General Motors (GM) 10-Q 30 Oct 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_Entity_Information_Do

Document Entity Information Document	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY
Entity Central Index Key	1467858
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2013
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	1,388,973,710
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes

Condensed_Consolidated_Income_

Condensed Consolidated Income Statements (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Net sales and revenue
Automotive	$38,120	$37,062	$112,704	$111,517
GM Financial	863	514	2,238	1,432
Total	38,983	37,576	114,942	112,949
Costs and expenses
Automotive cost of sales	33,166	32,735	99,607	98,323
GM Financial operating and other expenses	625	311	1,556	827
Automotive selling, general and administrative expense	2,876	2,849	8,753	8,684
Goodwill impairment charges	60	78	60	695
Total costs and expenses	36,727	35,973	109,976	108,529
Operating income	2,256	1,603	4,966	4,420
Automotive interest expense	65	128	217	356
Interest income and other non-operating income (loss), net	-82	318	340	732
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	2	0	-238	-18
Income before income taxes and equity income	2,111	1,793	4,851	4,778
Income tax expense	842	357	1,993	814
Equity income, net of tax	436	418	1,420	1,141
Net income	1,705	1,854	4,278	5,105
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	12	-21	28	-111
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders	1,717	1,833	4,306	4,994
Net income attributable to common stockholders	$698	$1,476	$2,857	$3,967
Basic Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per common share	$0.50	$0.94	$2.07	$2.53
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	1,386	1,570	1,378	1,570
Diluted Earnings per Share
Diluted earnings per common share	$0.45	$0.89	$1.82	$2.38
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	1,681	1,663	1,672	1,675

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$1,705	$1,854	$4,278	$5,105
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
Foreign currency translation adjustments	-154	7	-397	-45
Cash flow hedging losses, net	0	0	0	-2
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities, net	201	-11	183	-151
Defined benefit plans, net	9	-715	271	-657
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	56	-719	57	-855
Comprehensive income	1,761	1,135	4,335	4,250
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	15	-31	42	-119
Comprehensive income attributable to stockholders	$1,776	$1,104	$4,377	$4,131

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$20,355	$18,422
Marketable securities	8,215	8,988
Restricted cash and marketable securities	959	686
Accounts and notes receivable, net	11,067	10,395
Inventories	15,357	14,714
Equipment on operating leases, net	2,559	1,782
Deferred income taxes	9,868	9,429
Other current assets	1,774	1,536
Total current assets	81,164	69,996
Restricted cash and marketable securities	676	682
Equity in net assets of nonconsolidated affiliates	7,897	6,883
Property, net	26,247	24,196
Goodwill	1,953	1,973
Intangible assets, net	6,364	6,809
Deferred income taxes	26,020	27,922
Other assets	2,896	2,358
Total non-current assets	87,375	79,426
Total Assets	168,539	149,422
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable (principally trade)	27,242	25,166
Accrued liabilities	23,882	23,308
Total current liabilities	62,563	53,992
Postretirement benefits other than pensions	6,855	7,309
Pensions	27,030	27,420
Other liabilities and deferred income taxes	14,046	13,169
Total non-current liabilities	68,615	58,430
Total Liabilities	131,178	112,422
Commitments and contingencies
Common stock, $0.01 par value	14	14
Additional paid-in capital	23,878	23,834
Retained earnings	12,903	10,057
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	-7,981	-8,052
Total stockholders' equity	36,778	36,244
Noncontrolling interests	583	756
Total Equity	37,361	37,000
Total Liabilities and Equity	168,539	149,422
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value	3,109	5,536
Total Equity	3,109	5,536
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value	4,855	4,855
Total Equity	4,855	4,855
GM Financial [Member]
ASSETS
GM Financial Receivable, net, current	11,010	4,044
GM Financial Receivable, net, noncurrent	12,222	6,954
Goodwill	1,334	1,278
GM Financial equipment on operating leases, net	3,100	1,649
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt	9,653	3,770
Long-term debt	14,022	7,108
Automotive [Member]
ASSETS
Goodwill	619	695
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt	1,786	1,748
Long-term debt	$6,662	$3,424

Condensed_Consolidated_Balance1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets Parenthetical (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Preferred Stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common Stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts and Notes Receivable	$325	$311
Automotive [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Short-term Debt [Member]
Non-Recourse Debt	187	228
Automotive [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Long-term Debt [Member]
Non-Recourse Debt	77	122
GM Financial [Member]
Special Purpose Entities Receivables, Current	9,089	3,444
Special Purpose Entities Receivables, Noncurrent	10,604	6,458
Operating Lease Assets Transferred to Special Purpose Entities	1,685	540
GM Financial [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member]
Secured Debt, Noncurrent	9,712	5,608
GM Financial [Member] | Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary [Member] | Short-term Debt [Member]
Secured Debt, Current	$8,435	$3,770

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme1

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
In Millions
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$38,991	$16	$26,391	$7,183	($5,861)	$871	$5,536	$4,855
Net income (loss)	5,105			4,994		111
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-855				-863	8
Exercise of common stock warrants	4		4
Stock based compensation	48		48
Cash dividends paid on Series A Preferred Stock and cumulative dividends on Series B Preferred Stock	-644			-644
Dividends declared or paid to noncontrolling interests	-38					-38
Other	18					18
Balance at Sep. 30, 2012	42,629	16	26,443	11,533	-6,724	970	5,536	4,855
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	37,000	14	23,834	10,057	-8,052	756	5,536	4,855
Net income (loss)	4,278			4,306		-28
Other comprehensive income (loss)	57				71	-14
Purchase and cancellation of Series A Preferred Stock	-2,427						-2,427
Exercise of common stock warrants	3		3
Stock based compensation	27		27
Cash dividends paid on Series A Preferred Stock, charge related to purchase of Series A Preferred Stock and cumulative dividends on Series B Preferred Stock	-1,460			-1,460
Dividends declared or paid to noncontrolling interests	-82					-82
Other	-35		14			-49
Balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$37,361	$14	$23,878	$12,903	($7,981)	$583	$3,109	$4,855

Condensed_Consolidated_Stateme2

Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$9,572	$9,824
Cash flows from investing activities [Abstract]
Expenditures for property	-5,780	-6,004
Available-for-sale marketable securities, acquisitions	-4,247	-3,818
Trading marketable securities, acquisitions	-3,214	-4,867
Available-for-sale marketable securities, liquidations	2,777	8,923
Trading marketable securities, liquidations	5,311	5,313
Acquisition of companies, net of cash acquired	-2,111	-34
Proceeds from sale of business units/investments, net of cash disposed	-65	18
Increase in Restricted Cash and Marketable Securities	-694	-506
Decrease in Restricted Cash and Marketable Securities	961	1,096
Purchases and funding of finance receivables	-18,011	-4,941
Principal collections and recoveries on finance receivables	16,137	3,349
Purchases of leased vehicles, net	-1,733	-837
Proceeds from termination of leased vehicles	142	36
Decrease (increase) in notes receivables	90	-2,038
Other investing activities	-152	29
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-10,589	-4,281
Cash flows from financing activities [Abstract]
Net increase (decrease) in short-term debt	69	-221
Proceeds from issuance of debt (original maturities greater than three months)	21,068	7,930
Payments on debt (original maturities greater than three months)	-13,714	-5,267
Payments to purchase stock	-2,438	0
Dividends paid (including charge related to purchase of Series A Preferred Stock)	-1,519	-679
Other financing activities	-147	-40
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	3,319	1,723
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	-369	-17
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	1,933	7,249
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	18,422	16,071
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	20,355	23,320
Supplemental cash flow information: [Abstract]
Non-cash property additions	$3,326	$3,861

Nature_of_Operations

Nature of Operations	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Nature of Operations [Abstract]
Nature Of Operations [Text Block]	Nature of Operations
	General Motors Company is sometimes referred to in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as “we,” “our,” “us,” “ourselves,” the “Company,” “General Motors,” or “GM.” General Motors Corporation is sometimes referred to in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the periods on or before July 9, 2009, as “Old GM.”
	We design, build and sell cars, trucks and automobile parts worldwide. We also provide automotive financing services through General Motors Financial Company, Inc. (GM Financial).
	We analyze the results of our business through our five segments: GM North America (GMNA), GM Europe (GME), GM International Operations (GMIO), GM South America (GMSA) and GM Financial. Nonsegment operations are classified as Corporate. Corporate includes certain centrally recorded income and costs, such as interest, income taxes and corporate expenditures and certain nonsegment specific revenues and expenses.
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for interim financial information. Accordingly they do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include all adjustments, composed of normal recurring adjustments, considered necessary by management to fairly state our results of operations, financial position and cash flows. The operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the full year. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 as filed with the SEC.
	Recently Adopted Accounting Principles
	On January 1, 2013 we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2013-02, “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income." This ASU does not change current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements; rather, it requires certain disclosures of the amount of reclassifications of items from other comprehensive income to net income by component. The related disclosures are presented in Note 17.
	Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
	In July 2013 the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists” to eliminate diversity in practice. This ASU requires that companies net their unrecognized tax benefits against all same-jurisdiction net operating losses or tax credit carryforwards that would be used to settle the position with a tax authority. This new guidance is effective prospectively for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013 and interim periods therein. The adoption of this ASU will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements because it aligns with our current presentation.

Acquisition_Of_Businesses

Acquisition Of Businesses	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisition of Businesses [Text Block]	Acquisition of Businesses
	Acquisition of Certain Ally Financial International Operations
	In November 2012 GM Financial entered into a definitive agreement with Ally Financial, Inc. (Ally Financial) to acquire 100% of the outstanding equity interests in the top level holding companies of its automotive finance and financial services operations in Europe and Latin America and a separate agreement to acquire Ally Financial’s non-controlling equity interest in GMAC-SAIC Automotive Finance Company Limited (GMAC-SAIC), which conducts automotive finance and other financial services in China.
	On April 1, 2013 GM Financial completed the acquisition of Ally Financial's European and Latin American automotive finance operations except for France, Portugal and Brazil; and on June 1, 2013 it completed the acquisition of Ally Financial's automotive finance operations in France and Portugal. The aggregate consideration for these acquisitions was $2.6 billion, subject to certain closing adjustments, of which $65 million was paid upon the closing of the acquisition of Ally Financial's Brazilian automotive finance operations described below. Acquisition-related costs were insignificant. In addition GM Financial repaid loans of $1.4 billion that were assumed as part of the acquisitions. GM Financial recorded the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on the acquisition dates. Certain amounts previously presented related to the acquisitions have been, and will continue to be, updated as a result of closing adjustments.
	The following table summarizes the aggregate consideration and the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition dates before eliminations for net intercompany receivables of approximately $300 million (dollars in millions):
	Cash	$	440
	Restricted cash	525
	Finance receivables	10,969
	Other assets, including identifiable intangible assets	255
	Secured and unsecured debt	(8,926		)
	Other liabilities	(722		)
	Identifiable net assets acquired	2,541
	Goodwill resulting from the acquisitions	56
	Aggregate consideration	$	2,597
	The fair value of finance receivables was determined using a discounted cash flow approach. The contractual cash flows were adjusted for estimated prepayments, defaults, recoveries, finance charge income and servicing costs and discounted using a discount rate commensurate with risks and maturity inherent in the finance contracts. The contractually required payments receivable, cash flows expected to be collected and fair value for finance receivables acquired with deteriorated credit quality at the acquisition date were $799 million, $728 million and $601 million. The contractually required payments receivable, cash flows not expected to be collected and fair value for other acquired finance receivables were $11.2 billion, $170 million and $10.4 billion. The fair value of secured and unsecured debt was determined using quoted market prices when available and a discounted cash flow approach when not available.
	We recorded goodwill in the amount of $56 million for the excess of the aggregate consideration over the fair value of the individual assets acquired and liabilities assumed and such amount is primarily attributed to the value of the incremental GM Financial business expected. The recorded goodwill is subject to further adjustment, pending the closing of the acquisition of the remaining international operations as well as any potential adjustments resulting from the finalization of closing balance sheet audits. Valuations and assumptions pertaining to income taxes are subject to change as additional information is obtained during the measurement period. All of the goodwill was assigned to the GM Financial segment and will be assigned to reporting units, which will be determined pending completion of the remaining acquisitions. The goodwill is not tax deductible.
	The results of the acquired European and Latin American automotive finance operations are included in GM Financial's results beginning April 1, 2013 and the results of the acquired operations in France and Portugal are included in GM Financial's results beginning June 1, 2013. The following table summarizes the actual amounts of revenue and earnings included in our condensed consolidated financial statements as well as certain pro forma revenue and earnings of the combined entity had these acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2012, without consideration of historical transactions between the acquired operations and us, as it is impracticable to obtain such information (dollars in millions):
		Certain Ally Operations Amounts Included in Results					Pro Forma-Combined
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013		Three Months Ended September 30, 2012		Nine Months Ended
									30-Sep-13		30-Sep-12
	Total net sales and revenue	$	245		$	493	$	37,820	$	115,202	$	113,742
	Net income attributable to stockholders	$	50		$	104	$	1,866	$	4,356	$	5,151
	On October 1, 2013 GM Financial completed the acquisition of Ally Financial's automotive finance operations in Brazil for consideration of $611 million, subject to certain closing adjustments. Refer to Note 21 for further detail regarding the acquisition of Ally Financial's automotive finance operations in Brazil. The acquisition of Ally Financial's equity interest in GMAC-SAIC is subject to certain regulatory and other approvals and is expected to close in 2014. GM Financial expects to pay approximately $900 million to close this acquisition subject to certain closing adjustments.
	Acquisition of SAIC GM Investment Limited
	In September 2012 we agreed with SAIC Motor Hong Kong Investment Limited to settle a promissory note due from SAIC GM Investment Limited, the holding company of General Motors India Private Limited and Chevrolet Sales India Private Limited (collectively HKJV) to us in exchange for HKJV's issuance of 257 million Class B shares. As a result we obtained control of HKJV with an 86% interest and consolidated HKJV effective September 1, 2012. We recognized a gain of $51 million of which $50 million was recorded in Equity income, net of tax. In addition we invested $125 million in HKJV and acquired 186 million Class A shares, which increased our interest in HKJV to 90.8%.

Marketable_Securities

Marketable Securities	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Marketable Securities [Text Block]	Marketable Securities
	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. We obtain the majority of the prices used in this valuation from a pricing service. Our pricing service utilizes industry standard pricing models that consider various inputs, including benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads and benchmark securities as well as other relevant economic measures. We conduct an annual review of valuations provided by our pricing service, which includes discussion and analysis of the inputs used by the pricing service to provide prices for the types of securities we hold. These inputs include prices for comparable securities, bid/ask quotes, interest rate yields and prepayment spreads. Based on our review we believe the prices received from our pricing service are a reliable representation of exit prices.
	The following table summarizes information regarding marketable securities (dollars in millions):
				September 30, 2013						December 31, 2012
		Fair Value Level						Fair Value				Fair Value
				Cost						Cost
	Cash and cash equivalents
	Available-for-sale securities
	U.S. government and agencies	2		$	832			$	832	$	4,190	$	4,190
	Sovereign debt	2		1,091				1,091		—		—
	Certificates of deposit	2		846				846		120		120
	Money market funds	1		1,433				1,433		1,799		1,799
	Corporate debt	2		6,768				6,768		3,102		3,102
	Total available-for-sale securities			$	10,970			10,970		$	9,211	9,211
	Trading securities
	Sovereign debt	2						—				1,408
	Corporate debt	2						25				—
	Total trading securities							25				1,408
	Total marketable securities classified as cash equivalents							10,995				10,619
	Cash, cash equivalents and time deposits							9,360				7,803
	Total cash and cash equivalents							$	20,355			$	18,422
	Marketable securities - current
	Available-for-sale securities
	U.S. government and agencies	2		$	3,321			$	3,322	$	1,231	$	1,231
	Sovereign debt	2		22				22		30		30
	Certificates of deposit	2		—				—		10		10
	Corporate debt	2		1,821				1,821		2,313		2,318
	Interest in GM Korea mandatorily redeemable preferred shares	2		21				23		142		177
	Equity	1		—				—		—		21
	Total available-for-sale securities			$	5,185			5,188		$	3,726	3,787
	Trading securities
	Sovereign debt	2						3,027				5,201
	Total trading securities							3,027				5,201
	Total marketable securities - current							8,215				8,988
	Marketable securities - non-current
	Available-for-sale securities
	Investment in Peugeot S.A.	1		$	179			409		$	179	179
	Total marketable securities - non-current			$	179			409		$	179	179
	Total marketable securities							$	8,624			$	9,167
	Restricted cash and marketable securities
	Available-for-sale securities
	Money market funds	1		$	856			$	856	$	933	$	933
	Sovereign debt	2		20				21		23		24
	Other	2		13				13		175		175
	Total marketable securities classified as restricted cash and marketable securities			$	889			890		$	1,131	1,132
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents and time deposits							745				236
	Total restricted cash and marketable securities							$	1,635			$	1,368
	Sales proceeds from investments classified as available-for-sale and sold prior to maturity were $917 million and $737 million in the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 and $2.6 billion and $1.7 billion in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
	The following table summarizes the amortized cost and the fair value of investments classified as available-for-sale by contractual maturity at September 30, 2013 (dollars in millions):
		Amortized Cost				Fair Value
	Due in one year or less	$	12,911			$	12,920
	Due after one year through five years	1,844				1,839
	Total contractual maturities of available-for-sale securities	$	14,755			$	14,759
	Cumulative net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities were $234 million and $62 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. Net unrealized gains (losses) on trading securities were $75 million and $187 million in the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 and $(34) million and $128 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. Unrealized losses on trading securities are primarily related to the remeasurement of Canadian Dollar (CAD) denominated securities.

