808&loc=d3e14435-108349 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 450 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82911808&loc=d3e14557-108349 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LossContingencyDamagesPaidValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | credit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The value (monetary amount) of the award the plaintiff seeks in the legal matter. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 450 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82911808&loc=d3e14326-108349 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 450 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 9 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82911808&loc=d3e14557-108349 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 450 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82911808&loc=d3e14435-108349 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LossContingencyDamagesSoughtValue
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of plaintiffs that have filed claims pertaining to a loss contingency. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LossContingencyNumberOfPlaintiffs
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition Number of pending claims pertaining to a loss contingency. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 450 -SubTopic 20 -Section 50 -Paragraph 4 -Subparagraph (a) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=82911808&loc=d3e14435-108349 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LossContingencyPendingClaimsNumber
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:integerItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | instant

X
- Definition The difference between the maximum amount of estimated loss and the amount recorded as of the balance sheet date. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 450 -SubTopic 20 -Section 05 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6395354&loc=d3e12631-108344 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_LossContingencyRangeOfPossibleLossPortionNotAccrued
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type: | debit
Period Type: | instant

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_RangeAxis=us-gaap_MinimumMember
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_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis=gm_IndirectTaxMattersMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis=country_BR
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis=us-gaap_ForeignCountryMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis=gm_IgnitionSwitchRecallLitigationsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis=gm_IgnitionSwitchRecallLitigationsEconomicDamageMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_SubsequentEventTypeAxis=us-gaap_SubsequentEventMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis=gm_IgnitionSwitchRecallLitigationsCivilActionsMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis=gm_IgnitionSwitchRecallLitigationsShareholderDerivativeActionMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis=gm_EasternDistrictofMichiganMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LitigationStatusAxis=gm_ConsolidatedLitigationMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis=gm_WayneCountyMichiganMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis=gm_IgnitionSwitchRecallLitigationsShareholderClassActionMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis=gm_IgnitionSwitchRecallLitigationsInvestigationbytheOfficeMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis=gm_GMCanadaDealerLitigationMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis=gm_KoreaWageLitigationHourlyMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis=gm_KoreaWageLitigationSalariedMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis=gm_AccruedLiabilitiesCurrentandOtherLiabilitiesNoncurrentMember
Namespace Prefix: |
Data Type: | na
Balance Type: |
Period Type: |