Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Total productive material, supplies and work in process Inventory, Work in Process and Raw Materials, Net of Reserves Finished product, including service parts Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Total inventories Inventory, Net Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Preferred stock shares authorized (in shares) Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock shares authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common stock shares issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common stock shares outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Common shares purchased during period (in shares) Stock Repurchased During Period, Shares Common shares purchased during period Stock Repurchased During Period, Value Total dividends paid on common stock Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] SoftBank Investment Holdings [Member] SoftBank Investment Holdings Limited [Member] SoftBank Investment Holdings Limited [Member] Korea Development Bank [Member] Korea Development Bank [Member] Korea Development Bank [Member] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Axis] Class of Stock [Domain] Class of Stock [Domain] Convertible Preferred Shares [Member] Convertible Preferred Stock [Member] Class B Preferred Shares [Member] Class B Preferred Shares [Member] Class B Preferred Shares [Member] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] GM Cruise Holdings LLC [Member] GM Cruise Holdings LLC [Member] GM Cruise Holdings LLC [Member] GM Korea [Member] GM Korea [Member] GM Korea [Member] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Axis] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Guarantor Obligations, Nature [Domain] Financial Guarantee [Member] Financial Guarantee [Member] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Forecast [Member] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Class of Stock [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock Proceeds from Issuance of Convertible Preferred Stock Ownership interest Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Noncontrolling Owners Investment amount Payments to Acquire Interest in Subsidiaries and Affiliates Additional purchase amount Investment Agreement, Performance Agreement, Purchase Obligation Amount Investment Agreement, Performance Agreement, Purchase Obligation Amount Ownership interest after achievement of performance obligations Investment Agreement, Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Cumulative Percentage Ownership, After Future Events Investment Agreement, Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee, Cumulative Percentage Ownership, After Future Events Annual dividend rate Preferred Stock, Dividend Rate, Percentage Period to call preferred shares Preferred Stock, Redemption Features, Period to Call Preferred Stock, Redemption Features, Period to Call Preferred stock purchase arrangement Purchase Obligation Maximum financial guarantees Guarantor Obligations, Maximum Exposure, Undiscounted Planned capital expenditures Other Commitment Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Adjustments to sales incentives for previously recognized revenue Adjustments to Sales Incentives for Previously Recognized Revenue Adjustments to Sales Incentives for Previously Recognized Revenue Deferred revenue recognized Deferred Revenue, Revenue Recognized Deferred revenue expected to be recognized in the remainder of 2018 Deferred Revenue, Due in Remainder of Fiscal Year Deferred Revenue, Due in Remainder of Fiscal Year Deferred revenue expected to be recognized in 2019 Deferred Revenue, Due in Year Two Deferred Revenue, Due in Year Two Deferred revenue expected to be recognized in 2020 Deferred Revenue, Due in Year Three Deferred Revenue, Due in Year Three Deferred revenue expected to be recognized thereafter Deferred Revenue, Due Thereafter Deferred Revenue, Due Thereafter Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Reporting Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Group Consolidation Item [Axis] Group Consolidation Item [Axis] Information by components, eliminations and reconciling items used in consolidating a parent entity and its groups. Group Consolidation Item [Domain] Group Consolidation Item [Domain] Components, elimination, non-segment corporate-level activity and reconciling items used in consolidating a parent entity and its subsidiaries or its operating segments. Group [Member] Group [Member] Identifies components of an entity that represent groups of segments for reporting purposes. Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Corporate [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Eliminations [Member] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] GMNA [Member] GMNA [Member] Represents the GM North America region for segment consolidation. GMI [Member] GMI [Member] GMI [Member] GM Cruise [Member] GM Cruise Segment [Member] GM Cruise Segment [Member] GM Financial [Member] GM Financial Segment [Member] Represents the GM Financial segment. Business Group [Axis] Business Group [Axis] Information by reporting groups. Business Group [Domain] Business Group [Domain] [Domain] for Information by reporting groups. Automotive [Member] Automotive [Member] Represents the Automotive section for segment consolidation Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations [Member] Litigations filed related to ignition switch recalls. Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Separation Programs In South Africa And India [Member] Separation Programs In South Africa And India [Member] Separation Programs In South Africa And India [Member] Separation Programs In Venezuela [Member] Separation Programs In Venezuela [Member] Separation Programs In Venezuela [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Net sales and revenue Revenues Earnings (loss) before interest and taxes-adjusted Earnings (loss) before automotive interest and taxes-adjusted Earnings or loss from continuing operations attributable to the economic entity which may also be defined as revenue less expenses from ongoing operations, after income or loss from equity method investment and net of income or loss attributable to noncontrolling interest, but before adjustments that are not considered part of our core operations, automotive interest expense, corporate interest income, gain or loss on extinguishment of debt and income tax expense or benefit. Adjustments Adjustments Includes items that are not part of the normal operating cycle of ongoing operations. Automotive interest income Interest Income Interest income received from interest bearing assets. The balance includes income earned in return for depositing or lending money that can include income from time deposits, demand deposits, savings accounts, certificates of deposit, money market deposits, bonds, and loans. Automotive interest expense Interest Expense Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax benefit (expense) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest (Loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to stockholders Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Equity in net assets of nonconsolidated affiliates Equity Method Investments Goodwill and intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Including Goodwill) Total assets Assets Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Impairment charges Asset Impairment Charges Equity income Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Pre-tax restructuring costs Restructuring, Settlement and Impairment Provisions Deconsolidation loss Deconsolidation, Gain (Loss), Amount Charges for legal related matters Litigation Settlement, Expense Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Gunsan Korea