GM_Financial_Receivables_Net

GM Financial Receivables, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Gross, Allowance, and Net [Abstract]
GM Financial Finance Receivables [Text Block]	GM Financial Receivables, net
	In the three months ended June 30, 2013 GM Financial acquired certain international operations in Europe and Latin America from Ally Financial that conduct consumer and commercial lending activities. All of these loans were made on a secured basis.
	As the result of our October 2010 acquisition of GM Financial and GM Financial's acquisition of the Ally Financial international operations, finance receivables are reported in two portfolios: pre-acquisition and post-acquisition portfolios. The pre-acquisition finance receivables portfolio consists of finance receivables that were considered to have had deterioration in credit quality at the time they were acquired with the acquisition of GM Financial or the acquisition of the Ally Financial international operations. The pre-acquisition portfolio will decrease over time with the amortization of the acquired receivables. The post-acquisition finance receivables portfolio consists of finance receivables that were considered to have had no deterioration in credit quality at the time they were acquired with the acquisition of the Ally Financial international operations and finance receivables originated since the acquisitions of GM Financial and the Ally Financial international operations. The post-acquisition portfolio is expected to grow over time as GM Financial originates new receivables.
	The following table summarizes the components of consumer and commercial finance receivables, net (dollars in millions):
		September 30, 2013											December 31, 2012
		Consumer			Commercial				Total				Consumer			Commercial			Total
	Pre-acquisition finance receivables, outstanding amount	$	1,599		$	—			$	1,599			$	2,162		$	—		$	2,162
	Pre-acquisition finance receivables, carrying amount	$	1,452		$	—			$	1,452			$	1,958		$	—		$	1,958
	Post-acquisition finance receivables, net of fees	17,665			4,611				22,276				8,831			560			9,391
	Finance receivables	19,117			4,611				23,728				10,789			560			11,349
	Less: allowance for loan losses	(467		)	(29		)		(496		)		(345		)	(6		)	(351		)
	GM Financial receivables, net	$	18,650		$	4,582			$	23,232			$	10,444		$	554		$	10,998
	Fair value of GM Financial receivables, net								$	23,366									$	11,313
	Of the total allowance for loan losses in the above table, $372 million and $266 million were current at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
	GM Financial determined the fair value of consumer finance receivables using observable and unobservable inputs within a cash flow model. The inputs reflect assumptions regarding expected prepayments, deferrals, delinquencies, recoveries and charge-offs of the loans within the portfolio. The cash flow model produces an estimated amortization schedule of the finance receivables which is the basis for the calculation of the series of cash flows that derive the fair value of the portfolio. The series of cash flows is calculated and discounted using a weighted-average cost of capital using unobservable debt and equity percentages, an unobservable cost of equity and an observable cost of debt based on companies with a similar credit rating and maturity profile as the portfolio. Macroeconomic factors could negatively affect the credit performance of the portfolio and therefore could potentially affect the assumptions used in GM Financial's cash flow model. Substantially all commercial finance receivables either have variable interest rates and maturities of one year or less, or were acquired or originated within the past year. Therefore, the carrying amount is considered to be a reasonable estimate of fair value.
	GM Financial reviews its pre-acquisition finance receivables portfolios for differences between contractual cash flows and the cash flows expected to be collected to determine if the difference is attributable, at least in part, to credit quality. In the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 as a result of improvements in credit performance of the pre-acquisition finance receivables, GM Financial transferred the amount of excess cash flows from the non-accretable difference to accretable yield. GM Financial will recognize this excess as finance charge income over the remaining life of the portfolio.
	The following table summarizes the activity for accretable yield (dollars in millions):
		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012				September 30, 2013				September 30, 2012
	Balance at beginning of period	$	394		$	628			$	404			$	737
	Ally Financial international operations acquisition								127
	Accretion of accretable yield	(85		)	(123		)		(269		)		(402		)
	Transfer from non-accretable difference	19			—				73				170
	Effect of foreign currency	1			—				(6		)		—
	Balance at end of period	$	329		$	505			$	329			$	505
	The following table summarizes activity for the allowance for loan losses on consumer and commercial finance receivables (dollars in millions):
		Three Months Ended(a)							Nine Months Ended(a)
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012				September 30, 2013				September 30, 2012
	Balance at beginning of period	$	447		$	249			$	351			$	179
	Provision for loan losses	117			78				311				188
	Charge-offs	(171		)	(82		)		(419		)		(186		)
	Recoveries	103			46				253				110
	Balance at end of period	$	496		$	291			$	496			$	291
	________
	(a)	The balances and activity of the allowance for commercial loan losses included in the amounts at and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were insignificant.
	Credit Quality
	Consumer Finance Receivables
	GM Financial uses proprietary scoring systems that measure the credit quality of the receivables using several factors, such as credit bureau information, consumer credit risk scores (e.g. FICO score), and contract characteristics. In addition to GM Financial's proprietary scoring systems, GM Financial considers other individual consumer factors, such as employment history, financial stability and capacity to pay. Subsequent to origination GM Financial reviews the credit quality of retail receivables based on customer payment activity. At the time of loan origination substantially all of GM Financial's international consumers have prime credit scores. In North America sub-prime is typically defined as a loan with a borrower that has a FICO score of less than 620. At September 30, 2013 88% of the consumer finance receivables in North America were consumers with FICO scores less than 620.
	An account is considered delinquent if a substantial portion of a scheduled payment has not been received by the date such payment was contractually due. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 the accrual of finance charge income has been suspended on delinquent consumer finance receivables with contractual amounts due of $550 million and $503 million.
	GM Financial purchases consumer finance contracts from automobile dealers without recourse, and accordingly, the dealer has no liability to GM Financial if the consumer defaults on the contract. Finance receivables are collateralized by vehicle titles and GM Financial has the right to repossess the vehicle in the event the consumer defaults on the payment terms of the contract.
	The following table summarizes the contractual amount of delinquent contracts, which is not materially different than the recorded investment of the consumer finance receivables (dollars in millions):
		September 30, 2013						September 30, 2012
		Amount			Percent of Contractual Amount Due			Amount				Percent of Contractual Amount Due
	Delinquent contracts
	31-to-60 days	$	739		3.8	%		$	561			5.2	%
	Greater-than-60 days	291			1.5	%		204				1.9	%
	Total finance receivables more than 30 days delinquent	1,030			5.3	%		765				7.1	%
	In repossession	45			0.3	%		38				0.3	%
	Total finance receivables more than 30 days delinquent or in repossession	$	1,075		5.6	%		$	803			7.4	%
	Impaired Finance Receivables - Troubled Debt Restructurings
	Consumer finance receivables in the post-acquisition portfolio that become classified as troubled debt restructurings (TDRs) because of payment deferral or other reasons 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.
	The following table summarizes the outstanding recorded investment for consumer finance receivables that are considered to be TDRs and the related allowance (dollars in millions):
		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Outstanding recorded investment	$	633		$	228
	Less: allowance for loan losses	(88		)	(32		)
	Outstanding recorded investment, net of allowance	$	545		$	196
	Unpaid principal balance	$	642		$	232
	Commercial Finance Receivables
	GM Financial's commercial finance receivables consist of dealer financings. A proprietary model is used to assign a risk rating to each dealer. A credit review of each dealer is performed at least annually and, if necessary, the dealer's risk rating is adjusted on the basis of the review. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 the commercial finance receivables or loans on non-accrual status were insignificant.
	The following table summarizes the credit risk profile by dealer grouping of the commercial finance receivables (dollars in millions):
		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Group I - Dealers with strong to superior financial metrics	$	394		$	99
	Group II - Dealers with fair to favorable financial metrics	1,088			278
	Group III - Dealers with marginal to weak financial metrics	1,543			171
Group IV - Dealers with poor financial metrics	1,058			12
Group V - Dealers warranting special mention due to potential weaknesses	360
Group VI - Dealers with loans classified as substandard, doubtful or impaired	168
	$	4,611		$	560
The credit lines for Group VI dealers are suspended and no further funding is extended to these dealers.

Inventories

Inventories	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories [Text Block]	Inventories
	The following table summarizes the components of Inventories (dollars in millions):
		September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
	Productive material, supplies and work in process	$	6,718	$	6,560
	Finished product, including service parts	8,639		8,154
	Total inventories	$	15,357	$	14,714

Equity_In_Net_Assets_Of_Noncon

Equity In Net Assets Of Nonconsolidated Affiliates	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity In Net Assets Of Nonconsolidated Affiliates [Text Block]	Equity in Net Assets of Nonconsolidated Affiliates
	Nonconsolidated affiliates are entities in which an equity ownership interest is maintained and for which the equity method of accounting is used, due to the ability to exert significant influence over decisions relating to their operating and financial affairs.
	Sales and income of our China JVs are not consolidated into our financial statements; rather, our proportionate share of the earnings of each joint venture is reflected as Equity income, net of tax.
	The following table summarizes information regarding Equity income, net of tax (dollars in millions):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012			September 30, 2013		September 30, 2012
	China joint ventures (China JVs)	$	425		$	371		$	1,391	$	1,121
	Others	11			47			29		20
	Total equity income, net of tax	$	436		$	418		$	1,420	$	1,141
	We did not receive any dividends from nonconsolidated affiliates in the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 and received $1.6 billion and $1.4 billion in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 we had undistributed earnings including dividends declared but not received of $1.5 billion and $1.7 billion related to our nonconsolidated affiliates.
	Investment in China JVs
	There have been no significant ownership changes in our China JVs since December 31, 2012.
	Shanghai General Motors Corporation Ltd. (SGM) is a joint venture established by Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (50%) and us (50%). In September 2012 we purchased a 1% interest in SGM for a total consideration of $119 million, increasing our ownership interest in SGM to 50%. The transaction was accounted for by applying the equity method of accounting. The consideration exceeded our proportionate share of the 1% interest in SGM net assets by $82 million, which consists of plant, property and equipment, intangible assets and goodwill of $8 million, $36 million and $38 million.
	Transactions with Nonconsolidated Affiliates
	Nonconsolidated affiliates are involved in various aspects of the development, production and marketing of cars, trucks and automobile parts. We purchase component parts and vehicles from certain nonconsolidated affiliates for resale to dealers. We also sell component parts and vehicles to certain nonconsolidated affiliates. The following tables summarize the effects of transactions with nonconsolidated affiliates (dollars in millions):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012			September 30, 2013		September 30, 2012
	Results of operations
	Automotive sales and revenue	$	599		$	568		$	1,900	$	1,873
	Automotive purchases, net	$	239		$	98		$	614	$	407
	Interest income and other non-operating income, net	$	9		$	11		$	16	$	174
		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Financial position
	Accounts and notes receivable, net	$	520		$	1,668
	Accounts payable	$	278		$	167
	Deferred revenue and customer deposits	$	38		$	46
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Cash flows
	Operating	$	3,015		$	3,030
	Investing	$	(12	)	$	(38	)

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net [Text Block]	Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net
	Goodwill
	The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying amounts of Goodwill (dollars in millions):
		GMNA			GME			GMIO			GMSA			Total			GM		Total
														Automotive			Financial
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	—		$	—		$	549		$	146		$	695		$	1,278	$	1,973
	Impairment charges	—			—			(60		)	—			(60		)	—		(60		)
	Goodwill from business combinations(a)	—			—			—			10			10			56		66
	Effect of foreign currency and other	—			—			(14		)	(12		)	(26		)	—		(26		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	—		$	—		$	475		$	144		$	619		$	1,334	$	1,953
	Accumulated impairment charges at December 31, 2012	$	(26,399	)	$	(3,072	)	$	(426	)	$	—		$	(29,897	)	$	—	$	(29,897	)
	Accumulated impairment charges at September 30, 2013	$	(26,399	)	$	(3,072	)	$	(486	)	$	—		$	(29,957	)	$	—	$	(29,957	)
	________
	(a)	Refer to Note 2 for additional information concerning the acquisition of the Ally Financial international operations.
	In the three months ended September 30, June 30 and March 31, 2013 and 2012 we performed event-driven goodwill impairment tests for our GM Korea Company (GM Korea) reporting unit as the fair value of GM Korea continues to be below its carrying amount due to ongoing economic weakness in certain markets to which GM Korea exports as well as higher raw material costs and unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates. The event-driven impairment tests resulted in Goodwill impairment charges of $60 million, $78 million and $27 million within our GMIO segment in the three months ended September 30, 2013, September 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012. Our GME reporting unit had a negative carrying amount and because of deterioration in the business outlook for GME that resulted in a reduction in the fair value of certain tax attributes and an increase in the fair value of estimated employee benefit obligations at March 31, 2012, we recorded a Goodwill impairment charge of $590 million, after which GME's Goodwill balance was $0.
	When performing our goodwill impairment testing, the fair values of our reporting units were determined based on valuation techniques using the best available information, primarily discounted cash flow projections. We make significant assumptions and estimates, which utilized Level 3 measures, about the extent and timing of future cash flows, growth rates, market share and discount rates that represent unobservable inputs into our valuation methodologies. Our fair value estimates for event-driven impairment tests assume the achievement of the future financial results contemplated in our forecasted cash flows and there can be no assurance that we will realize that value.
	Intangible Assets, Net
	In December 2012 we entered into a product development agreement with Peugeot S.A. to collaborate on the development of certain vehicle platforms, components and modules. As a result of this agreement, in the three months ended March 31, 2013 we acquired the rights to certain intellectual property and technology for total consideration of $642 million. Consideration of $201 million was paid in cash in May 2013 with the remaining consideration to be paid in cash or in-kind exchanges by May 2018. The acquired rights were recorded at the present value of the total payments to be made as technology and intellectual property of $594 million and is being amortized over 10 years.

Variable_Interest_Entities_Not

Variable Interest Entities (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
Variable Interest Entities [Text Block]	Variable Interest Entities
	Consolidated VIEs
	Automotive
	Variable interest entities (VIEs) that we do not control through a majority voting interest that are consolidated because we are the primary beneficiary include certain vehicle assembling, manufacturing and selling venture arrangements, the most significant of which is GM Egypt. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012: (1) Total assets of these VIEs were $492 million and $436 million, which were composed of Cash and cash equivalents, Accounts and notes receivable, net, Inventories and Property, net; and (2) Total liabilities were $309 million and $254 million, which were composed of Accounts payable (principally trade) and Accrued liabilities. In the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 Total net sales and revenue recorded by these VIEs were $226 million and $284 million and Net income was $13 million and $25 million. In the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 Total net sales and revenue recorded by these VIEs were $720 million and $746 million and Net income was $51 million and $32 million. These amounts are stated prior to intercompany eliminations. Liabilities recognized as a result of consolidating VIEs generally do not represent claims against us or our other subsidiaries and assets recognized generally are for the benefit of the VIEs' operations and cannot be used to satisfy our obligations.
	GM Korea and HKJV are non-wholly owned consolidated subsidiaries that we control through a majority voting interest. They are also VIEs because in the future they may require additional subordinated financial support. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 the combined creditors of GM Korea's and HKJV's liabilities of $264 million and $368 million, which were composed of short-term debt, current derivative liabilities and long-term debt, do not have recourse to our general credit.
	Automotive Financing - GM Financial
	GM Financial uses special purpose entities (SPEs) that are considered VIEs to issue variable funding notes to third party bank-sponsored warehouse facilities or asset-backed securities to investors in securitization transactions. The debt issued by these VIEs is backed by the cash flows related to finance receivables and leasing related assets transferred by GM Financial to the VIEs (Securitized Assets). GM Financial holds variable interests in the VIEs that could potentially be significant to the VIEs. GM Financial determined that they are the primary beneficiary of the SPEs because: (1) the servicing responsibilities for the Securitized Assets give GM Financial the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the performance of the VIEs; and (2) the variable interests in the VIEs give GM Financial the obligation to absorb losses and the right to receive residual returns that could potentially be significant. The assets and liabilities of the VIEs are included in GM Financial's condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities related to GM Financial's consolidated VIEs prior to intercompany eliminations (dollars in millions):
		September 30, 2013		31-Dec-12
	Restricted cash	$	1,350	$	744
	Securitized assets	$	21,761	$	10,442
	Securitization notes payable and other credit facilities	$	18,147	$	9,378
	Restricted cash represents collections from the underlying Securitized Assets and certain reserve accounts held as credit enhancement for securitizations held by GM Financial for the benefit of the noteholders. Except for acquisition accounting adjustments, which are not recorded in SPE trusts, GM Financial recognizes finance charge income, leased vehicle income and other income on the Securitized Assets and interest expense on the secured debt issued by the SPEs. GM Financial also maintains an allowance for estimated probable credit losses on the Securitized Assets. Cash pledged to support the secured borrowings is deposited to a restricted cash account and recorded as restricted cash, which is invested in highly liquid securities with original maturities of 90 days or less.
	The assets of the VIEs and the restricted cash held by GM Financial serve as the sole source of repayment for the asset-backed securities issued by these entities. Investors in the notes issued by the VIEs do not have recourse to GM Financial or their other assets, with the exception of customary representation and warranty repurchase provisions and indemnities that GM Financial provides as the servicer. GM Financial is not required and does not currently intend to provide additional financial support to these SPEs. While these subsidiaries are included in GM Financial's condensed consolidated financial statements, these subsidiaries are separate legal entities and their assets are legally owned by them and are not available to GM Financial's creditors.
	Nonconsolidated VIEs
	Automotive
	VIEs that are not consolidated include certain vehicle assembling, manufacturing and selling venture arrangements and other automotive related entities to which we provided financial support including HKJV prior to September 2012 and Ally Financial. We concluded these entities are VIEs because they do not have sufficient equity at risk or may require additional subordinated financial support. We currently lack the power through voting or similar rights to direct those activities of these entities that most significantly affect their economic performance. Our variable interests in these nonconsolidated VIEs include accounts and notes receivable, equity in net assets, guarantees and financial support, some of which were provided to certain current or previously divested suppliers in order to ensure that supply needs for production were not disrupted due to a supplier's liquidity concerns or possible shutdowns.
	At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 our variable interests in these VIEs included: (1) Total assets of $174 million and $351 million, which were composed of Accounts and notes receivable, net, and Equity in net assets of nonconsolidated affiliates; (2) Total liabilities of $851 million and $1.9 billion, which were composed of Accounts payable (principally trade), Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt, Accrued liabilities and Other liabilities; and (3) Total off-balance sheet arrangements of $126 million and $32 million, which were composed of loan commitments and other liquidity arrangements. The amount of total off-balance sheet arrangements at September 30, 2013 includes contractual commitments under an agreement with a supplier that became a VIE in January 2013. The maximum exposure to loss for total assets approximated the carrying amount at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. Refer to Note 14 for additional information on our maximum exposure to loss under agreements with Ally Financial.
	Fair Value of Ally Financial Common Stock
	At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 we held a 9.9% common equity ownership in Ally Financial. Our entire equity ownership is held indirectly through an independent trust which has the sole authority to vote the shares and was required to dispose of all Ally Financial common stock by December 24, 2013. In October 2013 the Federal Reserve agreed to extend the date by which the shares must be divested by the trust from December 2013 to December 2015. We can cause the trustee to return any Ally Financial common stock to us to hold directly, so long as our directly held voting and total common equity interests remain below 10.0%.
	The following table summarizes the carrying amount and estimated fair value of Ally Financial common stock measured using Level 3 inputs (dollars in millions):
		September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
	Carrying amount	$	397	$	399
	Fair value	$	866	$	1,268
	We estimated the fair value of Ally Financial common stock using a market approach that applies the average price to tangible book value multiples of comparable companies to the consolidated Ally Financial tangible book value. The significant inputs used in our fair value analyses included Ally Financial's financial statements, financial statements and price to tangible book value multiples of comparable companies in the banking and finance industry, and the effects of certain Ally Financial shareholder rights.

Depreciation_Amortization_and_

Depreciation, Amortization and Impairment Charges	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Property, net [Abstract]
Depreciation, Amortization and Impairment Charges [Text Block]	Depreciation, Amortization and Impairment Charges
	The following table summarizes depreciation, amortization and impairment charges related to Property, net, Equipment on operating leases, net and GM Financial equipment on operating leases, net (dollars in millions):
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012		September 30, 2013		September 30, 2012
	Depreciation and amortization of long-lived assets	$	1,049		$	994	$	2,919	$	2,811
	Impairment charges of long-lived assets	$	1		$	7	$	37	$	61
	Depreciation of equipment on operating leases	$	201		$	124	$	451	$	321
	Impairment charges of equipment on operating leases	$	25		$	27	$	134	$	157
	The following table summarizes equipment on operating leases to daily rental car companies measured at fair value utilizing Level 3 inputs on a nonrecurring basis (dollars in millions):
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012		September 30, 2013		September 30, 2012
	Fair value measures	$	439		$	720	$	1,233	$	2,266
	Impairment of vehicles leased to daily rental car companies with guaranteed repurchase obligations is determined to exist if the expected cash flows are lower than the carrying amount of the vehicle. We have multiple, distinct portfolios of vehicles leased to rental car companies and may have multiple impairments within a period. Expected cash flows include all estimated net revenue and costs associated with the sale to daily rental car companies through disposal at auction. The fair value measurements are determined, reviewed and approved on a monthly basis by personnel with appropriate knowledge of transactions with daily rental car companies and auction transactions. The carrying amount of the related assets at September 30, 2013 and 2012 may no longer equal the fair value as the fair value presented is as of the date the impairment charge was recorded during the period presented.
	The following table summarizes the significant quantitative unobservable inputs and assumptions used in the fair value measurement of Equipment on operating leases, net (dollars in millions):
					Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		Valuation Technique		Significant Unobservable Input	September 30, 2013		September 30, 2012		September 30, 2013		September 30, 2012
	Impaired equipment on operating leases	Cash flow		Estimated net revenue	$	451	$	735	$	1,263	$	2,320
				Estimated costs	$	476	$	762	$	1,397	$	2,477

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt [Text Block]	Debt
	Automotive
	The following table summarizes the carrying amount and fair value of debt (dollars in millions):
		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Carrying amount	$	8,448		$	5,172
	Fair value(a)	$	8,028		$	5,298
	________
	(a)	The fair value of debt included $6.8 billion and $4.1 billion measured utilizing Level 2 inputs at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. The fair value of debt included $1.2 billion measured utilizing Level 3 inputs at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
	The Level 2 fair value measurements utilize quoted market prices and if unavailable, a discounted cash flow model. The valuation is reviewed internally by personnel with appropriate expertise in valuation methodologies. This model utilizes observable inputs such as contractual repayment terms and benchmark yield curves, plus a spread that is intended to represent our nonperformance risk for secured or unsecured obligations. We estimate our nonperformance risk using our corporate credit rating, the ratings on our senior unsecured notes and on our secured revolver, yields on traded bonds of companies with comparable credit ratings and risk profiles. We acquire the benchmark yield curves and nonperformance risk spread from independent sources that are widely used in the financial industry. In certain circumstances we adjust the valuation of debt for additional nonperformance risk or potential prepayment probability scenarios. We may use a probability weighting of prepayment scenarios when the stated rate exceeds market rates and the instrument contains prepayment features. The prepayment scenarios are adjusted to reflect the views of market participants. The fair value measurements subject to additional adjustments for nonperformance risk or prepayment have been categorized within Level 3.
	Senior Unsecured Notes
	In September 2013 we issued $4.5 billion in aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes comprising $1.5 billion of 3.5% notes due in 2018, $1.5 billion of 4.875% notes due in 2023 and $1.5 billion of 6.25% notes due in 2043. These notes contain terms and covenants customary of these types of securities including limitations on the amount of the secured debt we may issue.
	In connection with the issuance of these notes, we entered into a registration rights agreement that requires us to file a registration statement with the SEC for an exchange offer with respect to the senior notes. If the registration statement has not been declared effective by the SEC within 365 days after the closing date of the debt issuance, if we fail to consummate the exchange offer within 30 business days after such target effective date or if the registration statement ceases to remain effective, we will be required to pay additional interest of 0.25% per annum for the first 90 day period following such event and an additional 0.25% per annum for each subsequent 90 day period prior to the consummation of the exchange offer up to a maximum additional interest rate of 0.5% per annum.
	Wholesale Financing
	Wholesale financing represents arrangements, primarily with Ally Financial, where cash is received in advance of the final sale of vehicles, parts and accessories to our dealers or ultimate customer. These obligations typically settle through the sale and delivery of our products and generally do not require cash outflows to settle. Following the acquisition of Ally Financial's international operations in April 2013, most of the wholesale financing balance classified as debt became intercompany debt and was eliminated in consolidation, resulting in a decrease to our automotive debt balance of $682 million.
	Gains and Losses on Extinguishment of Debt
	In October 2013 we made a payment of $1.2 billion to prepay the Canadian Health Care Trust notes which had a carrying value of $1.2 billion and were recorded in Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt at September 30, 2013. As a result we recorded a gain on extinguishment of debt of approximately $25 million in October 2013.
	In the nine months ended September 30, 2013 we prepaid and retired debt obligations with a total carrying amount of $532 million and recorded a net loss on extinguishment of debt of $238 million which primarily represented the unamortized debt discount on GM Korea's mandatorily redeemable preferred stock of $240 million.
	In March 2012 we prepaid and retired a debt obligation of $39 million. We recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $18 million, which primarily represented the unamortized debt discount, in the nine months ended September 30, 2012.
	Automotive Financing - GM Financial
	The following table summarizes the carrying amount and fair value of debt (dollars in millions):
			September 30, 2013					31-Dec-12
			Carrying Amount			Fair Value(a)		Carrying Amount		Fair Value(a)
	Secured
	Revolving credit facilities		$	6,090		$	6,109	$	354	$	354
	Securitization notes payable(b)		12,357			12,446		9,024		9,171
	Total secured		18,447			18,555		9,378		9,525
	Unsecured
	Bank lines and other unsecured debt		1,228			1,228
	Senior notes		4,000			4,011		1,500		1,620
	Total unsecured		5,228			5,239		1,500		1,620
	Total GM Financial debt		$	23,675		$	23,794	$	10,878	$	11,145
	________
	(a)	The fair value of debt included $21.4 billion and $11.1 billion measured utilizing Level 2 inputs at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and $2.4 billion measured utilizing Level 3 inputs at September 30, 2013. For revolving credit facilities with variable interest rates and maturities of one year or less, the carrying amount is considered to be a reasonable estimate of fair value. The fair value of other secured debt and the unsecured debt is based on quoted market prices, when available. If quoted market prices are not available, the market value is estimated by discounting future net cash flows expected to be paid using current risk-adjusted rates.
	(b)	Includes a private securitization that GM Financial used observable and unobservable inputs to estimate fair value. Unobservable inputs are related to the structuring of the debt into various classes, which is based on public securitizations issued during the same time frame. Observable inputs are used by obtaining active prices based on the securitization debt issued during the same time frame. These observable inputs are then used to create expected market prices (unobservable inputs), which are then applied to the debt classes in order to estimate fair value which would approximate market value.
	The following table summarizes the expected scheduled principal and interest payments under our contractual debt obligations at September 30, 2013 (dollars in millions):
			Payments Due by Period
			2013			2014		2015		2016		2017		Thereafter		Total
	Secured Debt		$	3,672		$	6,334	$	4,239	$	2,686	$	1,217	$	299	$	18,447
	Unsecured Debt		724			306		166		1,032		1,000		2,000		5,228
	Interest		152			451		308		211		143		196		1,461
			$	4,548		$	7,091	$	4,713	$	3,929	$	2,360	$	2,495	$	25,136
	Secured Debt
	The revolving credit facilities have revolving periods ranging from one to three years. At the end of the revolving period, if the facilities are not renewed, the debt will amortize over periods ranging up to six years. Most of the secured debt was issued by VIEs and it is repayable only from proceeds related to the underlying pledged finance receivables and leases. Refer to Note 8 for additional information relating to GM Financial's involvement with VIEs. Weighted-average interest rates are both fixed and variable, ranging from 0.9% to 7.7% at September 30, 2013.
	In the nine months ended September 30, 2013 GM Financial entered into two revolving credit facilities secured by commercial finance receivables for a commitment of $1.3 billion in aggregate. The facilities each have a one-year revolving period and have interest rates of 0.7% and 1.3% as of September 30, 2013. In the nine months ended September 30, 2013 GM Financial also issued securitization notes payable of $4.7 billion, with a weighted-average interest rate of 1.6% maturing on various dates through 2021. At September 30, 2013 revolving credit facilities of $4.8 billion and securitization notes payable of $1.9 billion resulted from the acquisition of Ally Financial international operations.
	Unsecured Debt
	The maturity dates of bank lines, which were assumed in the acquisition of Ally Financial's international operations, range up to three years. If not renewed, any balance outstanding under these bank lines is either immediately due in full or else will amortize over a defined period. Interest rates on unsecured bank lines ranged from 0.5% to 9.0% at September 30, 2013.
	In May 2013 GM Financial issued and sold $2.5 billion in aggregate principal amount of senior notes due in 2016 through 2023 with interest rates that range from 2.75% to 4.25%. Senior notes outstanding at September 30, 2013 are due beginning in 2016 through 2023 and have interest rates that range from 2.75% to 6.75%.

Product_Warranty_Liability

Product Warranty Liability	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Product Warranty Liability [Text Block]	Product Warranty Liability
	The following table summarizes activity for policy, product warranty, and recall campaign liabilities (dollars in millions):
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Balance at beginning of period	$	7,204		$	6,600
	Warranties issued and assumed in period	2,409			2,594
	Payments	(2,304		)	(2,583		)
	Adjustments to pre-existing warranties	75			510
	Effect of foreign currency and other	(186		)	47
	Balance at end of period	$	7,198		$	7,168

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits [Text Block]	Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits
	We continue to pursue various options to fund and derisk our pension plans, including continued changes to the pension asset portfolio mix to reduce funded status volatility.
	Net Periodic Pension and OPEB (Income) Expense
	The following tables summarize the components of net periodic pension and other postretirement benefits (OPEB) (income) expense (dollars in millions):
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013												Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Pension Benefits						Other Benefits						Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
		U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans			U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans			U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans			U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans
	Service cost	$	98		$	116		$	6		$	3		$	164		$	104		$	5		$	5
	Interest cost	710			251			54			15			1,031			277			59			15
	Expected return on plan assets	(891		)	(204		)	—			—			(1,281		)	(218		)	—			—
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(1		)	4			(28		)	(4		)	—			—			(29		)	(4		)
	Recognized net actuarial loss	2			56			21			2			—			9			13			2
	Curtailments, settlements and other (gains) losses	(3		)	(4		)	(83		)	—			54			8			—			11
	Net periodic pension and OPEB (income) expense	$	(85	)	$	219		$	(30	)	$	16		$	(32	)	$	180		$	48		$	29
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013												Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Pension Benefits						Other Benefits						Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
		U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans			U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans			U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans			U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans
	Service cost	$	296		$	309		$	19		$	10		$	485		$	302		$	17		$	13
	Interest cost	2,128			757			164			43			3,191			830			176			47
	Expected return on plan assets	(2,672		)	(618		)	—			—			(3,946		)	(653		)	—			—
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(3		)	14			(87		)	(11		)	(1		)	—			(87		)	(9		)
	Recognized net actuarial loss	5			156			67			5			1			26			39			5
	Curtailments, settlements and other (gains) losses	2			(1		)	(83		)	—			31			50			—			11
	Net periodic pension and OPEB (income) expense	$	(244	)	$	617		$	80		$	47		$	(239	)	$	555		$	145		$	67
	Significant Plan Amendments, Benefit Modifications and Related Events
	U.S. Salaried Defined Benefit Life Insurance Plan
	In September 2013 we amended the U.S. salaried life insurance plan effective January 1, 2014 to eliminate benefits for retirees and eligible employees retiring on or after August 1, 2009. The remeasurement, settlement and curtailment resulted in a decrease in the OPEB liability of $319 million, a decrease in the net pre-tax actuarial loss component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss of $236 million and a pre-tax gain of $83 million.
	U.S. Salaried Defined Benefit Pension Plan
	In January 2012 we amended the U.S. salaried pension plan to cease the accrual of additional benefits effective September 30, 2012. This amendment resulted in a curtailment which decreased the pension liability and decreased the net pre-tax actuarial loss component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss by $309 million in the three months ended March 31, 2012. Active plan participants started receiving additional contributions in the defined contribution plan in October 2012.
	In August 2012 the salaried pension plan was amended to divide the plan to create a new legally separate defined benefit plan primarily for active and terminated vested participants. The underlying benefits offered to the plans' participants were unchanged, however the plan split resulted in a remeasurement. The remeasurement on August 1, 2012 increased the pension liability and the net pre-tax actuarial loss component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss by $654 million, due primarily to a decrease in the discount rate from 4.21% to 3.37% on a weighted-average basis, partially offset by actual asset returns in excess of expected amounts.
	In August 2012 lump-sum pension distributions were made to retired salaried plan participants who elected to receive a lump-sum payment instead of their annuity. These distributions resulted in a partial plan settlement necessitating a plan remeasurement on August 31, 2012. The settlement resulted in a pre-tax loss of $54 million. The effect on our financial condition was insignificant.
	Canadian Salaried Defined Benefit Plans
	In June 2012 we amended the Canadian salaried pension plan to cease the accrual of additional benefits effective December 31, 2012 and provide active employees a lump-sum distribution option at retirement. The remeasurement, amendments and offsetting curtailment increased the pension liability by $84 million. Active plan participants started receiving additional contributions in the defined contribution plan starting in January 2013.
	We also amended the Canadian salaried retiree healthcare plan to eliminate post-65 healthcare benefits for employees retiring on or after July 1, 2014. In conjunction with this change we amended the plan to offer either a monthly monetary payment or an annual lump-sum cash payment to a defined contribution plan for health care in lieu of the benefit coverage provisions formerly provided under the healthcare plan. These amendments decreased the OPEB liability by $28 million.
	Remeasurements
	In the three months ended March 31, 2012 certain pension plans in GME were remeasured as part of our goodwill impairment testing, resulting in an increase of $150 million in the pension liability and a pre-tax increase in the net actuarial loss component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss. Refer to Note 7 for additional information on our goodwill impairment.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments and Risk Management	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Financial Instruments and Risk Management [Text Block]	Derivative Financial Instruments and Risk Management
	Automotive
	Derivatives and Hedge Accounting
	In accordance with our risk management policy we enter into a variety of foreign currency exchange rate and commodity derivative contracts to manage our exposure to fluctuations in certain foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 our derivative instruments consisted primarily of forward contracts and options, none of which were designated in hedging relationships.
	We manage our counterparty credit risk by monitoring the credit ratings of our counterparties and by requiring them to post collateral in certain circumstances. We are also required to post collateral to our counterparties. We are not subject to any covenants requiring the maintenance of certain credit rating levels or credit risk ratios that would require the posting of collateral in the event that such covenants are violated. Master netting agreements are entered into with counterparties that include a provision to allow the set-off of certain amounts in order to manage counterparty credit risk.
	At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 no collateral was provided to counterparties; however, we have received collateral from counterparties related to certain derivative instruments. The potential effect from offsetting those derivative assets and liabilities that are subject to master netting agreements was insignificant.
	Fair Value of Derivatives
	Our policy is to present derivative assets and liabilities on a gross basis. The following table summarizes fair value measurements of our derivative instruments measured on a recurring basis (dollars in millions):
					Derivative Assets											Derivative Liabilities
		Notional			Current(a)		Non-Current(b)		Total			Level 2		Level 3		Current(c)		Non-Current(d)		Total		Level 2
	September 30, 2013	$	9,920		$	60	$	89	$	149		$	44	$	105	$	5	$	2	$	7	$	7
	December 31, 2012	$	10,751		$	144	$	22	$	166		$	129	$	37	$	26	$	1	$	27	$	27
	________
	(a)	Recorded in Other current assets.
	(b)	Recorded in Other assets.
	(c)	Recorded in Accrued liabilities.
	(d)	Recorded in Other liabilities and deferred income taxes.
	We measure the fair value of our portfolio of foreign currency, commodity and embedded derivatives using industry accepted models. The significant Level 2 inputs used in the valuation of our derivatives include spot rates, forward rates, volatility and interest rates. These inputs are obtained from pricing services, broker quotes and other sources.
	We are party to agreements in which pricing is affected by movements in commodity prices or currency exchange rates. Therefore we determined these agreements to be derivatives or have embedded derivatives for accounting purposes. The valuations of these derivatives use Level 3 inputs. Unobservable inputs include volume commitments, vehicle mix and forward commodity prices.
	The valuations are performed, reviewed and approved by personnel with appropriate expertise in valuation methodologies. For certain derivatives we compare our own valuations with valuations prepared by independent outside parties.
	We had derivative instruments measured using Level 3 inputs with balances of $105 million and $38 million at September 30, 2013 and 2012, which included gains of $40 million and $74 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, and losses of $13 million and $102 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012.
	Gains (Losses) on Derivatives
	The following table summarizes derivative gains (losses) recorded in Interest income and other non-operating income (loss), net (dollars in millions):
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012		September 30, 2013		September 30, 2012
	Total gains (losses) recorded in earnings	$	(12	)	$	4	$	2	$	(102	)
	Automotive Financing - GM Financial
	GM Financial is exposed to market risks arising from adverse changes in interest rates due to floating interest rate exposure on its credit facilities and on certain securitization notes payable and manages this exposure with interest rate swaps and caps. GM Financial had interest rate derivatives in asset positions with notional amounts of $4.4 billion and $775 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. GM Financial had interest rate derivatives in liability positions with notional amounts of $5.5 billion and $775 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. The fair value of these derivative financial instruments was insignificant.
	In connection with the closing of the acquisition of the Ally Financial international operations, GM Financial provided loans denominated in foreign currencies (Euro, British Pound and Swedish Krona) to an acquired entity for the equivalent of $1.5 billion. In March 2013 GM Financial entered into foreign currency exchange swaps to hedge against any valuation change in the loan due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates. At September 30, 2013 the foreign currency exchange swaps in asset and liability positions had notional amounts of $1.5 billion. In addition, in connection with the acquisition, GM Financial assumed a cross-currency swap related to a European securitization, which had a notional amount of $534 million at September 30, 2013. The fair value of the foreign currency exchange swaps was insignificant. Refer to Note 2 for additional information on the acquisition.

Commitments_And_Contingencies

Commitments And Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments And Contingencies [Text Block]	Commitments and Contingencies
	The following tables summarize information related to Commitments and contingencies (dollars in millions):
		September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
		Liability		Maximum		Liability		Maximum
		Recorded		Liability(a)		Recorded		Liability(a)
	Guarantees
	Third party commercial loans and other obligations(b)	$	87	$	14,858	$	168	$	22,496
	Other product-related claims	$	53	$	1,160	$	51	$	1,040
	________
	(a)	Calculated as future undiscounted payments.
	(b)	Includes liabilities recorded of $10 million and $15 million and maximum liabilities of $14.6 billion and $22.1 billion related to Ally Financial repurchase obligations at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
		Liability Recorded
		September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
	Other litigation-related liability and tax administrative matters	$	1,861	$	1,728
	Product liability	$	649	$	601
	Environmental liability	$	155	$	166
	Guarantees
	We provide payment guarantees on commercial loans outstanding with third parties, such as dealers or rental car companies. These guarantees either expire in 2018 or are ongoing. We determined the fair value ascribed to the guarantees at inception and subsequent to inception to be insignificant based on the credit worthiness of the third parties.
	We have agreements with third parties that guarantee the fulfillment of certain suppliers' commitments and other obligations. These guarantees expire in 2013 through 2016 or are ongoing, or upon the occurrence of specific events.
	In some instances certain assets of the party whose debt or performance we have guaranteed may offset, to some degree, the cost of the guarantee. The offset of certain of our payables to guaranteed parties may also offset certain guarantees, if triggered. If vehicles are required to be repurchased under vehicle repurchase obligations, the total exposure would be reduced to the extent vehicles are able to be resold to another dealer.
	In connection with certain divestitures of assets or operating businesses, we have entered into agreements indemnifying certain buyers and other parties with respect to environmental conditions and other closure costs pertaining to real property we owned. We periodically enter into agreements that incorporate indemnification provisions in the normal course of business. It is not possible to estimate our maximum exposure under these indemnifications or guarantees due to the conditional nature of these obligations. Immaterial amounts have been recorded for such obligations as the majority of them are not probable or estimable at this time and the fair value of the guarantees at issuance was insignificant.
	In addition to the guarantees and indemnifying agreements previously discussed, we indemnify dealers for certain product liability related claims as subsequently discussed.
	With respect to other product-related claims involving products manufactured by certain joint ventures, we believe that costs incurred are adequately covered by recorded accruals. These guarantees terminate in years ranging from 2020 to 2026.
	Other Litigation-Related Liability and Tax Administrative Matters
	Various legal actions, governmental investigations, claims and proceedings are pending against us including matters arising out of alleged product defects; employment-related matters; governmental regulations relating to safety, emissions and fuel economy; product warranties; financial services; dealer, supplier and other contractual relationships; tax-related matters not recorded pursuant to Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 740, "Income Taxes" (indirect tax-related matters); and environmental matters.
	With regard to the litigation matters discussed in the previous paragraph, reserves have been established for matters in which we believe that losses are probable and can be reasonably estimated, the majority of which are associated with non-U.S. labor-related matters as well as indirect tax-related matters. The various non-U.S. labor-related matters include claims from current and former employees related to alleged unpaid wage, benefit, severance and other compensation matters. Indirect tax-related matters are being litigated globally pertaining to value added taxes, customs, duties, sales taxes, property taxes and other non-income tax related tax exposures. Certain South American administrative proceedings are indirect tax-related and may require that we deposit funds in escrow. Escrow deposits may range from $500 million to $600 million. Some of the matters may involve compensatory, punitive or other treble damage claims, environmental remediation programs or sanctions that, if granted, could require us to pay damages or make other expenditures in amounts that could not be reasonably estimated at September 30, 2013. We believe that appropriate accruals have been established for such matters based on information currently available. Reserves for litigation losses are recorded in Accrued liabilities and Other liabilities and deferred income taxes. Litigation is inherently unpredictable and unfavorable resolutions could occur. Accordingly it is possible that an adverse outcome from such proceedings could exceed the amounts accrued in an amount that could be material to our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows in any particular reporting period.
	GM Korea Wage Litigation
	Commencing on or about September 29, 2010 current and former hourly employees of GM Korea filed eight separate group actions in the Incheon District Court in Incheon, Korea. The cases, which in aggregate involve more than 10,000 employees, allege that GM Korea failed to include certain allowances in its calculation of Ordinary Wages due under the Presidential Decree of the Korean Labor Standards Act. On November 23, 2012 the Seoul High Court (an intermediate level appellate court) issued a decision affirming a decision of the Incheon District Court in a case involving five GM Korea employees which was contrary to GM Korea's position in all of these cases. GM Korea believes the decision of the Seoul High Court is incorrect and has appealed to the Supreme Court of the Republic of Korea and initiated a constitutional challenge to the adverse interpretation of the relevant statute. At September 30, 2013 we have an accrual of 843 billion South Korean Won (equivalent to $784 million) in connection with these cases. We do not believe we have any reasonably possible loss, as defined by ASC 450, “Contingencies,” in excess of the amount of the accrual. We are also party to litigation with current and former salary employees over allegations relating to Ordinary Wage regulation, although the issues differ due to differences between hourly and salaried benefit design. For those cases, we have identified a reasonably possible loss in excess of amounts accrued of 164 billion South Korean Won (equivalent to $153 million). Both the scope of claims asserted and GM Korea's assessment of any or all of individual claim elements may change if new information becomes available.
	GMCL Dealers' Claim
	On February 12, 2010 a claim was filed in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice against General Motors of Canada Limited (GMCL) on behalf of a purported class of over 200 former GMCL dealers (the Plaintiff Dealers) which had entered into wind-down agreements with GMCL. In May 2009 in the context of the global restructuring of the business and the possibility that GMCL might be required to initiate insolvency proceedings, GMCL offered the Plaintiff Dealers the wind-down agreements to assist with their exit from the GMCL dealer network and to facilitate winding down their operations in an orderly fashion by December 31, 2009 or such other date as GMCL approved but no later than on October 31, 2010. The Plaintiff Dealers allege that the Dealer Sales and Service Agreements were wrongly terminated by GMCL and that GMCL failed to comply with certain disclosure obligations, breached its statutory duty of fair dealing and unlawfully interfered with the Plaintiff Dealers' statutory right to associate in an attempt to coerce the Plaintiff Dealers into accepting the wind-down agreements. The Plaintiff Dealers seek damages and assert that the wind-down agreements are rescindable. The Plaintiff Dealers' initial pleading makes reference to a claim “not exceeding” CAD $750 million, without explanation of any specific measure of damages. On March 1, 2011 the court approved certification of a class for the purpose of deciding a number of specifically defined issues including: (1) whether GMCL breached its obligation of "good faith" in offering the wind-down agreements; (2) whether GMCL interfered with the Plaintiff Dealers' rights of free association; (3) whether GMCL was obligated to provide a disclosure statement and/or disclose more specific information regarding its restructuring plans in connection with proffering the wind-down agreements; and (4) assuming liability, whether the Plaintiff Dealers can recover damages in the aggregate (as opposed to proving individual damages). On June 22, 2011 the court granted GMCL permission to appeal the class certification decision. On March 26, 2012 the Ontario Superior Court dismissed GMCL's appeal of the class certification order. Accordingly the case will proceed as a class action. A number of former dealers have opted out of participation in the litigation, leaving 181 dealers in the certified class. The current prospects for liability are uncertain, but because liability is not deemed probable we have no accrual relating to this litigation. We cannot estimate the range of reasonably possible loss in the event of liability as the case presents a variety of different legal theories, none of which GMCL believes are valid.
	UAW Claim
	On April 6, 2010 the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agriculture Implement Workers of America (UAW) filed suit against us in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan claiming that we breached an obligation to contribute $450 million to the UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust. The UAW alleges that we were contractually required to make this contribution. The reasonably possible loss is $450 million, which is the amount claimed. We believe that the claim is without merit and we have no accrual relating to this litigation. We believe the UAW's claim is barred by the 2009 UAW Retiree Settlement Agreement approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York (Bankruptcy Court). We also maintain that Delphi Corporation's bankruptcy plan of reorganization did not fulfill the applicable conditions of the relevant agreement and therefore payment would not be due even in the absence of the 2009 UAW Retiree Settlement Agreement.
	Nova Scotia Claims Litigation
	We are a participating party-in-interest in proceedings pending in the Bankruptcy Court to adjudicate claims in the Old GM bankruptcy arising from certain securities issued by General Motors Nova Scotia Finance Company (Nova Scotia Finance), an Old GM subsidiary which we did not acquire in 2009 (Nova Scotia Claims Litigation). Although the current proceedings involve no claims against us, they present issues which, depending upon their resolution, could result in future claims against GMCL. In previous periods, we have disclosed a potential liability associated with these issues of approximately $900 million. In September 2013 the parties to the Nova Scotia Claims Litigation and GMCL executed a settlement agreement to resolve the disputes within the scope of the litigation. Pursuant to the agreement, GMCL will pay $50 million to, or as directed by, the Trustee of Nova Scotia Finance and we (including our subsidiaries and affiliates) will be released from all claims relating to Nova Scotia Finance, the Nova Scotia Claims Litigation, and the transactions at issue in the litigation. We have an accrual in the amount of the consideration provided for in the settlement agreement. The settlement agreement has been approved by the Bankruptcy Court. Although the settlement agreement remains subject to approval by the courts of Nova Scotia, we believe it will be approved and that the prospects for liability relating to this matter in excess of the current accrual are remote.
	Environmental Liability
	Automotive operations, like operations of other companies engaged in similar businesses, are subject to a wide range of environmental protection laws, including laws regulating air emissions, water discharges, waste management and environmental remediation. Liabilities have been recorded for the expected costs to be paid over the periods of remediation for the applicable sites, which typically range from five to 30 years.
	The final outcome of environmental matters cannot be predicted with certainty at this time. Subsequent adjustments to initial estimates are recorded as necessary based upon additional information obtained. In future periods new laws or regulations, advances in remediation technologies and additional information about the ultimate remediation methodology to be used could significantly change our estimates. It is possible that the resolution of one or more environmental matters could exceed the amounts accrued in an amount that could be material to our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. At September 30, 2013 we estimate the remediation losses could range from $120 million to $230 million.
	Other Matters
	Brazil Excise Tax Incentive
	In October 2012 the Brazilian government issued a decree which increased an excise tax rate by 30 percentage points, but also provided an offsetting tax incentive that requires participating companies to meet certain criteria, such as local investment and fuel efficiency standards. Participating companies that fail to meet the required criteria are subject to clawback provisions and fines. At September 30, 2013 we believe it is reasonably assured that the program requirements will be met based on the current business model and available technologies.
	GME Planned Spending Guarantee
	As part of our Opel/Vauxhall restructuring plan agreed to with European labor representatives we have committed to achieving specified milestones associated with planned spending from 2011 to 2014 on certain product programs. If we fail to accomplish the requirements set out under the agreement we will be required to pay certain amounts up to Euro 265 million for each of those years, and/or interest on those amounts, to our employees. Certain inventory with a carrying amount of $189 million and $186 million at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was pledged as collateral under the agreement. Through September 30, 2013 spending was sufficient to meet the current requirements under the agreement and the specified milestones have been accomplished. Management has the intent and believes it has the ability to meet the future requirements under the agreement.
	India Tavera Emissions Compliance
	We have identified an emissions compliance issue with the Tavera produced in India. We have self-reported this issue to local government authorities and will cooperate with any review they may conduct. It is too early to determine the final impact this issue will have on the Company or our Indian operations.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes [Text Block]	Income Taxes
	For interim income tax reporting we estimate our annual effective tax rate and apply it to our year to date ordinary income (loss). Tax jurisdictions with a projected or year to date loss for which a tax benefit cannot be realized are excluded. The tax effects of unusual or infrequently occurring items, including changes in judgment about valuation allowances and effects of changes in tax laws or rates, are reported in the interim period in which they occur.
	In the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 income tax expense of $842 million and $357 million primarily resulted from tax expense attributable to entities included in our effective tax rate calculation. In the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 income tax expense of $2.0 billion and $814 million primarily resulted from tax expense attributable to entities included in our effective tax rate calculation, partially offset by the U.S. research credit legislated in the three months ended March 31, 2013. The income tax expense increased in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 due primarily to U.S. and Canada entities having full valuation allowances on deferred tax assets in 2012, which also caused the effective tax rate in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 to be lower than the applicable statutory tax rate. We have open tax years from 2005 to 2012 with various significant tax jurisdictions.
	It is reasonably possible uncertain tax positions will be resolved in the next twelve months resulting in a tax benefit of up to approximately $500 million. Resolution of tax-related matters and ultimate audit settlements are subject to significant uncertainty pertaining to both amount and timing; therefore, actual decreases to uncertain tax benefits, if any, may differ significantly from our current estimate.