Plant [Member] Gunsan Korea Plant [Member] Gunsan Korea Plant [Member] Separation Programs in Australia, Korea, South Africa, India and Chevrolet Europe [Member] Separation Programs in Australia, Korea, South Africa, India and Chevrolet Europe [Member] [Member] Separation Programs in Australia, Korea, South Africa, India and Chevrolet Europe [Member] [Member] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Facility Closing [Member] Facility Closing [Member] Non-cash Asset Impairments and Other Charges [Member] Non-cash Asset Impairments and Other Charges [Member] Non-cash Asset Impairments and Other Charges [Member] Supplier Claims [Member] Supplier Claims [Member] Supplier Claims [Member] Employee Severance and Statutory Pension Payments [Member] Employee Severance and Statutory Pension Payments [Member] Employee Severance and Statutory Pension Payments [Member] Statutory Payments and Supplier Claims [Member] Statutory Payments and Supplier Claims [Member] Statutory Payments and Supplier Claims [Member] Asset Impairments, Sales Incentives, Inventory Provisions and Other Restructuring Costs [Member] Asset Impairments, Sales Incentives, Inventory Provisions and Other Restructuring Costs [Member] Asset Impairments, Sales Incentives, Inventory Provisions and Other Restructuring Costs [Member] Dealer Restructuring, Employee Severance and Contract Termination Costs [Member] Dealer Restructuring, Employee Severance and Contract Termination Costs [Member] Dealer Restructuring, Employee Severance and Contract Termination Costs [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Restructuring Reserve Additions, interest accretion and other Restructuring Charges Payments Payments for Restructuring Revisions to estimates and effect of foreign currency Restructuring Reserve, Accrual Adjustment including Foreign Currency Amount of any reversal and other adjustment made during the period to the amount of a previously accrued liability for a specified type of restructuring cost including foreign currency translation adjustments, excluding adjustments for costs incurred during the period and costs settled during the period. Balance at end of period Termination benefits Severance Costs Expected additional cash outflows Effect on Future Cash Flows, Amount Total cost incurred to date Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments and Contingencies Commitments Contingencies and Guarantees [Text Block] Marketable Securities [Abstract] Schedule Of Cash, Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities [Table] Schedule Of Cash, Cash Equivalents And Marketable Securities [Table] Schedule of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities balances, including restricted cash and marketable securities. Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Interest Income and Other Non-Operating Income, Net [Member] Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Marketable Securities [Line Items] Investment Holdings [Line Items] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure Sale proceeds from investments classified as available-for-sale and sold prior to maturity Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gains (Losses), Sale Proceeds Unrealized gain on equity securities Equity Securities, FV-NI, Unrealized Gain Equity Securities, FV-NI, Unrealized Gain Adjustment of equity security to fair value Equity Securities, FV-NI Equity Securities, FV-NI Receivables [Abstract] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Schedule of Related Party Transactions, by Related Party [Table] Intersegment Eliminations [Member] GM Financial [Member] GM Financial [Member] Represents the GM Financial section for segment consolidation. Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Axis] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Axis] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Domain] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Domain] Commercial Finance Receivables [Member] Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] Retail Finance Receivables [Member] Consumer Portfolio Segment [Member] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Related Party Transaction [Line Items] Financing receivable, net Financing Receivable, Net Subvention receivable Intercompany Receivable Intercompany Receivable Commercial loan funding payable Intercompany Payable Intercompany Payable Interest subvention earned on finance receivables Interest Income, Intercompany Transactions Interest Income, Intercompany Transactions Leased vehicle subvention earned Intercompany Transactions, Leased Vehicle Income Earned Intercompany Transactions, Leased Vehicle Income Earned Cash payments to GM Financial Intersegment Eliminations, Receivables (Payables), Net Intersegment Eliminations, Receivables (Payables), Net Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other comprehensive loss, net of tax (Note 17) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments and other Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Defined benefit plans Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax Other comprehensive loss, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to stockholders Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Components of Inventories Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Axis] Operating Activities [Domain] Operating Activities [Domain] Continuing Operations [Member] Continuing Operations [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other current assets [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] Other assets [Member] Other Assets [Member] Restricted cash Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents Total Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Fair Value Hedges [Member] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Long-term Debt [Member] Long-term Debt [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Carrying Amount of Hedged Items Derivative Liability, Less Par Value Derivative Liability, Less Par Value Cumulative Amount of Fair Value Hedging Adjustments on Hedging Relationships Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Adjustment Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Adjustment Cumulative fair value adjustment on discontinued hedging relationships Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Adjustment on Discontinued Hedging Relationships Derivative Liabilities, Fair Value Adjustment on Discontinued Hedging Relationships Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Schedule of Equity Income Schedule of equity income [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the entity's proportionate share for the period of the net income (loss) of its investee (such as unconsolidated subsidiaries and joint ventures) to which the equity method of accounting is applied including gain (loss) on disposition of interest in nonconsolidated affiliates. Summarized Financial Data for Nonconsolidated Affiliates Summarized Financial Data of Equity Method Investees [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of aggregated summarized financial data for equity-method investees for the reporting period, including but not limited to, balance sheet, income statements etc. Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] Variable Interest Entities [Abstract] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entities [Axis] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Variable Interest Entity, Classification [Domain] Consolidated VIE [Member] Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Variable Interest Entity [Line Items] Schedule of Variable Interest Entities Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block] Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] U.S. [Member] Domestic Plan [Member] Non-U.S. [Member] Foreign Plan [Member] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Pension Plan [Member] Pension Plan [Member] Global OPEB Plans [Member] Other Postretirement Benefits Plan [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Korea [Member] KOREA, REPUBLIC OF Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Service cost including administrative expenses Service and Administrative cost The actuarial present value of benefits attributed to the pension benefit formula to services rendered by employees during the period and administrative expenses Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return (Loss) on Plan Assets Amortization of prior service cost (credit) Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit) Amortization of net actuarial (gains) losses Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gain (Loss) Net periodic pension and OPEB (income) expense Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Non-service cost components of net periodic pension and OPEB income Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Excluding Service Cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit), Excluding Service Cost Estimated contributions in 2018 Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions, Remainder of Fiscal Year Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Automotive China JVs equity income [Member] Automotive China Joint Ventures [Member] Automotive China joint ventures. Other joint ventures equity income [Member] Other joint ventures [Member] Other nonconsolidated affiliates other than Automotive China joint ventures. SGM [Member] SGM [Member] SAIC General Motors Corp., Ltd. Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Axis] Related Party [Domain] Related Party [Domain] Equity Method Investee [Member] Equity Method Investee [Member] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Change in ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Change in Ownership Percentage The change in percentage of ownership of common stock or equity participation in the investee accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Revenue Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Dividends received Proceeds from Equity Method Investment, Distribution, Return of Capital Undistributed earnings Retained Earnings, Undistributed Earnings from Equity Method Investees Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation [Abstract] Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation [Text Block] The entire disclosure for the nature of an entity's business, the major products or services it sells or provides and its principal markets, including the locations of those markets as well as the basis of presentation concept. If the entity operates in more than one business, the disclosure also indicates the relative importance of its operations in each business and the basis for the determination (for example, assets, revenues, or earnings). Basis of presentation describes the underlying basis used to prepare the financial statements (for example, US Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, Other Comprehensive Basis of Accounting, IFRS). Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Discontinued Operations Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Restricted cash – current Restricted Cash and Investments, Current Restricted cash – non-current Restricted Cash and Investments, Noncurrent GM Financial receivables, net of fees – current Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current GM Financial receivables, net of fees – non-current Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Noncurrent GM Financial equipment on operating leases, net Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Net GM Financial short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt Debt, Current GM Financial long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Schedule of Financing Receivables Past Due [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivables Past Due [Table] Financing Receivables, Period Past Due [Axis] Financing Receivables, Period Past Due [Axis] Financing Receivables, Period Past Due [Domain] Financing Receivables, Period Past Due [Domain] 31-to-60 days delinquent [Member] Financing Receivables, 31 to 60 Days Past Due [Member] Financing receivables that are more than 30 days past due but fewer than 61 days past due. Greater-than-60 days delinquent [Member] Financing Receivables, Greater than 60 Days Past Due [Member] Financing receivables that are greater than 60 days past due. Total finance receivables more than 30 days delinquent [Member] Financing Receivables, Greater than 30 Days Past Due [Member] Financing receivables that are greater than 30 days past due. In repossession [Member] Financing Receivables, In Repossession [Member] Financing receivables that are in repossession Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Additional Information [Abstract] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Additional Information [Abstract] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Additional Information [Abstract] Percentage of receivables with sub-prime credit scores Percentage of Sub-Prime Loans Sub-prime loans as percentage of the total loans. Sub-prime FICO score Sub-prime FICO Score The FICO score used to separate sub-prime from prime loans. The loans with a borrower that has less then this score will be considered as sub-prime. Retail finance receivables, nonaccrual status Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Nonaccrual Status Delinquent Contracts [Abstract] Impaired Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Abstract] Past Due Amount Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due Percent of Contractual Amount Due Financing Receivable, Percent Past Due Finance receivables, individually evaluated for impairment, net of fees Financing Receivable, Individually Evaluated for Impairment Allowance for loan losses - TDRs Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Individually Evaluated for Impairment Restructuring and Other Initiatives Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Net [Abstract] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, by Major Property Class [Table] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, by Major Property Class [Table] Major Property Class [Axis] Major Property Class [Axis] Major Property Class [Domain] Major Property Class [Domain] Vehicles [Member] Vehicles [Member] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items] Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Line Items] Schedule of Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease Schedule of Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease [Table Text Block] Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments Receivable for Operating Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments Receivable for Operating Leases [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of future minimum payments receivable on operating leases of the lessor. Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as Hedges [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedges [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Foreign Currency [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Commodity [Member] Commodity Contract [Member] PSA Warrants [Member] Warrants Exercisable Into Fixed Number Of Publicly Traded Shares [Member] Warrants Exercisable Into Fixed Number Of Publicly Traded Shares [Member] Fair Value Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] PSA Group [Member] PSA Group [Member] PSA Group [Member] Other liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Notional amount, derivative financial instruments Derivative, Notional Amount Fair value of derivative instruments Derivative Assets (Liabilities), at Fair Value, Net Gains on derivative instruments Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Gain (Loss), Net Income Statement [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Net sales and revenue Revenues [Abstract] Automotive Revenue, Net GM Financial Financial Services Revenue Total net sales and revenue (Note 3) Costs and expenses Costs and Expenses [Abstract] Automotive and other cost of sales Cost of Goods and Services Sold GM Financial interest, operating and other expenses Financial Services Costs Automotive and other selling, general and administrative expense Selling, General and Administrative Expense Total costs and expenses Costs and Expenses Operating income Operating Income (Loss) Automotive interest expense Interest income and other non-operating income, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Equity income (Note 8) Income tax expense (Note 15) Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax (Note 19) Net income Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Net income attributable to common stockholders Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Basic Earnings per share (Note 18) Basic earnings per common share – continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Basic loss per common share – discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Basic earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted earnings per common share – continuing operations (in dollars per share) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Diluted loss per common share – discontinued operations (in dollars per share) Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted-average common shares outstanding- diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member] Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member] Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member] Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-01 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2017-12 and Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2017-12 and Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2017-12 and Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-01, Accounting Standards Update 2017-12 and Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-01, Accounting Standards Update 2017-12 and Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-01, Accounting Standards Update 2017-12 and Accounting Standards Update 2018-02 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Newly Adopted Accounting Standard, Modified Retrospective Basis [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Retrospective Adjustments [Abstract] Cumulative effect adjustment Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Income Statement Income Statement Related Disclosures [Abstract] Automotive net sales and revenue Income before income taxes Net income attributable to stockholders Balance Sheet Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract] Equipment on operating leases, net (Note 7; Note 9 at VIEs) Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Assets, Net Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Accrued liabilities Accrued Liabilities, Current Other liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Retained earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Equipment on operating leases Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Gross Less: accumulated depreciation Property Subject to or Available for Operating Lease, Accumulated Depreciation Equipment on operating leases, net Depreciation expense Depreciation Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract] Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable [Abstract] 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Remainder of Fiscal Year 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Two Years 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Three Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Four Years 2022 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable, Thereafter Total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Receivable Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interests [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Preferred Stock [Member] Preferred Stock [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance at beginning of period Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Adoption of accounting standards (Note 1) New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Effect of Adoption, Quantification Other comprehensive loss Issuance of preferred stock (Note 17) Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Purchase of common stock Exercise of common stock warrants Stock Issued During Period, Value, Warrants Exercised Equity impact of the value of new stock issued during the period from the exercise of warrants. Stock based compensation Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Cash dividends paid on common stock Dividends to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Other Stockholders' Equity, Other Balance at end of period Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Takata DIR [Member] Takata DIR [Member] Defect information report (DIR) filed by GM related to the amended consent order requiring Takata Corporation to file DIRs for previously unrecalled front airbag inflators on a multi-year, risk-based schedule through 2019. U.S. [Member] UNITED STATES Mexico [Member] MEXICO Canada [Member] CANADA Accrued Liabilities, Current and Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Member] Accrued Liabilities, Current and Other Liabilities, Noncurrent [Member] Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable, pertaining to costs that are statutory in nature, are incurred on contractual obligations, or accumulate over time and for which invoices have not yet been received or will not be rendered and aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent obligations not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent liabilities are expected to be paid after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Examples include taxes, interest, rent and utilities. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer). Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Indirect tax-related escrow deposit Indirect Tax-Related Escrow Deposit Represents the contingent indirect tax-related escrow deposit amount that may be required. Warranty provision related to DIR's Loss Contingency Accrual Estimate of maximum possible loss Loss Contingency, Estimate of Possible Loss Number of pending claims Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Product liability Loss Contingency Accrual, Product Liability, Gross Maximum liability, guarantees Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Commercial Finance Receivables [Member] Finance Receivables [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] GM Financial Receivables Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table Text Block] Allowance for Loan Losses Allowance for Credit Losses on Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Retail Finance Receivables Delinquency Past Due Financing Receivables [Table Text Block] Commercial Finance Receivables Credit Quality Financing Receivable Credit Quality Indicators [Table Text Block] Intercompany Transactions Schedule of Intercompany Transactions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Intercompany Transactions [Table Text Block] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Amended and Restated Master Sale and Purchase Agreement [Member] Amended and Restated Master Sale and Purchase Agreement [Member] Amended and Restated Master Sale and Purchase Agreement [Member] Accrued liabilities and Other liabilities [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Economic-loss cases [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Economic Damage [Member] Ignition switch recall claims seeking recovery for purported compensatory damages. Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - July 2009 Sale Order [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - July 2009 Sale Order [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - July 2009 Sale Order [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Contingently Issuable Shares [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Contingently Issuable Shares [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Contingently Issuable Shares [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Shareholder Class Action [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Shareholder Class Action [Member] Putative shareholder class action filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Shareholder Derivative Action [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations, Shareholder Derivative Action [Member] Ignition switch recall litigations, in which the complaint alleges breach of fiduciary duty, waste of corporate assets, and unjust enrichment by defendant's directors in connection with monitoring, remediation and disclosure of the issues underlying the ignition switch recall. Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Investigation by the Office [Member] Ignition Switch Recall Litigations - Investigation by the Office [Member] The investigation on recalls announced by the reporting entity conducted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York (the Office). Korea Wage Litigation - Hourly [Member] Korea Wage Litigation - Hourly [Member] Litigation related to Ordinary Wage regulation for current and former hourly employees of GM Korea. Korea Wage Litigation - Salaried [Member] Korea Wage Litigation - Salaried [Member] Litigation alleging incorrect wage calculation for current and former salaried employees of GM Korea. Korea Wage Litigation - Former Subcontract Workers [Member] Korea Wage Litigation - Former Subcontract Workers [Member] Korea Wage Litigation - Former Subcontract Workers [Member] Texas state (MDL) [Member] Texas State Multi-Jurisdictional Litigation [Member] Texas State Multi-Jurisdictional Litigation [Member] Brazil [Member] BRAZIL Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Axis] Litigation Status [Domain] Litigation Status [Domain] Granted Motion to Dismiss [Member] Granted Motion to Dismiss [Member] Granted Motion to Dismiss [Member] Pending Litigation [Member] Pending Litigation [Member] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Foreign Tax Authority [Member] Indirect Tax Matters [Member] Indirect Tax Matters [Member] Loss contingencies related to indirect tax matters. Estimated litigation liability Estimated Litigation Liability Number of states Loss Contingency, Number of States Loss Contingency, Number of States Number of additional bellwether trials Loss Contingency, New Claims Filed, Number Allowed general unsecured claims amount Motors Liquidation Company GUC Trust, Material Contingent Liabilities, General Unsecured Claims, Threshold Amount Motors Liquidation Company GUC Trust, Material Contingent Liabilities, General Unsecured Claims, Threshold Amount Contingently issuable shares (in shares) Motors Liquidation Company GUC Trust, Amounts of Material Contingent Liabilities Remaining, Shares Issuable Motors Liquidation Company GUC Trust, Amounts of Material Contingent Liabilities Remaining, Shares Issuable Value of contingently issuable shares Motors Liquidation Company GUC Trust, Amounts of Material Contingent Liabilities Remaining, Value of Shares Issuable Motors Liquidation Company GUC Trust, Amounts of Material Contingent Liabilities Remaining, Value of Shares Issuable Amount of allowed general unsecured claims Motors Liquidation Company GUC Trust, Amounts of General Unsecured Claims, Amount Motors Liquidation Company GUC Trust, Amounts of General Unsecured Claims, Amount Litigation settlement amount Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded to Other Party Number of shareholders filing an appeal Loss Contingency, Number of Shareholders Filing an Appeal The number of shareholders filing an appeal of the decision approving the settlement. Number of claims dismissed Loss Contingency, Claims Dismissed, Number Damages paid Loss Contingency, Damages Paid, Value Prosecution deferral period Loss Contingency, Prosecution Deferral Period Term of the deferral-of-prosecution period. Period after the expiration of the period of deferral Loss Contingency, Period after the expiration of the period of deferral Period after the expiration of deferral-of-prosecution period, during which a dismissal of the prosecution can occur. Number of plaintiffs Loss Contingency, Number of Plaintiffs Number of employees in the case Number of Employee in the Case Number of employee involved in the case related to which supreme court rendered its decision. Estimate of possible loss Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued Estimated potential recovery Loss Contingency, Estimated Potential Recovery From Taxing Authority Estimated potential recovery from the taxing authority. Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Common stock par value (in dollars per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Revenue Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Derivative Financial Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] GM Financial Receivables and Transactions Financing Receivables [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Foreign currency translation adjustments [Member] Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Defined benefit plans [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Other comprehensive income and noncontrolling interests, net of reclassification adjustment, tax and impact of adoption of accounting standards Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest and Impact of Adoption of Accounting Standards Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest and Impact of Adoption of Accounting Standards Other comprehensive loss before reclassification adjustment, net of tax and impact of adoption of accounting standards Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Reclassification adjustment, net of tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt carrying amount and fair value Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract] Product Warranty and Related Liabilities [Roll Forward] Movement in Standard Product Warranty Accrual [Roll Forward] Warranty balance at beginning of period Policy, Product warranty and Recall campaigns - Accrual Amount as of the balance sheet date of the aggregate standard product warranty and related liabilities. Does not include the balance for the extended product warranty liability. Warranties issued and assumed in period – recall campaigns Warranties Issued And Assumed In Period, Recall Campaigns Represents the aggregate increase in the liability for accruals for recall campaigns and related liabilities issued during the reporting period. Warranties issued and assumed in period – product warranty Warranties Issued And Assumed In Period, Product Warranty Represents the aggregate increase in the liability for accruals related to warranty issued during the reporting period. Does not include any increase in the liability for accruals related to extended product warranties. Payments Policy, product warranty and recall campaigns - Payments Represents the aggregate decrease in the liability for payments made (in cash or in kind) to satisfy claims under the terms of the standard product warranty or related liabilities. Does not include any Increase or Decrease in the liability for payments related to extended product warranties. Adjustments to pre-existing