Restructuring_and_Other_Initia

Restructuring and Other Initiatives	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring and Other Initiatives [Text Block]	Restructuring and Other Initiatives
	We have previously executed various restructuring and other initiatives, and we plan to execute additional initiatives in the future, if necessary, in order to align manufacturing capacity and other costs with prevailing global automotive production and to improve the utilization of remaining facilities. To the extent these programs involve voluntary separations, no liabilities are generally recorded until offers to employees are accepted. If employees are involuntarily terminated, a liability is generally recorded at the communication date. Related charges are recorded in Automotive cost of sales and Automotive selling, general and administrative expense.
	The following tables summarize the reserves related to restructuring and other initiatives and charges by segment, including postemployment benefit reserves and charges (dollars in millions):
		GMNA			GME			GMIO			GMSA			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	653		$	590		$	39		$	38		$	1,320
	Additions, interest accretion and other	27			35			2			22			86
	Payments	(58		)	(116		)	(26		)	(12		)	(212		)
	Revisions to estimates	13			—			(1		)	—			12
	Effect of foreign currency	(6		)	(14		)	—			1			(19		)
	Balance at March 31, 2013	629			495			14			49			1,187
	Additions, interest accretion and other	12			31			15			12			70
	Payments	(56		)	(80		)	(13		)	(34		)	(183		)
	Revisions to estimates	(16		)	(2		)	—			—			(18		)
	Effect of foreign currency	(10		)	6			(1		)	(2		)	(7		)
	Balance at June 30, 2013	559			450			15			25			1,049
	Additions, interest accretion and other	9			11			54			12			86
	Payments	(38		)	(43		)	(47		)	(17		)	(145		)
	Revisions to estimates	(8		)	(13		)	—			—			(21		)
	Effect of foreign currency	7			18			—			—			25
	Balance at September 30, 2013(a)	$	529		$	423		$	22		$	20		$	994
		GMNA			GME			GMIO			GMSA			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2012	$	884		$	687		$	1		$	12		$	1,584
	Additions, interest accretion and other	100			31			3			2			136
	Payments	(86		)	(192		)	—			(8		)	(286		)
	Revisions to estimates	(12		)	(2		)	—			—			(14		)
	Effect of foreign currency	8			16			—			—			24
	Balance at March 31, 2012	894			540			4			6			1,444
	Additions, interest accretion and other	16			56			27			73			172
	Payments	(123		)	(43		)	(5		)	(13		)	(184		)
	Revisions to estimates	—			(7		)	—			—			(7		)
	Effect of foreign currency	(8		)	(26		)	—			1			(33		)
	Balance at June 30, 2012	779			520			26			67			1,392
	Additions, interest accretion and other	9			53			4			14			80
	Payments	(42		)	(47		)	(15		)	(23		)	(127		)
	Revisions to estimates	(63		)	(6		)	(1		)	—			(70		)
	Effect of foreign currency	15			8			1			—			24
	Balance at September 30, 2012(a)	$	698		$	528		$	15		$	58		$	1,299
	________
	(a)	The remaining cash payments related to these reserves for restructuring and other initiatives, including temporary layoff benefits of $346 million and $364 million at September 30, 2013 and 2012 for GMNA, primarily relate to postemployment benefits.
	Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	GMNA recorded charges, interest accretion and other and revisions to estimates primarily related to cash severance incentive programs for skilled trade U.S. hourly employees and service cost for hourly layoff benefits.
	Due to the expected closure of the Oshawa Consolidated Plant in December 2016, impacted employees will be eligible for a voluntary restructuring separation incentive program in accordance with the existing collective bargaining agreement that provides cash and a car voucher. This may range up to $70 million and will be included in our restructuring liability, net of existing liabilities, upon irrevocable acceptance by both parties.
	GME recorded charges, interest accretion and other and revisions to estimates for previously announced separation and early retirement programs. Through September 30, 2013 the active separation programs related to Germany had a total cost of $64 million and had affected a total of 250 employees. We expect to complete these programs in 2013 and incur an additional $100 million, which will affect an additional 390 employees.
	GMIO recorded charges, interest accretion and other and revisions to estimates for separation programs in Korea and Australia. Through September 30, 2013 the active separation programs related to Korea and Australia had a total cost of $88 million and had affected a total of 850 employees.
	GMSA recorded charges for active separation programs. Through September 30, 2013 the active separation programs related to Brazil had a total cost of $103 million which we expect to complete by December 31, 2013.
	Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	GMNA recorded charges, interest accretion and other and revisions to estimates related to our 2011 UAW labor agreement and increased production capacity utilization in Canada. Our 2011 UAW labor agreement included cash severance incentive programs which were completed at March 31, 2012 for skilled trade U.S. hourly employees. A total of 1,400 skilled trade U.S. hourly employees participated in these programs at a total cost of $99 million and was recorded upon irrevocable acceptances by both parties. Substantially all of the program cost was recorded in the three months ended March 31, 2012.
	GME recorded charges, interest accretion and other and revisions to estimates primarily related to previously announced separation and early retirement programs in Germany. Through September 30, 2012 the separation programs had a total cost of $313 million and affected a total of 1,900 employees.
	GMIO recorded charges and interest accretion and other for previously announced separation programs in Korea.
	GMSA recorded charges for employee separation costs related to a separation program in Brazil.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity [Text Block]	Stockholders' Equity
	Preferred and Common Stock
	We have 2.0 billion shares of preferred stock and 5.0 billion shares of common stock authorized for issuance. We had 156 million shares of Series A Preferred Stock issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013 and 276 million shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2012. We had 100 million shares of Series B Preferred Stock and 1.4 billion shares of common stock issued and outstanding at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
	In September 2013 we purchased 120 million shares of Series A Preferred Stock held by the New VEBA at a price equal to 108.1% of the aggregate liquidation amount for $3.2 billion. We recorded a loss for the difference between the carrying amount of the Series A Preferred Stock purchased and the consideration paid, which reduced Net income attributable to common stockholders by $816 million. The remaining outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock is redeemable by us on or after December 31, 2014. If all of the remaining Series A Preferred Stock was redeemed or purchased at its par value, Net income available to common stockholders would be reduced by a charge of $800 million.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The following table summarizes the components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss (dollars in millions):
		Pre-Tax Amount			Tax Expense (Benefit)			Net Amount
	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	112		$	11		$	101
	Other comprehensive loss	(406		)	(9		)	(397		)
	Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	14			—			14
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(280	)	$	2		$	(282	)
	Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities, Net
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	63		$	22		$	41
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustment	200			(7		)	207
	Reclassification adjustment	(31		)	(7		)	(24		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	169			(14		)	183
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	232		$	8		$	224
	Defined Benefit Plans, Net
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	(7,794	)	$	400		$	(8,194	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustment	246			109			137
	Reclassification adjustment - prior service credit(a)	(87		)	(34		)	(53		)
	Reclassification adjustment - actuarial loss(a)	220			33			187
	Other comprehensive income	379			108			271
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(7,415	)	$	508		$	(7,923	)
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	(7,619	)	$	433		$	(8,052	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustment	40			93			(53		)
	Reclassification adjustment	102			(8		)	110
	Other comprehensive income	142			85			57
	Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	14			—			14
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(7,463	)	$	518		$	(7,981	)
	________
	(a)	Included in the computation of net periodic pension and OPEB (income) expense. Refer to Note 12 for additional information.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]	Earnings Per Share
	Basic and diluted earnings per share are computed by dividing Net income attributable to common stockholders by the weighted-average common shares outstanding in the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed by giving effect to all potentially dilutive securities that are outstanding.
	The following table summarizes basic and diluted earnings per share (in millions, except for per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Basic earnings per share
	Net income attributable to stockholders	$	1,717		$	1,833		$	4,306		$	4,994
	Less: cumulative dividends on preferred stock and charge related to purchase of preferred stock(a)	(1,019		)	(215		)	(1,449		)	(644		)
	Less: undistributed earnings allocated to Series B Preferred Stock participating security	—			(142		)	—			(383		)
	Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	698		$	1,476		$	2,857		$	3,967
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic	1,386			1,570			1,378			1,570
	Basic earnings per common share	$	0.5		$	0.94		$	2.07		$	2.53
	Diluted earnings per share
	Net income attributable to stockholders	$	1,717		$	1,833		$	4,306		$	4,994
	Add: preferred dividends to holders of Series B Preferred Stock	59			—			179			—
	Less: cumulative dividends on preferred stock and charge related to purchase of preferred stock(a)	(1,019		)	(215		)	(1,449		)	(644		)
	Less: undistributed earnings allocated to Series B Preferred Stock participating security	—			(135		)	—			(361		)
	Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	757		$	1,483		$	3,036		$	3,989
	Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic	1,386			1,570			1,378			1,570
	Dilutive effect of warrants	152			88			144			101
	Dilutive effect of conversion of Series B Preferred Stock	140			—			148			—
	Dilutive effect of restricted stock units (RSUs)	3			5			2			4
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted	1,681			1,663			1,672			1,675
	Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.45		$	0.89		$	1.82		$	2.38
	________
	(a)	Includes earned but undistributed dividends of $15 million and $26 million on our Series A Preferred Stock and $20 million on our Series B Preferred Stock in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.
	Our Series B Preferred Stock is a participating security and requires the application of the more dilutive of the two-class or if-converted method to calculate earnings per share when the applicable market value of our common stock is below or above the range of $33.00 to $39.60 per common share. We are required to use the if-converted method to calculate earnings per share when the applicable market value of our common stock is within this range. The applicable market value of our common stock is the average closing prices over the 40 consecutive trading day period ending on the third trading day immediately preceding the reporting period end date. Under the two-class method, undistributed earnings are allocated to common stock and the Series B Preferred Stock according to their respective participation rights in undistributed earnings, as if all the earnings for the period had been distributed, resulting in a lower basic and diluted earnings per share amount. The calculation of the applicable market value at the date of our financial statements will apply to the current quarter and the year to date periods presented, irrespective of the applicable market value computed during the prior quarters. Our calculation of earnings per share will vary from period to period depending on whether the two-class or if-converted method is required.
	In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 the applicable market value of our common stock was within the range of $33.00 to $39.60 per common share and, as such, we applied the if-converted method for purposes of calculating diluted earnings per share. The dilutive effect of the Series B Preferred Stock was determined by assuming conversion of the securities at the beginning of the period resulting in an increase to the weighted-average common shares outstanding and an increase to Net income attributable to common stockholders from adding the accumulated dividends on our Series B Preferred Stock. The impact on diluted earnings per share was an increase of $0.03 and $0.11 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 using the if-converted as compared to the two-class method. In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012 we were required to use the two-class method for calculating basic and diluted earnings per share because the applicable market value of our common stock was below $33.00 per common share.
	In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 warrants to purchase 46 million shares were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because the warrants' exercise price was greater than the average market price of the common shares.

Stock_Incentive_Plans

Stock Incentive Plans	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Stock Incentive Plans [Text Block]	Stock Incentive Plans
	Long-Term Incentive Plan
	We granted 7 million RSUs valued at the grant date fair value of our common stock in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012. Substantially all of these awards vest over a three-year service period, as defined in the terms of each award. Our policy is to issue new shares upon settlement of RSUs.
	The 2013 awards granted to the Top 25 highest compensated employees will settle on the second and third anniversary dates of grant in 25% increments consistent with the terms of the 2009 Long-Term Incentive Plan. The awards for the Next 75 highest compensated employees will settle on the second and third anniversary dates of grant. The awards to the non-Top 100 highest compensated employees will settle on the first, second and third anniversary dates of grant. Vesting and subsequent settlement will generally occur based upon employment at the end of each specified service period.
	The 2012 awards granted to the Top 25 highest compensated employees will settle on the second or third anniversary dates of grant in 25% increments consistent with the terms of the 2009 Long-Term Incentive Plan. The awards for the non-Top 25 highest compensated employees will vest and settle on the second and third anniversary dates of grant. Vesting and subsequent settlement will generally occur based upon employment at the end of each specified service period.
	Salary Stock Plan
	In the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 a portion of each participant's salary accrued on each salary payment date converted to RSUs on a quarterly basis. In March 2012 we amended the plan to provide for cash settlement of awards and reclassified $97 million from Additional paid-in capital to Accrued liabilities and Other liabilities and deferred income taxes. Prior to this amendment it was our policy to issue new shares upon settlement of these awards. In June 2013 we amended the plan to provide for cash or share settlement of awards based on election by the participant. The liability for these awards continues to be remeasured to fair value at the end of each reporting period.
	RSUs
	The following table summarizes information about the RSUs under our stock incentive plans (RSUs in millions):
		Shares		Weighted-			Weighted-Average
				Average			Remaining
				Grant Date			Contractual
				Fair Value			Term in Years
	RSUs outstanding at January 1, 2013	26.9		$	23.06		0.7
	Granted	8.4		$	28.48
	Settled	(15.3	)	$	20.61
	Forfeited or expired	(1.0	)	$	27.04
	RSUs outstanding at September 30, 2013	19		$	27.18		1.3
	RSUs unvested and expected to vest at September 30, 2013	10.5		$	27.78		1.9
	RSUs vested and payable at September 30, 2013	7.8		$	26.35		—
	The following table summarizes compensation expense recorded for our stock incentive plans (dollars in millions):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012			September 30, 2013		September 30, 2012
	Compensation expense	$	85		$	79		$	226	$	206
	Income tax benefit	$	28		$	—		$	73	$	—
	At September 30, 2013 the total unrecognized compensation expense for nonvested equity awards was $202 million. This expense is expected to be recorded over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years.
	The total fair value of RSUs that vested in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 was $288 million and $108 million.
	In the nine months ended September 30, 2013 total payments of $76 million were made to settle 2.6 million RSUs under stock incentive plans. Payments made in the nine months ended September 30, 2012 were insignificant.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting [Text Block]	Segment Reporting
	We analyze the results of our business through our five segments: GMNA, GME, GMIO, GMSA and GM Financial. The chief operating decision maker evaluates the operating results and performance of our automotive segments through Income (loss) before interest and income taxes, as adjusted for additional amounts, which are presented net of noncontrolling interests, and evaluates GM Financial through income before income taxes. Each segment has a manager responsible for executing our strategies. Our automotive manufacturing operations are integrated within the segments, benefit from broad-based trade agreements and are subject to regulatory requirements, such as Corporate Average Fuel Economy regulations. While not all vehicles within a segment are individually profitable on a fully allocated cost basis, those vehicles are needed in our product mix in order to attract customers to dealer showrooms and to maintain sales volumes for other, more profitable vehicles. Because of these and other factors, we do not manage our business on an individual brand or vehicle basis.
	In the three months ended March 31, 2013 we changed our managerial and financial reporting structure to measure our reportable segments revenue and profitability based on the geographic area in which we sell vehicles to third party customers. We record certain transactions between our automotive and finance segments as intersegment activity and eliminate them in consolidation. The new reporting structure provides clearer profit and revenue visibility across geographic areas and identifies our profitability at the point of sale. Previously, it was based on the geographic area in which the vehicles originated and our managerial and financial reporting structure included intercompany sales and cost of sales in our segment results. Certain expenses such as engineering, warranty, recall campaigns and selling, general and administrative are allocated to the geographic area in which the vehicle is sold to third party customers. We have retrospectively revised the segment presentation for all periods presented.
	Substantially all of the cars, trucks and parts produced are marketed through retail dealers in North America, and through distributors and dealers outside of North America, the substantial majority of which are independently owned.
	In addition to the products sold to dealers for consumer retail sales, cars and trucks are also sold to fleet customers, including daily rental car companies, commercial fleet customers, leasing companies and governments. Sales to fleet customers are completed through the network of dealers and in some cases sold directly to fleet customers. Retail and fleet customers can obtain a wide range of aftersale vehicle services and products through the dealer network, such as maintenance, light repairs, collision repairs, vehicle accessories and extended service warranties.
	GMNA primarily meets the demands of customers in North America with vehicles developed, manufactured and/or marketed under the following four brands:
	•     Buick	•     Cadillac	•      Chevrolet	•      GMC
	The demands of customers outside of North America are primarily met with vehicles developed, manufactured and/or marketed under the following brands:
	•     Buick	•     Chevrolet	•      Holden	•      Vauxhall
	•     Cadillac	•     GMC	•      Opel
	At September 30, 2013 we also had equity ownership stakes directly or indirectly in entities through various regional subsidiaries, primarily in Asia. These companies design, manufacture and market vehicles under the following brands:
	•     Alpheon	•     Buick	•     Chevrolet	•      Wuling
	•     Baojun	•     Cadillac	•     Jiefang
	All intersegment balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The following tables summarize key financial information by segment (dollars in millions):
		At and For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		GMNA			GME			GMIO			GMSA			Corporate			Eliminations			Total			GM			Eliminations			Total
																				Automotive			Financial
	Sales
	External customers	$	23,506		$	4,858		$	5,336		$	4,381		$	39					$	38,120		$	—		$	—		$	38,120
	GM Financial revenue	—			—			—			—			—						—			867			(4		)	863
	Intersegment	2			—			—			—			—						2			—			(2		)	—
	Total net sales and revenue	$	23,508		$	4,858		$	5,336		$	4,381		$	39					$	38,122		$	867		$	(6	)	$	38,983
	Income (loss) before interest and taxes-adjusted	$	2,187		$	(214	)	$	299		$	284		$	(161	)				$	2,395		$	239		$	3		$	2,637
	Adjustments(a)	$	—		$	—		$	(48	)	$	—		—						$	(48	)	—			$	—		(48		)
	Corporate interest income													32												$	1		33
	Automotive interest expense													65												$	—		65
	Gain on extinguishment of debt													2									—						2
	Income (loss) before income taxes													(192		)							239						2,559
	Income tax expense													756									85			$	1		842
	Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders													$	(948	)							$	154					$	1,717
	Total assets	$	92,876		$	11,274		$	25,594		$	12,327		$	23,929		$	(27,761	)	$	138,239		$	32,000		$	(1,700	)	$	168,539
	________
	(a)	Consists of Goodwill impairment charges of $48 million in GMIO, which is presented net of noncontrolling interests.
		For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		GMNA			GME			GMIO			GMSA			Corporate			Total			GM			Eliminations			Total
																	Automotive			Financial
	Sales
	External customers	$	69,974		$	14,830		$	15,406		$	12,380		$	114		$	112,704		$	—		$	—		$	112,704
	GM Financial revenue	—			—			—			—			—			—			2,243			(5		)	2,238
	Intersegment	8			—			—			—			—			8			—			(8		)	—
	Total net sales and revenue	$	69,982		$	14,830		$	15,406		$	12,380		$	114		$	112,712		$	2,243		$	(13	)	$	114,942
	Income (loss) before interest and taxes-adjusted	$	5,577		$	(499	)	$	1,022		$	300		$	(397	)	$	6,003		$	673		$	3		$	6,679
	Adjustments(a)	$	(1	)	$	1		$	43		$	(157	)	—			$	(114	)	—			$	—		(114		)
	Corporate interest income													192									$	(3	)	189
	Automotive interest expense													219									$	(2	)	217
	Loss on extinguishment of debt													238						—						238
	Income (loss) before income taxes													(662		)				673						6,299
	Income tax expense													1,760						232			$	1		1,993
	Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders													$	(2,422	)				$	441					$	4,306
	________
	(a)	Consists of Venezuela currency devaluation of $162 million in GMSA, the acquisition of GM Korea preferred shares of $67 million and Goodwill impairment charges of $48 million in GMIO, which is presented net of noncontrolling interests, and net pension settlement charges and income related to various insurance recoveries, net, of $29 million.
		For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		GMNA			GME			GMIO			GMSA			Corporate			Total			GM			Eliminations			Total
																	Automotive			Financial
	Sales
	External customers	$	22,347		$	4,702		$	5,722		$	4,275		$	16		$	37,062		$	—		$	—		$	37,062
	GM Financial revenue	—			—			—			—			—			—			514			—			514
	Total net sales and revenue	$	22,347		$	4,702		$	5,722		$	4,275		$	16		$	37,062		$	514		$	—		$	37,576
	Income (loss) before interest and taxes-adjusted	$	1,715		$	(487	)	$	761		$	159		$	(51	)	$	2,097		$	200		$	(1	)	$	2,296
	Adjustments(a)	$	—		$	—		$	(62	)	$	—		—			$	(62	)	—			$	—		(62		)
	Corporate interest income													84												84
	Automotive interest expense													128												128
	Income (loss) before income taxes													(95		)				200						2,190
Income tax expense													286						71						357
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders													$	(381	)				$	129					$	1,833
_______
(a)	Consists of Goodwill impairment charges of $62 million in GMIO, which is presented net of noncontrolling interests.
	For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
	GMNA			GME			GMIO			GMSA			Corporate			Total			GM			Eliminations			Total
																Automotive			Financial
Sales
External customers	$	67,075		$	15,489		$	16,653		$	12,259		$	41		$	111,517		$	—		$	—		$	111,517
GM Financial revenue	—			—			—			—			—			—			1,432			—			1,432
Intersegment	(1		)	—			—			—			—			(1		)	—			1			—
Total net sales and revenue	$	67,074		$	15,489		$	16,653		$	12,259		$	41		$	111,516		$	1,432		$	1		$	112,949
Income (loss) before interest and taxes-adjusted	$	5,248		$	(1,175	)	$	1,909		$	328		$	(310	)	$	6,000		$	598		$	(1	)	$	6,597
Adjustments(a)	$	—		$	(590	)	$	(84	)	$	—		—			$	(674	)	—			$	—		(674		)
Corporate interest income													259												259
Automotive interest expense													356												356
Loss on extinguishment of debt													18						—						18
Income (loss) before income taxes													(425		)				598						5,808
Income tax expense													560						254						814
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders													$	(985	)				$	344					$	4,994
________
(a)	Consists of Goodwill impairment charges of $590 million in GME and $84 million in GMIO, which is presented net of noncontrolling interests.

Subsequent_Event

Subsequent Event	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	Subsequent Event
	Acquisition of Certain Ally Financial International Operations
	On October 1, 2013 GM Financial completed the acquisition of Ally Financial's automotive finance operations in Brazil for $611 million, subject to certain closing adjustments.
	GM Financial will record the fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed on October 1, 2013, the date GM Financial obtained control of the operations, and include the results of their operations and cash flows in their consolidated financial statements from that date forward.
	The following table summarizes certain pro forma financial information for us and the acquired Brazil operations that closed in October had this acquisition occurred as of the first day in the periods presented, without consideration of historical transactions between the acquired operations and us, as it is impracticable to obtain such information (dollars in millions):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013		September 30, 2012		September 30, 2013		September 30, 2012
	Total net sales and revenue	$	39,175	$	37,758	$	115,517	$	113,509
	Net income attributable to stockholders	$	1,743	$	1,850	$	4,385	$	5,018
	It is not possible to reasonably estimate the nature and amount of any potential goodwill or the value of identifiable intangible assets at this time because the valuation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed was not completed at the date of the issuance of our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Nature_Of_Operations_Policies_

Nature Of Operations Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]	Recently Adopted Accounting Principles
	On January 1, 2013 we adopted Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2013-02, “Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income." This ASU does not change current requirements for reporting net income or other comprehensive income in financial statements; rather, it requires certain disclosures of the amount of reclassifications of items from other comprehensive income to net income by component. The related disclosures are presented in Note 17.
	Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
	In July 2013 the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, “Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists” to eliminate diversity in practice. This ASU requires that companies net their unrecognized tax benefits against all same-jurisdiction net operating losses or tax credit carryforwards that would be used to settle the position with a tax authority. This new guidance is effective prospectively for annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2013 and interim periods therein. The adoption of this ASU will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements because it aligns with our current presentation.

Acquisition_Of_Businesses_Tabl

Acquisition Of Businesses (Tables) (Ally International Operations - Europe and Latin America except Brazil [Member])	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Ally International Operations - Europe and Latin America except Brazil [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the aggregate consideration and the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition dates before eliminations for net intercompany receivables of approximately $300 million (dollars in millions):
	Cash	$	440
	Restricted cash	525
	Finance receivables	10,969
	Other assets, including identifiable intangible assets	255
	Secured and unsecured debt	(8,926		)
	Other liabilities	(722		)
	Identifiable net assets acquired	2,541
	Goodwill resulting from the acquisitions	56
	Aggregate consideration	$	2,597
Business Acquisition, Pro Forma Information [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the actual amounts of revenue and earnings included in our condensed consolidated financial statements as well as certain pro forma revenue and earnings of the combined entity had these acquisitions occurred as of January 1, 2012, without consideration of historical transactions between the acquired operations and us, as it is impracticable to obtain such information (dollars in millions):
		Certain Ally Operations Amounts Included in Results					Pro Forma-Combined
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013			Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013		Three Months Ended September 30, 2012		Nine Months Ended
									30-Sep-13		30-Sep-12
	Total net sales and revenue	$	245		$	493	$	37,820	$	115,202	$	113,742
	Net income attributable to stockholders	$	50		$	104	$	1,866	$	4,356	$	5,151

Marketable_Securities_Tables

Marketable Securities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Trading Securities (and Certain Trading Assets) [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes information regarding marketable securities (dollars in millions):
				September 30, 2013						December 31, 2012
		Fair Value Level						Fair Value				Fair Value
				Cost						Cost
	Cash and cash equivalents
	Available-for-sale securities
	U.S. government and agencies	2		$	832			$	832	$	4,190	$	4,190
	Sovereign debt	2		1,091				1,091		—		—
	Certificates of deposit	2		846				846		120		120
	Money market funds	1		1,433				1,433		1,799		1,799
	Corporate debt	2		6,768				6,768		3,102		3,102
	Total available-for-sale securities			$	10,970			10,970		$	9,211	9,211
	Trading securities
	Sovereign debt	2						—				1,408
	Corporate debt	2						25				—
	Total trading securities							25				1,408
	Total marketable securities classified as cash equivalents							10,995				10,619
	Cash, cash equivalents and time deposits							9,360				7,803
	Total cash and cash equivalents							$	20,355			$	18,422
	Marketable securities - current
	Available-for-sale securities
	U.S. government and agencies	2		$	3,321			$	3,322	$	1,231	$	1,231
	Sovereign debt	2		22				22		30		30
	Certificates of deposit	2		—				—		10		10
	Corporate debt	2		1,821				1,821		2,313		2,318
	Interest in GM Korea mandatorily redeemable preferred shares	2		21				23		142		177
	Equity	1		—				—		—		21
	Total available-for-sale securities			$	5,185			5,188		$	3,726	3,787
	Trading securities
	Sovereign debt	2						3,027				5,201
	Total trading securities							3,027				5,201
	Total marketable securities - current							8,215				8,988
	Marketable securities - non-current
	Available-for-sale securities
	Investment in Peugeot S.A.	1		$	179			409		$	179	179
	Total marketable securities - non-current			$	179			409		$	179	179
	Total marketable securities							$	8,624			$	9,167
	Restricted cash and marketable securities
	Available-for-sale securities
	Money market funds	1		$	856			$	856	$	933	$	933
	Sovereign debt	2		20				21		23		24
	Other	2		13				13		175		175
	Total marketable securities classified as restricted cash and marketable securities			$	889			890		$	1,131	1,132
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents and time deposits							745				236
	Total restricted cash and marketable securities							$	1,635			$	1,368
Available-for-sale Securities [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes information regarding marketable securities (dollars in millions):
				September 30, 2013						December 31, 2012
		Fair Value Level						Fair Value				Fair Value
				Cost						Cost
	Cash and cash equivalents
	Available-for-sale securities
	U.S. government and agencies	2		$	832			$	832	$	4,190	$	4,190
	Sovereign debt	2		1,091				1,091		—		—
	Certificates of deposit	2		846				846		120		120
	Money market funds	1		1,433				1,433		1,799		1,799
	Corporate debt	2		6,768				6,768		3,102		3,102
	Total available-for-sale securities			$	10,970			10,970		$	9,211	9,211
	Trading securities
	Sovereign debt	2						—				1,408
	Corporate debt	2						25				—
	Total trading securities							25				1,408
	Total marketable securities classified as cash equivalents							10,995				10,619
	Cash, cash equivalents and time deposits							9,360				7,803
	Total cash and cash equivalents							$	20,355			$	18,422
	Marketable securities - current
	Available-for-sale securities
	U.S. government and agencies	2		$	3,321			$	3,322	$	1,231	$	1,231
	Sovereign debt	2		22				22		30		30
	Certificates of deposit	2		—				—		10		10
	Corporate debt	2		1,821				1,821		2,313		2,318
	Interest in GM Korea mandatorily redeemable preferred shares	2		21				23		142		177
	Equity	1		—				—		—		21
	Total available-for-sale securities			$	5,185			5,188		$	3,726	3,787
	Trading securities
	Sovereign debt	2						3,027				5,201
	Total trading securities							3,027				5,201
	Total marketable securities - current							8,215				8,988
	Marketable securities - non-current
	Available-for-sale securities
	Investment in Peugeot S.A.	1		$	179			409		$	179	179
	Total marketable securities - non-current			$	179			409		$	179	179
	Total marketable securities							$	8,624			$	9,167
	Restricted cash and marketable securities
	Available-for-sale securities
	Money market funds	1		$	856			$	856	$	933	$	933
	Sovereign debt	2		20				21		23		24
	Other	2		13				13		175		175
	Total marketable securities classified as restricted cash and marketable securities			$	889			890		$	1,131	1,132
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents and time deposits							745				236
	Total restricted cash and marketable securities							$	1,635			$	1,368
Summary of Fair Value Measurements of Derivative Instruments Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes information regarding marketable securities (dollars in millions):
				September 30, 2013						December 31, 2012
		Fair Value Level						Fair Value				Fair Value
				Cost						Cost
	Cash and cash equivalents
	Available-for-sale securities
	U.S. government and agencies	2		$	832			$	832	$	4,190	$	4,190
	Sovereign debt	2		1,091				1,091		—		—
	Certificates of deposit	2		846				846		120		120
	Money market funds	1		1,433				1,433		1,799		1,799
	Corporate debt	2		6,768				6,768		3,102		3,102
	Total available-for-sale securities			$	10,970			10,970		$	9,211	9,211
	Trading securities
	Sovereign debt	2						—				1,408
	Corporate debt	2						25				—
	Total trading securities							25				1,408
	Total marketable securities classified as cash equivalents							10,995				10,619
	Cash, cash equivalents and time deposits							9,360				7,803
	Total cash and cash equivalents							$	20,355			$	18,422
	Marketable securities - current
	Available-for-sale securities
	U.S. government and agencies	2		$	3,321			$	3,322	$	1,231	$	1,231
	Sovereign debt	2		22				22		30		30
	Certificates of deposit	2		—				—		10		10
	Corporate debt	2		1,821				1,821		2,313		2,318
	Interest in GM Korea mandatorily redeemable preferred shares	2		21				23		142		177
	Equity	1		—				—		—		21
	Total available-for-sale securities			$	5,185			5,188		$	3,726	3,787
	Trading securities
	Sovereign debt	2						3,027				5,201
	Total trading securities							3,027				5,201
	Total marketable securities - current							8,215				8,988
	Marketable securities - non-current
	Available-for-sale securities
	Investment in Peugeot S.A.	1		$	179			409		$	179	179
	Total marketable securities - non-current			$	179			409		$	179	179
	Total marketable securities							$	8,624			$	9,167
	Restricted cash and marketable securities
	Available-for-sale securities
	Money market funds	1		$	856			$	856	$	933	$	933
	Sovereign debt	2		20				21		23		24
	Other	2		13				13		175		175
	Total marketable securities classified as restricted cash and marketable securities			$	889			890		$	1,131	1,132
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents and time deposits							745				236
	Total restricted cash and marketable securities							$	1,635			$	1,368
Investments Classified by Contractual Maturity Date [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the amortized cost and the fair value of investments classified as available-for-sale by contractual maturity at September 30, 2013 (dollars in millions):
		Amortized Cost				Fair Value
	Due in one year or less	$	12,911			$	12,920
	Due after one year through five years	1,844				1,839
	Total contractual maturities of available-for-sale securities	$	14,755			$	14,759

GM_Financial_Receivables_Net_T

GM Financial Receivables, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Finance Receivables [Line Items]
Finance receivables, net [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the components of consumer and commercial finance receivables, net (dollars in millions):
		September 30, 2013											December 31, 2012
		Consumer			Commercial				Total				Consumer			Commercial			Total
	Pre-acquisition finance receivables, outstanding amount	$	1,599		$	—			$	1,599			$	2,162		$	—		$	2,162
	Pre-acquisition finance receivables, carrying amount	$	1,452		$	—			$	1,452			$	1,958		$	—		$	1,958
	Post-acquisition finance receivables, net of fees	17,665			4,611				22,276				8,831			560			9,391
	Finance receivables	19,117			4,611				23,728				10,789			560			11,349
	Less: allowance for loan losses	(467		)	(29		)		(496		)		(345		)	(6		)	(351		)
	GM Financial receivables, net	$	18,650		$	4,582			$	23,232			$	10,444		$	554		$	10,998
	Fair value of GM Financial receivables, net								$	23,366									$	11,313
Accretable Yield [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the activity for accretable yield (dollars in millions):
		Three Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012				September 30, 2013				September 30, 2012
	Balance at beginning of period	$	394		$	628			$	404			$	737
	Ally Financial international operations acquisition								127
	Accretion of accretable yield	(85		)	(123		)		(269		)		(402		)
	Transfer from non-accretable difference	19			—				73				170
	Effect of foreign currency	1			—				(6		)		—
	Balance at end of period	$	329		$	505			$	329			$	505
Allowance for Credit Losses on Finance Receivables [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes activity for the allowance for loan losses on consumer and commercial finance receivables (dollars in millions):
		Three Months Ended(a)							Nine Months Ended(a)
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012				September 30, 2013				September 30, 2012
	Balance at beginning of period	$	447		$	249			$	351			$	179
	Provision for loan losses	117			78				311				188
	Charge-offs	(171		)	(82		)		(419		)		(186		)
	Recoveries	103			46				253				110
	Balance at end of period	$	496		$	291			$	496			$	291
	________
	(a)	The balances and activity of the allowance for commercial loan losses included in the amounts at and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 were insignificant.
Consumer Finance Receivables [Member]
Finance Receivables [Line Items]
Consumer Finance Receivables Delinquency [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the contractual amount of delinquent contracts, which is not materially different than the recorded investment of the consumer finance receivables (dollars in millions):
		September 30, 2013						September 30, 2012
		Amount			Percent of Contractual Amount Due			Amount				Percent of Contractual Amount Due
	Delinquent contracts
	31-to-60 days	$	739		3.8	%		$	561			5.2	%
	Greater-than-60 days	291			1.5	%		204				1.9	%
	Total finance receivables more than 30 days delinquent	1,030			5.3	%		765				7.1	%
	In repossession	45			0.3	%		38				0.3	%
	Total finance receivables more than 30 days delinquent or in repossession	$	1,075		5.6	%		$	803			7.4	%
Troubled Debt Restructurings on Finance Receivables [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the outstanding recorded investment for consumer finance receivables that are considered to be TDRs and the related allowance (dollars in millions):
		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Outstanding recorded investment	$	633		$	228
	Less: allowance for loan losses	(88		)	(32		)
	Outstanding recorded investment, net of allowance	$	545		$	196
	Unpaid principal balance	$	642		$	232
Commercial Finance Receivables [Member]
Finance Receivables [Line Items]
Finance Receivables Credit Quality [Table Text Block]	the credit risk profile by dealer grouping of the commercial finance receivables (dollars in millions):
		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Group I - Dealers with strong to superior financial metrics	$	394		$	99
	Group II - Dealers with fair to favorable financial metrics	1,088			278
	Group III - Dealers with marginal to weak financial metrics	1,543			171
	Group IV - Dealers with poor financial metrics	1,058			12
	Group V - Dealers warranting special mention due to potential weaknesses	360
	Group VI - Dealers with loans classified as substandard, doubtful or impaired	168
		$	4,611		$	560

Inventories_Tables

Inventories (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the components of Inventories (dollars in millions):
		September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
	Productive material, supplies and work in process	$	6,718	$	6,560
	Finished product, including service parts	8,639		8,154
	Total inventories	$	15,357	$	14,714

Equity_In_Net_Assets_Of_Noncon1

Equity In Net Assets Of Nonconsolidated Affiliates (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Schedule of equity income [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes information regarding Equity income, net of tax (dollars in millions):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012			September 30, 2013		September 30, 2012
	China joint ventures (China JVs)	$	425		$	371		$	1,391	$	1,121
	Others	11			47			29		20
	Total equity income, net of tax	$	436		$	418		$	1,420	$	1,141
Equity Method Investee [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Transactions with nonconsolidated affiliates [Table Text Block]	The following tables summarize the effects of transactions with nonconsolidated affiliates (dollars in millions):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012			September 30, 2013		September 30, 2012
	Results of operations
	Automotive sales and revenue	$	599		$	568		$	1,900	$	1,873
	Automotive purchases, net	$	239		$	98		$	614	$	407
	Interest income and other non-operating income, net	$	9		$	11		$	16	$	174
		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Financial position
	Accounts and notes receivable, net	$	520		$	1,668
	Accounts payable	$	278		$	167
	Deferred revenue and customer deposits	$	38		$	46
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Cash flows
	Operating	$	3,015		$	3,030
	Investing	$	(12	)	$	(38	)

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets1

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the changes in the carrying amounts of Goodwill (dollars in millions):
		GMNA			GME			GMIO			GMSA			Total			GM		Total
														Automotive			Financial
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	—		$	—		$	549		$	146		$	695		$	1,278	$	1,973
	Impairment charges	—			—			(60		)	—			(60		)	—		(60		)
	Goodwill from business combinations(a)	—			—			—			10			10			56		66
	Effect of foreign currency and other	—			—			(14		)	(12		)	(26		)	—		(26		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	—		$	—		$	475		$	144		$	619		$	1,334	$	1,953
	Accumulated impairment charges at December 31, 2012	$	(26,399	)	$	(3,072	)	$	(426	)	$	—		$	(29,897	)	$	—	$	(29,897	)
	Accumulated impairment charges at September 30, 2013	$	(26,399	)	$	(3,072	)	$	(486	)	$	—		$	(29,957	)	$	—	$	(29,957	)
	________
	(a)	Refer to Note 2 for additional information concerning the acquisition of the Ally Financial international operations.