warranties Policy, product warranty and recall campaigns - preexisting adjustments Represents the aggregate Increase or Decrease in the liability during the reporting period for accruals related to preexisting standard product warranties (including adjustments related to changes in estimates) and related liabilities. Does not include any Increase or Decrease in the liability for accruals related to extended product warranties. Effect of foreign currency and other Policy, product warranty and recall campaigns and - Currency translation and other increase (decrease) Increase or Decrease in standard product warranty liability and related liabilities due to currency translation and other. Does not include any Increase or Decrease in an extended product warranty liability due to currency translation. Warranty balance at end of period Schedule of policy, product warranty and recall campaigns Schedule of policy, product warranty and recall campaigns [Table Text Block] Table which summarizes the activity for policy, product warranty and recall campaigns for reporting periods. Schedule of Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Table] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward] Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward] Allowance for loan losses at beginning of period Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses Provision for loan losses Provision for Loan, Lease, and Other Losses Charge-offs Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs Recoveries Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Recovery Effect of foreign currency Allowance for Loan and Lease Losses, Foreign Currency Translation Allowance for loan losses at end of period Collective allowance Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment Specific allowance Schedule of Notional Amounts for Derivative Financial Instruments Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block] Schedule of Cumulative Basis Adjustments for Fair Value Hedges Schedule of Fair Value Hedging Instruments, Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Schedule of Earnings Per Share Basic and Diluted Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block] Components of Net Periodic Pension and OPEB (Income) Expense Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Vehicles and Parts [Member] Vehicles and Parts [Member] Vehicles and Parts [Member] Used Vehicles [Member] Used Vehicles [Member] Used Vehicles [Member] Services and Other [Member] Services and Other [Member] Services and Other [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Leased vehicle income Lease Income Finance charge income Interest and Fee Income, Loans, Consumer Other income Other Income GM Financial Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instrument [Axis] Financial Instruments [Domain] Financial Instruments [Domain] U.S. government and agencies [Member] US Treasury and Government [Member] Corporate debt [Member] Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Mortgage and asset-backed [Member] Asset-backed Securities [Member] Sovereign debt [Member] Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member] Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] Cash And Cash Equivalents Line Item [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing cash and cash equivalents. Marketable Debt Securities [Member] Marketable Securities [Member] Primary financial statement caption encompassing marketable securities. Restricted cash - cash equivalents [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 2 [Member] Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Cash and time deposits Cash And Time Deposits Sum of cash (other than available-for-sale and trading securities) and time deposits. Money market funds Money Market Funds, at Carrying Value Total cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents Total restricted cash Restricted Cash and Money Market Funds Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents and Money Market Funds Due in one year or less Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Next Twelve Months, Fair Value Due between one and five years Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Year Two Through Five, Fair Value Total available-for-sale debt securities with contractual maturities Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities Accounting Policies [Abstract] Significant Accounting Policies Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Basis of Accounting Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Recently Adopted Accounting Standards New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Equipment on Operating Leases Lessor, Leases [Policy Text Block] Marketable Debt Securities Marketable Securities, Policy [Policy Text Block] Equity Investments Equity Method Investments [Policy Text Block] Derivative Financial Instruments Derivatives, Policy [Policy Text Block] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Discontinued Operations [Member] Discontinued Operations [Member] Opel/Vauxhall Business and Fincos [Member] Opel/Vauxhall Business and Fincos [Member] The Opel and Vauxhall businesses and certain other assets in Europe, and our European financing subsidiaries and branches. Opel/Vauxhall Business [Member] Opel/Vauxhall Business [Member] Opel/Vauxhall Business [Member] Fincos [Member] Fincos [Member] Fincos [Member] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Total net sales and revenue transactions with discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Intra-Entity Amounts, Discontinued Operation after Disposal, Revenue Purchases and expenses with discontinued operations Discontinued Operation, Intra-Entity Amounts, Discontinued Operation after Disposal, Expense Cash payments used in operating activities Discontinued Operation, Amount of Continuing Cash Payments after Disposal Discontinued Operation, Amount of Continuing Cash Payments after Disposal Cash receipts provided by operating activities Discontinued Operation, Amount of Continuing Cash Receipts after Disposal Discontinued Operation, Amount of Continuing Cash Receipts after Disposal Disposal loss Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) on Disposal of Discontinued Operation, Net of Tax Other costs and charges Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Expense Automotive net sales and revenue Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Sales Revenue, Net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Sales Revenue, Net GM Financial net sales and revenue Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Financial Services Revenue Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Financial Services Revenue Total net sales and revenue Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Automotive and other cost of sales Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Costs of Goods Sold GM Financial interest, operating and other expenses Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Financial Services Costs Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Financial Services Costs Automotive and other selling, general, and administrative expense Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, General and Administrative Expense Other income (expense) items Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other (Income) Expense Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other (Income) Expense Loss from discontinued operations before taxes Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Loss on sale of discontinued operations before taxes Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Total loss from discontinued operations before taxes Discontinued Operation,Total Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Discontinued Operation,Total Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Income