Variable_Interest_Entities_Tab

Variable Interest Entities (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
GM Financial [Member] | Consolidated VIE [Member]
Variable interest entity disclosures
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the assets and liabilities related to GM Financial's consolidated VIEs prior to intercompany eliminations (dollars in millions):
		September 30, 2013		31-Dec-12
	Restricted cash	$	1,350	$	744
	Securitized assets	$	21,761	$	10,442
	Securitization notes payable and other credit facilities	$	18,147	$	9,378
Ally Financial [Member]
Variable interest entity disclosures
Ally Financial Common Stock [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the carrying amount and estimated fair value of Ally Financial common stock measured using Level 3 inputs (dollars in millions):
		September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
	Carrying amount	$	397	$	399
	Fair value	$	866	$	1,268
Fair Value Measurements, Nonrecurring [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the carrying amount and estimated fair value of Ally Financial common stock measured using Level 3 inputs (dollars in millions):
		September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
	Carrying amount	$	397	$	399
	Fair value	$	866	$	1,268

Depreciation_Amortization_and_1

Depreciation, Amortization and Impairment Charges (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Depreciation, Amortization and Impairment Charges [Line Items]
Depreciation Amortization And Impairment Charges [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes depreciation, amortization and impairment charges related to Property, net, Equipment on operating leases, net and GM Financial equipment on operating leases, net (dollars in millions):
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012		September 30, 2013		September 30, 2012
	Depreciation and amortization of long-lived assets	$	1,049		$	994	$	2,919	$	2,811
	Impairment charges of long-lived assets	$	1		$	7	$	37	$	61
	Depreciation of equipment on operating leases	$	201		$	124	$	451	$	321
	Impairment charges of equipment on operating leases	$	25		$	27	$	134	$	157
Equipment on operating leases [Member]
Depreciation, Amortization and Impairment Charges [Line Items]
Fair Value, Equipment on Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes equipment on operating leases to daily rental car companies measured at fair value utilizing Level 3 inputs on a nonrecurring basis (dollars in millions):
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012		September 30, 2013		September 30, 2012
	Fair value measures	$	439		$	720	$	1,233	$	2,266
Fair Value Measurement Inputs, Equipment on Operating Leases [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the significant quantitative unobservable inputs and assumptions used in the fair value measurement of Equipment on operating leases, net (dollars in millions):
					Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		Valuation Technique		Significant Unobservable Input	September 30, 2013		September 30, 2012		September 30, 2013		September 30, 2012
	Impaired equipment on operating leases	Cash flow		Estimated net revenue	$	451	$	735	$	1,263	$	2,320
				Estimated costs	$	476	$	762	$	1,397	$	2,477

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Automotive [Member]
Debt carrying amount and fair value [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the carrying amount and fair value of debt (dollars in millions):
		September 30, 2013			December 31, 2012
	Carrying amount	$	8,448		$	5,172
	Fair value(a)	$	8,028		$	5,298
	________
	(a)	The fair value of debt included $6.8 billion and $4.1 billion measured utilizing Level 2 inputs at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. The fair value of debt included $1.2 billion measured utilizing Level 3 inputs at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
GM Financial [Member]
Debt carrying amount and fair value [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the carrying amount and fair value of debt (dollars in millions):
			September 30, 2013					31-Dec-12
			Carrying Amount			Fair Value(a)		Carrying Amount		Fair Value(a)
	Secured
	Revolving credit facilities		$	6,090		$	6,109	$	354	$	354
	Securitization notes payable(b)		12,357			12,446		9,024		9,171
	Total secured		18,447			18,555		9,378		9,525
	Unsecured
	Bank lines and other unsecured debt		1,228			1,228
	Senior notes		4,000			4,011		1,500		1,620
	Total unsecured		5,228			5,239		1,500		1,620
	Total GM Financial debt		$	23,675		$	23,794	$	10,878	$	11,145
	________
	(a)	The fair value of debt included $21.4 billion and $11.1 billion measured utilizing Level 2 inputs at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 and $2.4 billion measured utilizing Level 3 inputs at September 30, 2013. For revolving credit facilities with variable interest rates and maturities of one year or less, the carrying amount is considered to be a reasonable estimate of fair value. The fair value of other secured debt and the unsecured debt is based on quoted market prices, when available. If quoted market prices are not available, the market value is estimated by discounting future net cash flows expected to be paid using current risk-adjusted rates.
	(b)	Includes a private securitization that GM Financial used observable and unobservable inputs to estimate fair value. Unobservable inputs are related to the structuring of the debt into various classes, which is based on public securitizations issued during the same time frame. Observable inputs are used by obtaining active prices based on the securitization debt issued during the same time frame. These observable inputs are then used to create expected market prices (unobservable inputs), which are then applied to the debt classes in order to estimate fair value which would approximate market value.
Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the expected scheduled principal and interest payments under our contractual debt obligations at September 30, 2013 (dollars in millions):
			Payments Due by Period
			2013			2014		2015		2016		2017		Thereafter		Total
	Secured Debt		$	3,672		$	6,334	$	4,239	$	2,686	$	1,217	$	299	$	18,447
	Unsecured Debt		724			306		166		1,032		1,000		2,000		5,228
	Interest		152			451		308		211		143		196		1,461
			$	4,548		$	7,091	$	4,713	$	3,929	$	2,360	$	2,495	$	25,136

Product_Warranty_Liability_Tab

Product Warranty Liability (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Product Warranties Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Product Warranty Liability [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes activity for policy, product warranty, and recall campaign liabilities (dollars in millions):
		Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Balance at beginning of period	$	7,204		$	6,600
	Warranties issued and assumed in period	2,409			2,594
	Payments	(2,304		)	(2,583		)
	Adjustments to pre-existing warranties	75			510
	Effect of foreign currency and other	(186		)	47
	Balance at end of period	$	7,198		$	7,168

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem1

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Net Periodic Pension and OPEB Expense [Table Text Block]	The following tables summarize the components of net periodic pension and other postretirement benefits (OPEB) (income) expense (dollars in millions):
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013												Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Pension Benefits						Other Benefits						Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
		U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans			U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans			U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans			U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans
	Service cost	$	98		$	116		$	6		$	3		$	164		$	104		$	5		$	5
	Interest cost	710			251			54			15			1,031			277			59			15
	Expected return on plan assets	(891		)	(204		)	—			—			(1,281		)	(218		)	—			—
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(1		)	4			(28		)	(4		)	—			—			(29		)	(4		)
	Recognized net actuarial loss	2			56			21			2			—			9			13			2
	Curtailments, settlements and other (gains) losses	(3		)	(4		)	(83		)	—			54			8			—			11
	Net periodic pension and OPEB (income) expense	$	(85	)	$	219		$	(30	)	$	16		$	(32	)	$	180		$	48		$	29
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013												Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		Pension Benefits						Other Benefits						Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
		U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans			U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans			U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans			U.S. Plans			Non-U.S. Plans
	Service cost	$	296		$	309		$	19		$	10		$	485		$	302		$	17		$	13
	Interest cost	2,128			757			164			43			3,191			830			176			47
	Expected return on plan assets	(2,672		)	(618		)	—			—			(3,946		)	(653		)	—			—
	Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(3		)	14			(87		)	(11		)	(1		)	—			(87		)	(9		)
	Recognized net actuarial loss	5			156			67			5			1			26			39			5
	Curtailments, settlements and other (gains) losses	2			(1		)	(83		)	—			31			50			—			11
	Net periodic pension and OPEB (income) expense	$	(244	)	$	617		$	80		$	47		$	(239	)	$	555		$	145		$	67

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Tables) (Automotive [Member])	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Automotive [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Summary of Fair Value Measurements of Derivative Instruments Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes fair value measurements of our derivative instruments measured on a recurring basis (dollars in millions):
					Derivative Assets											Derivative Liabilities
		Notional			Current(a)		Non-Current(b)		Total			Level 2		Level 3		Current(c)		Non-Current(d)		Total		Level 2
	September 30, 2013	$	9,920		$	60	$	89	$	149		$	44	$	105	$	5	$	2	$	7	$	7
	December 31, 2012	$	10,751		$	144	$	22	$	166		$	129	$	37	$	26	$	1	$	27	$	27
	________
	(a)	Recorded in Other current assets.
	(b)	Recorded in Other assets.
	(c)	Recorded in Accrued liabilities.
	(d)	Recorded in Other liabilities and deferred income taxes.
Gains (Losses) on Derivatives [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes derivative gains (losses) recorded in Interest income and other non-operating income (loss), net (dollars in millions):
		Three Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012		September 30, 2013		September 30, 2012
	Total gains (losses) recorded in earnings	$	(12	)	$	4	$	2	$	(102	)

Commitments_And_Contingencies_

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Guarantees [Table Text Block]	The following tables summarize information related to Commitments and contingencies (dollars in millions):
		September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
		Liability		Maximum		Liability		Maximum
		Recorded		Liability(a)		Recorded		Liability(a)
	Guarantees
	Third party commercial loans and other obligations(b)	$	87	$	14,858	$	168	$	22,496
	Other product-related claims	$	53	$	1,160	$	51	$	1,040
	________
	(a)	Calculated as future undiscounted payments.
	(b)	Includes liabilities recorded of $10 million and $15 million and maximum liabilities of $14.6 billion and $22.1 billion related to Ally Financial repurchase obligations at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012.
Schedule of Loss Contingencies by Contingency [Table Text Block]
		Liability Recorded
		September 30, 2013		December 31, 2012
	Other litigation-related liability and tax administrative matters	$	1,861	$	1,728
	Product liability	$	649	$	601
	Environmental liability	$	155	$	166

Restructuring_and_Other_Initia1

Restructuring and Other Initiatives (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block]	The following tables summarize the reserves related to restructuring and other initiatives and charges by segment, including postemployment benefit reserves and charges (dollars in millions):
		GMNA			GME			GMIO			GMSA			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	653		$	590		$	39		$	38		$	1,320
	Additions, interest accretion and other	27			35			2			22			86
	Payments	(58		)	(116		)	(26		)	(12		)	(212		)
	Revisions to estimates	13			—			(1		)	—			12
	Effect of foreign currency	(6		)	(14		)	—			1			(19		)
	Balance at March 31, 2013	629			495			14			49			1,187
	Additions, interest accretion and other	12			31			15			12			70
	Payments	(56		)	(80		)	(13		)	(34		)	(183		)
	Revisions to estimates	(16		)	(2		)	—			—			(18		)
	Effect of foreign currency	(10		)	6			(1		)	(2		)	(7		)
	Balance at June 30, 2013	559			450			15			25			1,049
	Additions, interest accretion and other	9			11			54			12			86
	Payments	(38		)	(43		)	(47		)	(17		)	(145		)
	Revisions to estimates	(8		)	(13		)	—			—			(21		)
	Effect of foreign currency	7			18			—			—			25
	Balance at September 30, 2013(a)	$	529		$	423		$	22		$	20		$	994
		GMNA			GME			GMIO			GMSA			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2012	$	884		$	687		$	1		$	12		$	1,584
	Additions, interest accretion and other	100			31			3			2			136
	Payments	(86		)	(192		)	—			(8		)	(286		)
	Revisions to estimates	(12		)	(2		)	—			—			(14		)
	Effect of foreign currency	8			16			—			—			24
	Balance at March 31, 2012	894			540			4			6			1,444
	Additions, interest accretion and other	16			56			27			73			172
	Payments	(123		)	(43		)	(5		)	(13		)	(184		)
	Revisions to estimates	—			(7		)	—			—			(7		)
	Effect of foreign currency	(8		)	(26		)	—			1			(33		)
	Balance at June 30, 2012	779			520			26			67			1,392
	Additions, interest accretion and other	9			53			4			14			80
	Payments	(42		)	(47		)	(15		)	(23		)	(127		)
	Revisions to estimates	(63		)	(6		)	(1		)	—			(70		)
	Effect of foreign currency	15			8			1			—			24
	Balance at September 30, 2012(a)	$	698		$	528		$	15		$	58		$	1,299
	________
	(a)	The remaining cash payments related to these reserves for restructuring and other initiatives, including temporary layoff benefits of $346 million and $364 million at September 30, 2013 and 2012 for GMNA, primarily relate to postemployment benefits.

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes the components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss (dollars in millions):
		Pre-Tax Amount			Tax Expense (Benefit)			Net Amount
	Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	112		$	11		$	101
	Other comprehensive loss	(406		)	(9		)	(397		)
	Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	14			—			14
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(280	)	$	2		$	(282	)
	Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities, Net
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	63		$	22		$	41
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustment	200			(7		)	207
	Reclassification adjustment	(31		)	(7		)	(24		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	169			(14		)	183
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	232		$	8		$	224
	Defined Benefit Plans, Net
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	(7,794	)	$	400		$	(8,194	)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassification adjustment	246			109			137
	Reclassification adjustment - prior service credit(a)	(87		)	(34		)	(53		)
	Reclassification adjustment - actuarial loss(a)	220			33			187
	Other comprehensive income	379			108			271
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(7,415	)	$	508		$	(7,923	)
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	(7,619	)	$	433		$	(8,052	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification adjustment	40			93			(53		)
	Reclassification adjustment	102			(8		)	110
	Other comprehensive income	142			85			57
	Other comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	14			—			14
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(7,463	)	$	518		$	(7,981	)
	________
	(a)	Included in the computation of net periodic pension and OPEB (income) expense. Refer to Note 12 for additional information.

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes basic and diluted earnings per share (in millions, except for per share amounts):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012			September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012
	Basic earnings per share
	Net income attributable to stockholders	$	1,717		$	1,833		$	4,306		$	4,994
	Less: cumulative dividends on preferred stock and charge related to purchase of preferred stock(a)	(1,019		)	(215		)	(1,449		)	(644		)
	Less: undistributed earnings allocated to Series B Preferred Stock participating security	—			(142		)	—			(383		)
	Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	698		$	1,476		$	2,857		$	3,967
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic	1,386			1,570			1,378			1,570
	Basic earnings per common share	$	0.5		$	0.94		$	2.07		$	2.53
	Diluted earnings per share
	Net income attributable to stockholders	$	1,717		$	1,833		$	4,306		$	4,994
	Add: preferred dividends to holders of Series B Preferred Stock	59			—			179			—
	Less: cumulative dividends on preferred stock and charge related to purchase of preferred stock(a)	(1,019		)	(215		)	(1,449		)	(644		)
	Less: undistributed earnings allocated to Series B Preferred Stock participating security	—			(135		)	—			(361		)
	Net income attributable to common stockholders	$	757		$	1,483		$	3,036		$	3,989
	Weighted-average shares outstanding - diluted
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic	1,386			1,570			1,378			1,570
	Dilutive effect of warrants	152			88			144			101
	Dilutive effect of conversion of Series B Preferred Stock	140			—			148			—
	Dilutive effect of restricted stock units (RSUs)	3			5			2			4
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted	1,681			1,663			1,672			1,675
	Diluted earnings per common share	$	0.45		$	0.89		$	1.82		$	2.38
	________
	(a)	Includes earned but undistributed dividends of $15 million and $26 million on our Series A Preferred Stock and $20 million on our Series B Preferred Stock in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012.

Stock_Incentive_Plans_Tables

Stock Incentive Plans (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Schedule of Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes information about the RSUs under our stock incentive plans (RSUs in millions):
		Shares		Weighted-			Weighted-Average
				Average			Remaining
				Grant Date			Contractual
				Fair Value			Term in Years
	RSUs outstanding at January 1, 2013	26.9		$	23.06		0.7
	Granted	8.4		$	28.48
	Settled	(15.3	)	$	20.61
	Forfeited or expired	(1.0	)	$	27.04
	RSUs outstanding at September 30, 2013	19		$	27.18		1.3
	RSUs unvested and expected to vest at September 30, 2013	10.5		$	27.78		1.9
	RSUs vested and payable at September 30, 2013	7.8		$	26.35		—
Schedule of Compensation Cost for Stock Incentive Plans [Table Text Block]	The following table summarizes compensation expense recorded for our stock incentive plans (dollars in millions):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013			September 30, 2012			September 30, 2013		September 30, 2012
	Compensation expense	$	85		$	79		$	226	$	206
	Income tax benefit	$	28		$	—		$	73	$	—

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]	The following tables summarize key financial information by segment (dollars in millions):
		At and For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
		GMNA			GME			GMIO			GMSA			Corporate			Eliminations			Total			GM			Eliminations			Total
																				Automotive			Financial
	Sales
	External customers	$	23,506		$	4,858		$	5,336		$	4,381		$	39					$	38,120		$	—		$	—		$	38,120
	GM Financial revenue	—			—			—			—			—						—			867			(4		)	863
	Intersegment	2			—			—			—			—						2			—			(2		)	—
	Total net sales and revenue	$	23,508		$	4,858		$	5,336		$	4,381		$	39					$	38,122		$	867		$	(6	)	$	38,983
	Income (loss) before interest and taxes-adjusted	$	2,187		$	(214	)	$	299		$	284		$	(161	)				$	2,395		$	239		$	3		$	2,637
	Adjustments(a)	$	—		$	—		$	(48	)	$	—		—						$	(48	)	—			$	—		(48		)
	Corporate interest income													32												$	1		33
	Automotive interest expense													65												$	—		65
	Gain on extinguishment of debt													2									—						2
	Income (loss) before income taxes													(192		)							239						2,559
	Income tax expense													756									85			$	1		842
	Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders													$	(948	)							$	154					$	1,717
	Total assets	$	92,876		$	11,274		$	25,594		$	12,327		$	23,929		$	(27,761	)	$	138,239		$	32,000		$	(1,700	)	$	168,539
	________
	(a)	Consists of Goodwill impairment charges of $48 million in GMIO, which is presented net of noncontrolling interests.
		For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
		GMNA			GME			GMIO			GMSA			Corporate			Total			GM			Eliminations			Total
																	Automotive			Financial
	Sales
	External customers	$	69,974		$	14,830		$	15,406		$	12,380		$	114		$	112,704		$	—		$	—		$	112,704
	GM Financial revenue	—			—			—			—			—			—			2,243			(5		)	2,238
	Intersegment	8			—			—			—			—			8			—			(8		)	—
	Total net sales and revenue	$	69,982		$	14,830		$	15,406		$	12,380		$	114		$	112,712		$	2,243		$	(13	)	$	114,942
	Income (loss) before interest and taxes-adjusted	$	5,577		$	(499	)	$	1,022		$	300		$	(397	)	$	6,003		$	673		$	3		$	6,679
	Adjustments(a)	$	(1	)	$	1		$	43		$	(157	)	—			$	(114	)	—			$	—		(114		)
	Corporate interest income													192									$	(3	)	189
	Automotive interest expense													219									$	(2	)	217
	Loss on extinguishment of debt													238						—						238
	Income (loss) before income taxes													(662		)				673						6,299
	Income tax expense													1,760						232			$	1		1,993
	Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders													$	(2,422	)				$	441					$	4,306
	________
	(a)	Consists of Venezuela currency devaluation of $162 million in GMSA, the acquisition of GM Korea preferred shares of $67 million and Goodwill impairment charges of $48 million in GMIO, which is presented net of noncontrolling interests, and net pension settlement charges and income related to various insurance recoveries, net, of $29 million.
		For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2012
		GMNA			GME			GMIO			GMSA			Corporate			Total			GM			Eliminations			Total
																	Automotive			Financial
	Sales
	External customers	$	22,347		$	4,702		$	5,722		$	4,275		$	16		$	37,062		$	—		$	—		$	37,062
	GM Financial revenue	—			—			—			—			—			—			514			—			514
	Total net sales and revenue	$	22,347		$	4,702		$	5,722		$	4,275		$	16		$	37,062		$	514		$	—		$	37,576
	Income (loss) before interest and taxes-adjusted	$	1,715		$	(487	)	$	761		$	159		$	(51	)	$	2,097		$	200		$	(1	)	$	2,296
	Adjustments(a)	$	—		$	—		$	(62	)	$	—		—			$	(62	)	—			$	—		(62		)
	Corporate interest income													84												84
	Automotive interest expense													128												128
	Income (loss) before income taxes													(95		)				200						2,190
	Income tax expense													286						71						357
	Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders													$	(381	)				$	129					$	1,833
	_______
	(a)	Consists of Goodwill impairment charges of $62 million in GMIO, which is presented net of noncontrolling interests.
		For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012
		GMNA			GME			GMIO			GMSA			Corporate			Total			GM			Eliminations			Total
																	Automotive			Financial
	Sales
	External customers	$	67,075		$	15,489		$	16,653		$	12,259		$	41		$	111,517		$	—		$	—		$	111,517
	GM Financial revenue	—			—			—			—			—			—			1,432			—			1,432
	Intersegment	(1		)	—			—			—			—			(1		)	—			1			—
	Total net sales and revenue	$	67,074		$	15,489		$	16,653		$	12,259		$	41		$	111,516		$	1,432		$	1		$	112,949
	Income (loss) before interest and taxes-adjusted	$	5,248		$	(1,175	)	$	1,909		$	328		$	(310	)	$	6,000		$	598		$	(1	)	$	6,597
	Adjustments(a)	$	—		$	(590	)	$	(84	)	$	—		—			$	(674	)	—			$	—		(674		)
Corporate interest income													259												259
Automotive interest expense													356												356
Loss on extinguishment of debt													18						—						18
Income (loss) before income taxes													(425		)				598						5,808
Income tax expense													560						254						814
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders													$	(985	)				$	344					$	4,994
________
(a)	Consists of Goodwill impairment charges of $590 million in GME and $84 million in GMIO, which is presented net of noncontrolling interests.

Subsequent_Event_Tables

Subsequent Event (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Event, Pro Forma Business Combinations or Disposals [Text Block]	The following table summarizes certain pro forma financial information for us and the acquired Brazil operations that closed in October had this acquisition occurred as of the first day in the periods presented, without consideration of historical transactions between the acquired operations and us, as it is impracticable to obtain such information (dollars in millions):
		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		September 30, 2013		September 30, 2012		September 30, 2013		September 30, 2012
	Total net sales and revenue	$	39,175	$	37,758	$	115,517	$	113,509
	Net income attributable to stockholders	$	1,743	$	1,850	$	4,385	$	5,018

Nature_Of_Operations_Nature_of

Nature Of Operations Nature of Operations (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Nature of Operations [Abstract]
Number of Reportable Segments	5

Acquisition_Of_Businesses_Deta

Acquisition Of Businesses (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Nov. 30, 2012

Apr. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Apr. 02, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 02, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Ally International Operations - Europe and Latin America [Member]

Ally International Operations - Europe and Latin America except France, Portugal and Brazil [Member]

Ally International Operations - France and Portugal [Member]

Ally International Operations - Europe and Latin America except Brazil [Member]

Ally International Operations - Europe and Latin America except Brazil [Member]

Ally International Operations - Europe and Latin America except Brazil [Member]

Ally International Operations - Europe and Latin America except Brazil [Member]

Ally International Operations - Europe and Latin America except Brazil [Member]

Ally International Operations - Europe and Latin America except Brazil [Member]

Ally International Operations - Europe and Latin America except Brazil [Member]

Ally International Operations - Brazil and GMAC-SAIC [Member]

HKJV [Member]

HKJV [Member]

Class B [Member]

Class A [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

Subsequent Event [Member]

HKJV [Member]

HKJV [Member]

Ally International Operations - Brazil [Member]

Ally International Operations - Brazil [Member]

Ally International Operations - Brazil [Member]

Ally International Operations - Brazil [Member]

Ally International Operations - Brazil [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Percentage of Voting Interests to be Acquired in the Business Combination

100.00%

Effective Date of Acquisition

1-Apr-13

1-Jun-13

1-Sep-12

1-Oct-13

Aggregate consideration for acquisitions

$2,597,000,000

$611,000,000

Consideration for acquisitions - Liabilities incurred

65,000,000

Repayments of Assumed Debt

1,400,000,000

Net Intercompany Receivables Acquired

300,000,000

Cash

440,000,000

Restricted cash

525,000,000

Finance receivables

10,969,000,000

Other assets, including identifiable intangible assets

255,000,000

Secured and unsecured debt

-8,926,000,000

Other liabilities

-722,000,000

Identifiable net assets acquired

2,541,000,000

Goodwill resulting from the acquisition

1,953,000,000

1,953,000,000

1,973,000,000

56,000,000

Receivables acquired with deteriroated credit quality, Contractually Required Payments Receivable at Acquisition

799,000,000

Receivables acquired with deteriroated credit quality, Cash Flows Expected to be Collected at Acquisition

728,000,000

Receivables acquired with deteriroated credit quality, at Acquisition, Fair Value

601,000,000

Acquired Receivables, contractually required payments receivable at acquisition

11,200,000,000

Acquired Receivables, cash flows not expected to be collected

170,000,000

Acquired Receivables, Fair Value

10,400,000,000

Total net sales and revenue

38,983,000,000

37,576,000,000

114,942,000,000

112,949,000,000

245,000,000

493,000,000

Pro forma total net sales and revenue

37,820,000,000

115,202,000,000

113,742,000,000

39,175,000,000

37,758,000,000

115,517,000,000

113,509,000,000

Net income attributable to stockholders

1,717,000,000

1,833,000,000

4,306,000,000

4,994,000,000

50,000,000

104,000,000

Pro forma net income attributable to stockholders

1,866,000,000

4,356,000,000

5,151,000,000

1,743,000,000

1,850,000,000

4,385,000,000

5,018,000,000

Expected Total Consideration of Unconsummated Transaction

900,000,000

Sale of Stock, Number of Shares Issued in Transaction

257

186

Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee Percentage Ownership after Certain Transactions

86.00%

Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal

51,000,000

Equity income, net of tax

436,000,000

418,000,000

1,420,000,000

1,141,000,000

50,000,000

Additional Investment Made

$125,000,000

Percentage Ownership after All Transactions

90.80%

Marketable_Securities_Details

Marketable Securities (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Total Marketable Securities - Current	$8,215	$8,988
Total Cash and Cash Equivalents	20,355	18,422
Total Marketable Securities	8,624	9,167
Total Restricted Cash and Marketable Securities	1,635	1,368
Cash And Cash Equivalents Line Item [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	10,970	9,211
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	10,970	9,211
Trading Securities, Fair Value	25	1,408
Total Marketable Securities - Current	10,995	10,619
Cash, Cash Equivalents And Time Deposits	9,360	7,803
Cash And Cash Equivalents Line Item [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	846	120
Cash And Cash Equivalents Line Item [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	846	120
Cash And Cash Equivalents Line Item [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,433	1,799
Cash And Cash Equivalents Line Item [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,433	1,799
Cash And Cash Equivalents Line Item [Member] | U.S. government and agencies [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	832	4,190
Cash And Cash Equivalents Line Item [Member] | U.S. government and agencies [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	832	4,190
Cash And Cash Equivalents Line Item [Member] | Sovereign debt [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,091	0
Cash And Cash Equivalents Line Item [Member] | Sovereign debt [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,091	0
Trading Securities, Fair Value	0	1,408
Cash And Cash Equivalents Line Item [Member] | Corporate debt [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	6,768	3,102
Cash And Cash Equivalents Line Item [Member] | Corporate debt [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	6,768	3,102
Trading Securities, Fair Value	25	0
Marketable Securities - Current [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	5,185	3,726
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	5,188	3,787
Trading Securities, Fair Value	3,027	5,201
Total Marketable Securities - Current	8,215	8,988
Marketable Securities - Current [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	0	10
Marketable Securities - Current [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	10
Marketable Securities - Current [Member] | U.S. government and agencies [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	3,321	1,231
Marketable Securities - Current [Member] | U.S. government and agencies [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	3,322	1,231
Marketable Securities - Current [Member] | Sovereign debt [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	22	30
Marketable Securities - Current [Member] | Sovereign debt [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	22	30
Trading Securities, Fair Value	3,027	5,201
Marketable Securities - Current [Member] | Corporate debt [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,821	2,313
Marketable Securities - Current [Member] | Corporate debt [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,821	2,318
Marketable Securities - Current [Member] | Interest in GM Korea mandatorily redeemable preferred shares [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	21	142
Marketable Securities - Current [Member] | Interest in GM Korea mandatorily redeemable preferred shares [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	23	177
Marketable Securities - Current [Member] | Equity [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	0	0
Marketable Securities - Current [Member] | Equity [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	21
Marketable Securities - Noncurrent [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	179	179
Total Marketable Securities, Noncurrent	409	179
Marketable Securities - Noncurrent [Member] | Investment in Peugeot S.A. [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	179	179
Marketable Securities - Noncurrent [Member] | Investment in Peugeot S.A. [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	409	179
Restricted cash and marketable securities [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	889	1,131
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	890	1,132
Restricted Cash - Other	745	236
Restricted cash and marketable securities [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	856	933
Restricted cash and marketable securities [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	856	933
Restricted cash and marketable securities [Member] | Sovereign debt [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	20	23
Restricted cash and marketable securities [Member] | Sovereign debt [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	21	24
Restricted cash and marketable securities [Member] | Other [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	13	175
Restricted cash and marketable securities [Member] | Other [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Investment Holdings [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$13	$175

Marketable_Securities_Contract

Marketable Securities Contractual Maturity Table (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Marketable Securities [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Sale Proceeds	$917	$737	$2,600	$1,700
Available-for-Sale Securities Classified by Contractual Maturity, Amortized Cost [Abstract]
Due in one year or less, amortized cost	12,911		12,911
Due after one year through five years, amortized cost	1,844		1,844
Total contractual maturities of available-for-sale securities, amortized cost	14,755		14,755
Available-for-Sale Securities Classified by Contractual Maturity, Fair Value [Abstract]
Due in one year or less, fair value	12,920		12,920
Due after one year through five years, fair value	1,839		1,839
Total contractual maturities of available-for-sale securities, fair value	14,759		14,759
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Abstract]
Cumulative net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities	234		234		62
Trading Securities, Change in Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss)	$75	$187	($34)	$128

GM_Financial_Receivables_Net_S

GM Financial Receivables, Net Summary of Finance Receivables, Net (Details) (GM Financial [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Finance Receivables [Line Items]
Pre-acquisition finance receivables, outstanding amount	$1,599		$2,162
Pre-acquisition finance receivables, carrying amount	1,452		1,958
Post-acquisition finance receivables, net of fees	22,276		9,391
Total finance receivables	23,728		11,349
Less: Allowance for Loan Losses	-496	-447	-351	-291	-249	-179
Total Finance Receivables, Net	23,232		10,998
Finance Receivables, Fair Value	23,366		11,313
Allownace for Loan Losses - Current	372		266
Consumer Finance Receivables [Member]
Finance Receivables [Line Items]
Pre-acquisition finance receivables, outstanding amount	1,599		2,162
Pre-acquisition finance receivables, carrying amount	1,452		1,958
Post-acquisition finance receivables, net of fees	17,665		8,831
Total finance receivables	19,117		10,789
Less: Allowance for Loan Losses	-467		-345
Total Finance Receivables, Net	18,650		10,444
Commercial Finance Receivables [Member]
Finance Receivables [Line Items]
Pre-acquisition finance receivables, outstanding amount	0		0
Pre-acquisition finance receivables, carrying amount	0		0
Post-acquisition finance receivables, net of fees	4,611		560
Total finance receivables	4,611		560
Less: Allowance for Loan Losses	-29		-6
Total Finance Receivables, Net	$4,582		$554

GM_Financial_Receivables_Net_A

GM Financial Receivables, Net Accretable Yield (Details) (GM Financial [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
GM Financial [Member]
Accretable Yield Movement Schedule [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$394	$628	$404	$737
Ally Financial international operations acquisition			127
Accretion of accretable yield	-85	-123	-269	-402
Transfer from non-accretable difference	19	0	73	170
Effect of foreign currency	1	0	-6	0
Balance at end of period	$329	$505	$329	$505

GM_Financial_Receivables_Net_A1

GM Financial Receivables, Net Allowance for Loan Losses (Details) (GM Financial [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
					Consumer Finance Receivables [Member]	Consumer Finance Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$447	$249	$351	$179	$467	$345
Provision for loan losses	117	78	311	188
Charge-offs	-171	-82	-419	-186
Recoveries	103	46	253	110
Balance at end of period	$496	$291	$496	$291	$467	$345

GM_Financial_Receivables_Net_C

GM Financial Receivables, Net Credit Quality (Details) (GM Financial [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	$23,728	$11,349
Consumer Finance Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	19,117	10,789
Commercial Finance Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	4,611	560
Commercial Finance Receivables [Member] | Group I [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	394	99
Commercial Finance Receivables [Member] | Group II [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,088	278
Commercial Finance Receivables [Member] | Group III [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,543	171
Commercial Finance Receivables [Member] | Group IV [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	1,058	12
Commercial Finance Receivables [Member] | Group V [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	360
Commercial Finance Receivables [Member] | Group VI [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
Financing Receivable, Gross	$168
North America [Member] | Consumer Finance Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment [Line Items]
FICO Score to Differentiate Sub-Prime from Prime Loans	620
Percentage of Sub-Prime Loans	88.00%

GM_Financial_Receivables_Net_D

GM Financial Receivables, Net Delinquency (Details) (GM Financial [Member], Consumer Finance Receivables [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
GM Financial [Member] | Consumer Finance Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivable, Recorded Investment, Past Due [Line Items]
Finance Receivables, Nonaccrual Status	$550	$503
Delinquent Contracts [Abstract]
31 to 60 Days Past Due	739		561
Greater than 60 Days Past Due	291		204
Total Financing Receivables More Than 30 Days Delinquent	1,030		765
In Repossesion	45		38
Tota Finance Receivables More Than 30 Days Delinquent or in Repossession	1,075		803
31 To 60 Days Past Due, Percent Of Contractual Amount Due	3.80%		5.20%
Greater than 60 Days Past Due, Percent of Contractual Amount Due	1.50%		1.90%
Total Finance Receivables More Than 30 Days Past Due, Percent of Contractual Amount Due	5.30%		7.10%
In Repossesion, Percent of Contractual Amount Due	0.30%		0.30%
Total Finance Receivables More Than 30 Days Delinquent or in Repossession, Percent of Contractual Amount Due	5.60%		7.40%
Outstanding recorded investment	633	228
Less: allowance for loan losses	-88	-32
Outstanding recorded investment, net of allowance	545	196
Unpaid principal balance	$642	$232

Inventories_Details

Inventories (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Productive material, supplies and work in process	$6,718	$6,560
Finished product, including service parts	8,639	8,154
Total inventories	$15,357	$14,714

Equity_In_Net_Assets_Of_Noncon2

Equity In Net Assets Of Nonconsolidated Affiliates (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

China JVs [Member]

China JVs [Member]

China JVs [Member]

China JVs [Member]

Other nonconsolidated affiliates [Member]

Other nonconsolidated affiliates [Member]

Other nonconsolidated affiliates [Member]

Other nonconsolidated affiliates [Member]

SGM [Member]

SAIC [Member]

SGM [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

Total equity income, net of tax

$436,000,000

$418,000,000

$1,420,000,000

$1,141,000,000

$425,000,000

$371,000,000

$1,391,000,000

$1,121,000,000

$11,000,000

$47,000,000

$29,000,000

$20,000,000

Dividends Received

0

0

1,600,000,000

1,400,000,000

Undistributed earnings including dividends declared

1,500,000,000

1,500,000,000

1,700,000,000

Equity Method Investment, Change in Ownership Percentage

0.00%

Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage

50.00%

50.00%

Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired

1.00%

Aggregate consideration for acquisitions

119,000,000

Equity Method Investment, Difference Between Carrying Amount and Underlying Equity

82,000,000

Allocation of Basis Difference plant property and equipment

8,000,000

Allocation of Basis Difference Intangibles

36,000,000

Amount of increase in basis attributable to goodwill

$38,000,000

Equity_In_Net_Assets_Of_Noncon3

Equity In Net Assets Of Nonconsolidated Affiliates Transactions with NCAs (Details) (Nonconsolidated Affiliates [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Nonconsolidated Affiliates [Member]
Results of operations [Abstract]
Automotive sales and revenue	$599	$568	$1,900	$1,873
Automotive purchases, net	239	98	614	407
Interest income and other non-operating income, net	9	11	16	174
Financial position [Abstract]
Accounts and notes receivable, net	520		520		1,668
Accounts payable	278		278		167
Deferred revenue and customer deposits	38		38		46
Cash flows [Abstract]
Operating			3,015	3,030
Investing			($12)	($38)

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets2

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net Schedule of Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
						Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	GM Financial [Member]	GM Financial [Member]	GMNA [Member]	GMNA [Member]	GME [Member]	GME [Member]	GME [Member]	GMIO [Member]	GMIO [Member]	GMIO [Member]	GMIO [Member]	GMIO [Member]	GMSA [Member]	GMSA [Member]
										Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	GM Korea [Member]	GM Korea [Member]	GM Korea [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, beginning balance			$1,973			$695		$1,278		$0			$0					$549		$146
Goodwill impairment charges	-60	-78	-60	-695		-60		0		0		-590	0		-60	-78	-27	-60		0
Goodwill from business combinations			66			10		56		0			0					0		10
Effect of foreign currency and other			-26			-26		0		0			0					-14		-12
Goodwill, ending balance	1,953		1,953			619		1,334		0		0	0					475		144
Accumulated impairment charges	($29,957)		($29,957)		($29,897)	($29,957)	($29,897)	$0	$0	($26,399)	($26,399)		($3,072)	($3,072)				($486)	($426)	$0	$0

Goodwill_and_Intangible_Assets3

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net Intangible Assets, Net (Details) (Product development agreement with Peugeot S.A. [Member], USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	31-May-13	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Purchase Obligation		$642
Intellectual Property [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets	201
Finite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired		$594
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life			10 years

Variable_Interest_Entities_Det

Variable Interest Entities (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Consolidated VIE [Abstract]
Revenue, Net	$38,120	$37,062	$112,704	$111,517
Net income	1,705	1,854	4,278	5,105
Automotive [Member] | Ally Financial [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Investment in Ally Financial [Abstract]
Cost Method Investee Ownership Percent	9.90%		9.90%		9.90%
Carrying Amount	397		397		399
Fair Value	866		866		1,268
Automotive [Member] | Ally Financial [Member] | Common Stock [Member] | Maximum Allowable Directly Voting and Common Equity Interest [Member]
Investment in Ally Financial [Abstract]
Cost Method Investee Ownership Percent	10.00%		10.00%
Automotive [Member] | Consolidated VIE [Member]
Consolidated VIE [Abstract]
Total Assets	492		492		436
Total Liabilities	309		309		254
Revenue, Net	226	284	720	746
Net income	13	25	51	32
Automotive [Member] | Consolidated VIE [Member] | Korea and HKJV [Member]
Consolidated VIE [Abstract]
Non-Recourse Debt	264		264		368
Automotive [Member] | Nonconsolidated VIEs [Member]
Nonconsolidated VIEs [Abstract]
Total Assets	174		174		351
Total Liabilities	851		851		1,900
Total Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements	126		126		32
GM Financial [Member] | Consolidated VIE [Member]
Consolidated VIE [Abstract]
Restricted Cash	1,350		1,350		744
Securitized Assets	21,761		21,761		10,442
Securitization notes payable and other credit facilities	$18,147		$18,147		$9,378
Maximum Maturity Days for Highly Liquidy Securities			90 days

Depreciation_Amortization_and_2

Depreciation, Amortization and Impairment Charges (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Long-lived assets [Member]
Depreciation, Amortization and Impairment Charges [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	$1,049	$994	$2,919	$2,811
Impairment Charges	1	7	37	61
Equipment on operating leases [Member]
Depreciation, Amortization and Impairment Charges [Line Items]
Depreciation and amortization	201	124	451	321
Impairment Charges	25	27	134	157
Level 3 [Member] | Equipment on operating leases [Member]
Depreciation, Amortization and Impairment Charges [Line Items]
Assets Fair Value, Nonrecurring	439	720	1,233	2,266
Estimated Net Revenue, Fair Value Input	451	735	1,263	2,320
Estimated Costs, Fair Value Input	$476	$762	$1,397	$2,477

Debt_ST_and_LT_Debt_Details

Debt ST and LT Debt (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

1 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

31-May-13

31-May-13

31-May-13

Automotive [Member]