tax expense (benefit) Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax Schedule of Revenue by Major Source Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information(Abstract) Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Document Type Document Type Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Income from continuing operations Depreciation and impairment of Equipment on operating leases, net Depreciation and Impairment of Equipment on Operating Leases, Net Depreciation and Impairment of Equipment on Operating Leases, Net Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges on Property, net Depreciation, amortization and impairment charges The amount of expense recognized in the current period that reflects the allocation of the cost of tangible assets and finite-lived intangible assets over the assets' useful lives, as well as impairment charges on tangible and intangible assets. Includes production and non-production related depreciation and amortization. Foreign currency remeasurement and transaction losses Foreign Currency Remeasurement and Transaction Gains (Losses) The aggregate realized and unrealized foreign currency transaction gain or loss, net (pretax) or remeasurement gain or loss, net (pretax) included in determining net income for the reporting period. Represents the aggregate of gains or losses, net, on foreign currency transactions that are unsettled as of the balance sheet date, which is therefore an adjustment to reconcile income or loss from continuing operations to net cash provided by or used in continuing operations. Also includes the gains or losses associated with remeasuring foreign currency denominated entities into the functional currency of those entities. Excludes foreign currency transactions designated as hedges of net investment in a foreign entity. Undistributed earnings of nonconsolidated affiliates, net Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments, Net of Dividends or Distributions Pension contributions and OPEB payments Payment for Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Pension and OPEB income, net Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Cost (Reversal of Cost) Provision for deferred taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Change in other operating assets and liabilities Other Operating Activities, Cash Flow Statement Net cash provided by operating activities – continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by operating activities – discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash provided by operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash flows from investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Expenditures for property Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Available-for-sale marketable securities, acquisitions Payments to Acquire Available-for-sale Securities Available-for-sale marketable securities, liquidations Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Available-for-sale Securities Purchases of finance receivables, net Payments to Acquire Finance Receivables Principal collections and recoveries on finance receivables Proceeds from Collection of Finance Receivables Purchases of leased vehicles, net Payments to Acquire Leases Held-for-investment Proceeds from termination of leased vehicles Proceeds from Leases Held-for-investment Other investing activities Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash used in investing activities – continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities – discontinued operations (Note 19) Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash flows from financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract] Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt, Maturing in Three Months or Less Proceeds from issuance of debt (original maturities greater than three months) Proceeds from Debt, Maturing in More than Three Months Payments on debt (original maturities greater than three months) Repayments of Debt, Maturing in More than Three Months Payments to purchase common stock Payments for Repurchase of Common Stock Proceeds from issuance of preferred stock (Note 17) Proceeds from Issuance of Preferred Stock and Preference Stock Dividends paid Payments of Dividends Other financing activities Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash provided by financing activities – continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash provided by financing activities – discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash provided by financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash, Cash Equivalents, Restricted Cash and Restricted Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease), Including Exchange Rate Effect Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period Significant Non-cash Investing and Financing Activity Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Non-cash property additions Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Automotive and GM Financial Debt Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring Reserves and Charges Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Marketable securities (Note 4) Marketable Securities, Current Accounts and notes receivable, net Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current GM Financial receivables, net (Note 5; Note 9 at VIEs) Inventories (Note 6) Equipment on operating leases, net (Note 7) Assets Subject to or Available for Operating Lease Net, Current The amount of assets, by major property class, net of accumulated depreciation, subject to or available for lease as of the balance sheet date and classified as current. Other current assets (Note 4; Note 9 at VIEs) Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Non-current Assets Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] GM Financial receivables, net (Note 5; Note 9 at VIEs) Equity in net assets of nonconsolidated affiliates (Note 8) Property, net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Other assets (Note 4; Note 9 at VIEs) Total non-current assets Assets, Noncurrent Total Assets LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Accounts payable (principally trade) Accounts Payable, Current Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt (Note 10 and Note 9 at VIEs) Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Non-current Liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt (Note 10 and Note 9 at VIEs) Postretirement benefits other than pensions (Note 13) Liability, Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Pensions (Note 13) Liability, Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Noncurrent Total non-current liabilities Liabilities, Noncurrent Total Liabilities Liabilities Commitments and contingencies (Note 14) Commitments and Contingencies Equity (Note 17) Equity [Abstract] Common stock, $0.01 par value Common Stock, Value, Issued Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid in Capital Total stockholders’ equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Equity Total Liabilities and Equity Liabilities and Equity Income tax expense Tax expense, entities included in effective tax rate calculation Tax expense (benefit), entities included in effective tax rate calculation Tax expense (benefit) from entities included in the effective tax rate calculation, prior to other adjustments (i.e., audit settlements). Decrease in uncertain tax positions from settlement of transfer pricing matters Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions Net deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Table] Germany [Member] GERMANY Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items] Operating loss carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Tax expense related to tax reform legislation Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Effect of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting Adjustment, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Effect of Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Incomplete Accounting Adjustment, Amount Debt Type [Axis] Debt Type [Axis] Information by type of debt Debt Type [Domain] Debt Type [Domain] [Domain] for Debt Type [Axis] Secured Debt [Member] Secured Debt [Member] Unsecured Debt [Member] Unsecured Debt [Member] Carrying Amount Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Fair Value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Equipment on Operating Leases Lessor, Operating Leases [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity and Noncontrolling Interests Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Marketable and Other Securities Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Marketable Securities [Text Block] Variable Interest Entities Variable Interest Entity Disclosure [Text Block] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Line of Credit [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] $2.0 Billion Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Two Billion Dollar Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Two Billion Dollar Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Three Year Revolving Credit Facility April 2018 [Member] Three Year Revolving Credit Facility April 2018 [Member] Three Year Revolving Credit Facility April 2018 [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility April 2018 [Member] Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility April 2018 [Member] Five-Year Revolving Credit Facility April 2018 [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Securitization notes payable [Member] Securitization notes payable [Member] Debt issued through securitization transactions. Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Principal amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Number of renewed credit facilities Number of Credit Facilities The number of credit facilities entered into. Number of new credit facilities Number of New Credit Facilities Number of New Credit Facilities Aggregate borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Debt term Debt Instrument, Term Total net additional borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net Weighted average interest rate (percent) Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Finance receivables, collectively evaluated for impairment, net of fees Financing Receivable, Collectively Evaluated for Impairment GM Financial receivables Financing Receivable, Gross Less: allowance for loan losses GM Financial receivables, net Fair value of GM Financial receivables Receivables, Fair Value Disclosure Revenue recognition term, separate and bundled services (less than) Revenue Recognition, Separate and Bundled Services, Term Revenue Recognition, Separate and Bundled Services, Term Revenue Recognition [Abstract] Revenue Recognition [Abstract] Past due threshold term for suspending accrual of finance charge income Maximum Period Past Due before Suspension of Accrual of Finance Charge Income Maximum period past due before the accrual of finance charge income is suspended. Equipment on Operating Leases, net [Abstract] Equipment on Operating Leases, net [Abstract] Equipment on Operating Leases, net [Abstract] Leasing arrangements, contract term Lessor, Operating Lease, Term of Contract Available-for-sale Securities Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Fair Value of Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block] Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash from Balance Sheet to Statements of Cash Flows Reconciliation of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash from Balance Sheet to Statement of Cash Flows [Table Text Block] Tabular disclosure of the reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash from the consolidated balance sheet to the consolidated statements of cash flows. Equity in Net Assets of Nonconsolidated Affiliates Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Less: cumulative dividends on subsidiary preferred stock Preferred Stock Dividends and Other Adjustments Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Available to Common Shareholders, Basic Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax Net Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations Available to Common Shareholders, Basic Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Income from continuing operations attributable to common stockholders – diluted Net Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Available to Common Shareholders, Diluted Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax – diluted Net Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations Available to Common Shareholders, Diluted Net income attributable to common stockholders – diluted Net Income (Loss) Available to Common Stockholders, Diluted Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic (in shares) Dilutive effect of warrants and awards under stock incentive plans Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Call Options and Warrants Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted (in shares) Diluted earnings per common share (in dollars per share) Potentially dilutive securities (in shares) Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Schedule of Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Schedule of Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Credit Quality Indicator [Table] Credit Quality Indicator [Axis] Internal Credit Assessment [Axis] Financing Receivable, by Credit Quality Indicator [Domain] Internal Credit Assessment [Domain] Group I - Dealers with superior financial metrics [Member] Group I Dealers [Member] Credit quality indicators that are developed and used internally by the company, the first Group. Group I is the classification of dealers with superior financial metrics. Group II - Dealers with strong financial metrics [Member] Group II Dealers [Member] Credit quality indicators that are developed and used internally by the company, the second Group. Group II is the classification of dealers with strong financial metrics. Group III - Dealers with fair financial metrics [Member] Group III Dealers [Member] Credit quality indicators that are developed and used internally by the company, the third Group. Group III is the classification of dealers with fair financial metrics. Group IV - Dealers with weak financial metrics [Member] Group IV Dealers [Member] Credit quality indicators that are developed and used internally by the company, the fourth Group. Group IV is the classification of dealers with weak financial metrics. Group V - Dealers warranting special mention due to potential weaknesses [Member] Group V [Member] Credit quality indicators that are developed and used internally by the company, the fifth Group. Group V is the classification of dealers warranting special mention due to elevated risks. Group VI - Dealers with loans classified as substandard, doubtful or impaired [Member] Group VI Dealers [Member] Credit quality indicators that are developed and used internally by the company, the sixth Group. Group VI is the classification of dealers with loans classified as substandard, doubtful, or impaired. Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items] GM Financial receivables Product Warranty and Related Liabilities Product Warranty and Related Liabilities Disclosure [Text Block] The entire disclosure for standard product warranties and other product guarantee contracts, including a tabular reconciliation of the changes in the guarantors aggregate product warranty liability for the reporting period. This disclosure excludes extended warranties.