Automotive [Member]

Automotive [Member]

Automotive [Member]

Automotive [Member]

Automotive [Member]

Automotive [Member]

Automotive [Member]

Automotive [Member]

Automotive [Member]

GM Financial [Member]

GM Financial [Member]

GM Financial [Member]

GM Financial [Member]

GM Financial [Member]

GM Financial [Member]

GM Financial [Member]

GM Financial [Member]

GM Financial [Member]

GM Financial [Member]

GM Financial [Member]

GM Financial [Member]

GM Financial [Member]

GM Financial [Member]

GM Financial [Member]

GM Financial [Member]

GM Financial [Member]

GM Financial [Member]

GM Financial [Member]

GM Financial [Member]

GM Financial [Member]

Ally Financial International Operations [Member]

HCT Notes [Member]

GM Korea preferred shares [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Secured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Unsecured Debt [Member]

Intersegment Eliminations [Member]

Senior Notes Issued September 2013 [Member]

Senior Notes 2018 at 3.5% [Member]

Senior Notes 2023 at 4.875% [Member]

Senior Notes 2043 at 6.25% [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Securitization notes payable [Member]

Securitization notes payable [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility One [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility Two [Member]

Bank Lines [Member]

Bank Lines [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes Issued May 2013 [Member]

Senior Notes Issued May 2013 [Member]

Senior Notes Issued May 2013 [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Ally International Operations - Europe and Latin America except Brazil [Member]

Ally International Operations - Europe and Latin America except Brazil [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

Debt Instrument, Face Amount

$4,500,000,000

$1,500,000,000

$1,500,000,000

$1,500,000,000

$4,800,000,000

$4,700,000,000

$1,900,000,000

$2,500,000,000

Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage

3.50%

4.88%

6.25%

0.70%

1.30%

0.50%

9.00%

2.75%

6.75%

2.75%

4.25%

Days After the Closing Date of the Debt Issuance for Registration Statement to be Declared Effective

365 days

Days After Effective Target Date Before Additional Interest is Charged

30 days

Additional Interest Above Stated Rate First 90 Day Period

0.25%

Additional Interest Above Stated Rate Subsequent 90 Day Period

0.25%

Maximum Interest Above Stated Rate Subsequent 90 Day Period

0.50%

Intercompany Debt Eliminated

682,000,000

Extinguishment of Debt, Amount

532,000,000

1,200,000,000

Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt

2,000,000

0

-238,000,000

-18,000,000

-238,000,000

-18,000,000

25,000,000

-240,000,000

Repayments of Debt

39,000,000

1,200,000,000

Debt Instrument, Term

1 year

3 years

3 years

Line of Credit Facitlity, Armotization Period after Revolving Period Ends

6 years

Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate

0.90%

7.70%

1.60%

Number of New Credit Facilites

2

Line of Credit Facility, Increase (Decrease), Net

1,300,000,000

Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, Start

31-Dec-16

31-Dec-16

Debt Instrument, Maturity Date Range, End

2-Oct-18

2-Oct-23

2-Oct-43

31-Dec-21

31-Dec-23

31-Dec-23

Maturities of Long-term Debt [Abstract]

Debt Due 2013

3,672,000,000

724,000,000

Debt Due 2014

6,334,000,000

306,000,000

Debt Due 2015

4,239,000,000

166,000,000

Debt Due 2016

2,686,000,000

1,032,000,000

Debt Due 2017

1,217,000,000

1,000,000,000

Debt Due Thereafter

299,000,000

2,000,000,000

Total Debt

18,447,000,000

5,228,000,000

Interest Due 2013

152,000,000

Interest Due 2014

451,000,000

Interest Due 2015

308,000,000

Interest Due 2016

211,000,000

Interest Due 2017

143,000,000

Interest Due Thereafter

196,000,000

Interest Due Total

1,461,000,000

Principal and Interest Due 2013

4,548,000,000

Principal and Interest Due 2014

7,091,000,000

Principal and Interest Due 2015

4,713,000,000

Principal and Interest Due 2016

3,929,000,000

Principal and Interest Due 2017

2,360,000,000

Principal and Interest Due Thereafter

2,495,000,000

Principal and Interest Due Total

$25,136,000,000

Debt_Fair_Value_of_Short_and_L

Debt Fair Value of Short and Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Automotive [Member] | Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	$8,448	$5,172
Automotive [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	8,028	5,298
Automotive [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	6,800	4,100
Automotive [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	1,200	1,200
GM Financial [Member] | Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	23,675	10,878
GM Financial [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	23,794	11,145
GM Financial [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	21,400	11,100
GM Financial [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	2,400
GM Financial [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	18,447	9,378
GM Financial [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	6,090	354
GM Financial [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Securitization notes payable [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	12,357	9,024
GM Financial [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	18,555	9,525
GM Financial [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	6,109	354
GM Financial [Member] | Secured Debt [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Securitization notes payable [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	12,446	9,171
GM Financial [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member] | Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	5,228	1,500
GM Financial [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member] | Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Bank Lines [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	1,228
GM Financial [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member] | Reported Value Measurement [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	4,000	1,500
GM Financial [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	5,239	1,620
GM Financial [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Bank Lines [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	1,228
GM Financial [Member] | Unsecured Debt [Member] | Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure	$4,011	$1,620

Product_Warranty_Liability_Det

Product Warranty Liability (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Movement in Standard Product Warranty, Increase (Decrease) [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$7,204	$6,600
Warranties issued and assumed in period	2,409	2,594
Payments	-2,304	-2,583
Adjustments to pre-existing warranties	75	510
Effect of foreign currency and other	-186	47
Balance at end of period	$7,198	$7,168

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem2

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits Schedule of Net Benefit Costs (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
United States Pension Plan of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Service cost	$98	$164	$296	$485
Interest cost	710	1,031	2,128	3,191
Expected return on plan assets	-891	-1,281	-2,672	-3,946
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	-1	0	-3	-1
Recognized net actuarial loss	2	0	5	1
Curtailments, settlements and other (gains) losses	-3	54	2	31
Net periodic pension and OPEB (income) expense	-85	-32	-244	-239
Foreign Pension Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Service cost	116	104	309	302
Interest cost	251	277	757	830
Expected return on plan assets	-204	-218	-618	-653
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	4	0	14	0
Recognized net actuarial loss	56	9	156	26
Curtailments, settlements and other (gains) losses	-4	8	-1	50
Net periodic pension and OPEB (income) expense	219	180	617	555
United States Postretirement Benefit Plan of US Entity, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Service cost	6	5	19	17
Interest cost	54	59	164	176
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	-28	-29	-87	-87
Recognized net actuarial loss	21	13	67	39
Curtailments, settlements and other (gains) losses	-83	0	-83	0
Net periodic pension and OPEB (income) expense	-30	48	80	145
Foreign Postretirement Benefit Plan, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Service cost	3	5	10	13
Interest cost	15	15	43	47
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	-4	-4	-11	-9
Recognized net actuarial loss	2	2	5	5
Curtailments, settlements and other (gains) losses	0	11	0	11
Net periodic pension and OPEB (income) expense	$16	$29	$47	$67

Pensions_and_Other_Postretirem3

Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012
	U.S. Salaried Defined Benefit Life Insurance Plan [Member]	U.S. Salaried Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	Canadian Salaried Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	Canadian Salaried Healthcare Plan [Member]	GME [Member]	Pension Plan Split [Member]	Prior To Pension Plan Amendment [Member]	After Pension Plan Amendment [Member]	Partial Pension Plan Settlement [Member]
						U.S. Salaried Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	U.S. Salaried Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	U.S. Salaried Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]	U.S. Salaried Defined Benefit Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Line Items]
Benefit Obligation, Period Increase (Decrease)	($319)		$84	($28)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	236
Pre-tax gain	83
Curtailments		309
Plan Amendments						654
Assumptions Used Calculating Net Periodic Benefit Cost, Discount Rate							4.21%	3.37%
Recognized Net Loss Due to Settlements									54
Interim Remeasurement					$150

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments and Risk Management (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Automotive [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Collateral, Obligation to Return Securities	$0		$0		$0
Derivative, Notional Amount	9,920,000,000		9,920,000,000		10,751,000,000
Derivative Assets, Current	60,000,000		60,000,000		144,000,000
Derivative Assets, Noncurrent	89,000,000		89,000,000		22,000,000
Derivative Asset, Fair Value	149,000,000		149,000,000		166,000,000
Derivative Liabilities, Current	5,000,000		5,000,000		26,000,000
Derivative Liabilities, Noncurrent	2,000,000		2,000,000		1,000,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value	7,000,000		7,000,000		27,000,000
Gains (Losses) on Derivative [Abstract]
Gains (Losses) Recorded in Interest income and other non-operating income, net	-12,000,000	4,000,000	2,000,000	-102,000,000
Automotive [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value	44,000,000		44,000,000		129,000,000
Derivative Liability, Fair Value	7,000,000		7,000,000		27,000,000
Automotive [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative Asset, Fair Value	105,000,000	38,000,000	105,000,000	38,000,000	37,000,000
Gains (Losses) on Derivative [Abstract]
Gains (Losses) Recorded in Interest income and other non-operating income, net	40,000,000	-13,000,000	74,000,000	-102,000,000
GM Financial [Member]
GM Financial Derivatives [Abstract]
Loans Provided to Acquire Ally Entities	1,500,000,000		1,500,000,000
GM Financial [Member] | Interest Rate Contract [Member]
GM Financial Derivatives [Abstract]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	4,400,000,000		4,400,000,000		775,000,000
Derivative Liability, Notional Amount	5,500,000,000		5,500,000,000		775,000,000
GM Financial [Member] | Foreign Exchange Contract [Member]
GM Financial Derivatives [Abstract]
Derivative Asset, Notional Amount	1,500,000,000		1,500,000,000
Derivative Liability, Notional Amount	1,500,000,000		1,500,000,000
GM Financial [Member] | Cross-Currency Swap [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Notional Amount	$534,000,000		$534,000,000

Commitments_And_Contingencies_1

Commitments And Contingencies Guarantees (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Third party commercial loans and other obligations [Member]
Guarantees [Abstract]
Liability Recorded	$87	$168
Maximum Liability	14,858	22,496
Guarantees of Product Related Claims [Member]
Guarantees [Abstract]
Liability Recorded	53	51
Maximum Liability	1,160	1,040
Ally Financial [Member] | Third party commercial loans and other obligations [Member]
Guarantees [Abstract]
Liability Recorded	10	15
Maximum Liability	$14,600	$22,100

Commitments_And_Contingencies_2

Commitments And Contingencies Loss Contingencies (Details)

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

USD ($)

USD ($)

Opel Vauxhall Restructuring [Member]

Opel Vauxhall Restructuring [Member]

Opel Vauxhall Restructuring [Member]

BRAZIL

Korea Wage Labor [Member]

Korea Wage Labor [Member]

Canadian Dealer Litigation [Member]

Canadian Dealer Litigation [Member]

Canadian Dealer Litigation [Member]

UAW Lawsuit [Member]

Nova Scotia Claims Litigation [Member]

Nova Scotia Claims Litigation [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

USD ($)

EUR (€)

USD ($)

USD ($)

KRW

CAD

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

South America Administrative Proceedings Indirect Tax Related Contingency [Member]

South America Administrative Proceedings Indirect Tax Related Contingency [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Other Litigation Liability

$1,861,000,000

$1,728,000,000

$784,000,000

843,000,000,000

$0

$0

Indirect Tax-Related Escrow Deposit

500,000,000

600,000,000

Number Of Group Actions

8

8

Number of Plaintiffs

10,000

10,000

200

Loss Contingency, Range of Possible Loss, Portion Not Accrued

153,000,000

164,000,000,000

Litigation Claims

750,000,000

450,000,000

Dealers in Certified Class of Plaintiffs

181

Estimate of Possible Loss

450,000,000

900,000,000

Pending Claims, Number

0

Litigation Settlement Amount, Pending Approval

50,000,000

Increase in Excise Tax Rate

30.00%

Planned Spending Guarantee

265,000,000

Inventory Pledged as Collateral

$189,000,000

$186,000,000

Commitments_And_Contingencies_3

Commitments And Contingencies Loss Contingencies Product Liability And Environmental Liability (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified			Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
Loss Contingencies Product Liability And Environmental Liability [Line Items]
Product Liability	$649	$601
Environmental Liability	155	166
Environmental Remediation Years of Cost to Incur, Min	5 years
Environmental Remediation Years of Cost to Incur, Max	30 years
Environmental Remediation Losses			$120	$230

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income tax expense	$842	$357	$1,993	$814
Expected Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Upper Bound	$500		$500

Restructuring_and_Other_Initia2

Restructuring and Other Initiatives (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended												9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended						9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended							3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
							GMNA [Member]	GMNA [Member]	GMNA [Member]	GMNA [Member]	GMNA [Member]	GMNA [Member]	GMNA [Member]	GMNA [Member]	GME [Member]	GME [Member]	GME [Member]	GME [Member]	GME [Member]	GME [Member]	GME [Member]	GME [Member]	GMIO [Member]	GMIO [Member]	GMIO [Member]	GMIO [Member]	GMIO [Member]	GMIO [Member]	GMIO [Member]	GMSA [Member]	GMSA [Member]	GMSA [Member]	GMSA [Member]	GMSA [Member]	GMSA [Member]	GMSA [Member]
													Oshawa Consolidated Plant Closing [Member]	2011 UAW Labor Agreement [Member]							Germany Separation Programs [Member]	Germany Separation Programs [Member]							Korea and Australia Separation Programs [Member]							Separation Program in Brazil [Member]
													Maximum [Member]	employees							employees	employees							employees
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$1,049	$1,187	$1,320	$1,392	$1,444	$1,584	$559	$629	$653	$779	$894	$884			$450	$495	$590	$520	$540	$687			$15	$14	$39	$26	$4	$1		$25	$49	$38	$67	$6	$12
Additions, interest accretion and other	86	70	86	80	172	136	9	12	27	9	16	100			11	31	35	53	56	31			54	15	2	4	27	3		12	12	22	14	73	2
Payments	-145	-183	-212	-127	-184	-286	-38	-56	-58	-42	-123	-86			-43	-80	-116	-47	-43	-192			-47	-13	-26	-15	-5	0		-17	-34	-12	-23	-13	-8
Revisions to Estimates	-21	-18	12	-70	-7	-14	-8	-16	13	-63	0	-12			-13	-2	0	-6	-7	-2			0	0	-1	-1	0	0		0	0	0	0	0	0
Effect of Foreign Currency	25	-7	-19	24	-33	24	7	-10	-6	15	-8	8			18	6	-14	8	-26	16			0	-1	0	1	0	0		0	-2	1	0	1	0
Ending Balance	994	1,049	1,187	1,299	1,392	1,444	529	559	629	698	779	894			423	450	495	528	520	540			22	15	14	15	26	4		20	25	49	58	67	6
Remaining Payments Including Temporary Layoffs Benefits							346			364
Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Cost Remainting													70								100
Restructuring and Related Cost, Cost Incurred to Date														$99							$64	$313							$88							$103
Number of Employees Affected, Inception to Date														1,400							250	1,900							850
Number Of Additional Employees Affected																					390

Stockholders_Equity_Preferred_

Stockholders' Equity Preferred and Common Stock (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Authorized	2,000,000,000
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	5,000,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Issued	1,400,000,000	1,400,000,000
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	1,400,000,000	1,400,000,000
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	156,000,000	276,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	156,000,000	276,000,000
Stock Purchased During Period, Shares	120,000,000
Percent Of Liquidation Amount	108.10%
Preferred Stock, Future Redemption Premium	$800,000,000
Payment for Purchase of Preferred Stock	3,200,000,000
Charges related to preferred shares purchase	$816,000,000
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued	100,000,000	100,000,000
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	100,000,000	100,000,000

Stockholders_Equity_Accumulate

Stockholders' Equity Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax			$40
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassification Adjustment, Tax			93
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax			-53
Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax			102
Reclassification Adjustment, Tax			-8
Reclassification Adjustment, Net of Tax			110
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax			142
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax			85
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	56	-719	57	-855
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest			14
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest			0
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest			14
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	-7,463		-7,463		-7,619
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	518		518		433
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-7,981		-7,981		-8,052
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax			-406
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax			-9
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			-397
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest			14
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest			0
Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest			14
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	-280		-280		112
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	2		2		11
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	-282		-282		101
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Securities, Net [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax			200
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassification Adjustment, Tax			-7
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax			207
Reclassification Adjustment, before Tax			-31
Reclassification Adjustment, Tax			-7
Reclassification Adjustment, Net of Tax			-24
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax			169
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax			-14
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			183
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	232		232		63
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	8		8		22
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	224		224		41
Defined Benefit Plans, Net [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, before Tax			246
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) before Reclassification Adjustment, Tax			109
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax			137
Reclassification Adjustment - Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax			-87
Reclassification Adjustment - Prior Service (Cost) Credit, Tax			-34
Reclassification Adjustment - Prior Service (Cost) Credit, Net of Tax			-53
Reclassification Adjustment - Actuarial (Gain) Loss, before Tax			220
Reclassification Adjustment - Actuarial (Gain) Loss, Tax			33
Reclassification Adjustment - Actuarial (Gain) Loss, Net of Tax			187
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax			379
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax			108
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax			271
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax	-7,415		-7,415		-7,794
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax	508		508		400
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	($7,923)		($7,923)		($8,194)

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Basic earnings per share
Net income attributable to stockholders	$1,717	$1,833	$4,306	$4,994
Preferred Stock Dividends and Charge Related to Purchase of Preferred Stock	-1,019		-1,449
Less: cumulative dividends on preferred stock and charge related to purchase of preferred stock		-215		-644
Net income attributable to common stockholders - Basic	698	1,476	2,857	3,967
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic	1,386	1,570	1,378	1,570
Basic earnings per common share	$0.50	$0.94	$2.07	$2.53
Diluted earnings per share
Net income attributable to stockholders	1,717	1,833	4,306	4,994
Preferred Stock Dividends and Charge Related to Purchase of Preferred Stock	-1,019		-1,449
Less: cumulative dividends on preferred stock and charge related to purchase of preferred stock		-215		-644
Net income attributable to common stockholders - Diluted	757	1,483	3,036	3,989
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - basic	1,386	1,570	1,378	1,570
Dilutive effect of warrants	152	88	144	101
Dilutive effect of restricted stock units	3	5	2	4
Weighted-average common shares outstanding - diluted	1,681	1,663	1,672	1,675
Diluted earnings per common share	$0.45	$0.89	$1.82	$2.38
EPS, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Lower share price boundary for two class method	$33	$33	$33	$33
Higher share price boundary for two class method	$39.60	$39.60	$39.60	$39.60
Number of common stock consecutive trading days			40 days
Pro forma impact to earnings per share from assumed changes of method	$0.03		$0.11
Warrants excluded from diluted EPS	46	46	46	46
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
EPS, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Earned but undistributed dividends	15	26	15	26
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Basic earnings per share
Less: undistributed earnings allocated to Series B Preferred Stock participating security	0	142	0	383
Diluted earnings per share
Add: preferred dividends to holders of Series B Preferred Stock	59	0	179	0
Less: undistributed earnings allocated to Series B Preferred Stock participating security	0	135	0	361
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Dilutive effect of conversion of Series B Preferred Stock	140	0	148	0
EPS, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Earned but undistributed dividends	$20	$20	$20	$20

Stock_Incentive_Plans_Details

Stock Incentive Plans (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended				12 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
					Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]	Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]	Long-Term Incentive Plan [Member]	Salary Stock Plan [Member]	Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
RSU Shares [Roll Forward]
RSUs Outstanding, Shares, Beginning of Period									26.9
Granted					7	7			8.4
Settled									-15.3
Forfeited or expired									-1
RSUs Outstanding, Shares, End of Period									19		26.9
RSUs Unvested and Expected to Vest									10.5
RSUs Vested and Payable									7.8
RSU Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value (Per Share) [Roll Forward]
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, RSUs Outstanding, Beginning of Period									$23.06
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted									$28.48
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Settled									$20.61
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited or Expired									$27.04
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, RSUs Outstanding, End of Period									$27.18		$23.06
RSU weighted-average grant date fair value unvested and expected to vest									$27.78
RSUs weighted-average grant date fair value vested and payable									$26.35
Remainaing Contractual Term [Roll Forward]
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms, RSUs Outstanding									1 year 4 months		8 months
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms, unvested and expected to vest									1 year 11 months
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms Vested and Payable									0 years
Share-based Compensation (Narratives) [Abstract]
Vesting Service Period					3 years
Number of Top Highest Compensated Employees					25		25
Incremental Settlement Percentage of Top Highest Compensated Employees					25.00%		25.00%
Number of Next Highest Compensated Employees					75
RSUs Reclassified From Equity to Liability								$97
Share-based Compensation Expense	85	79	226	206
Income tax benefit	28	0	73	0
Unrecognized Compensation Expense For Nonvested Equity Awards	202		202
Weighted Average in Years for Total Unrecognized Compensation Expense			1 year 11 months
Fair Value of Vested RSUs									288	108
Cash Used to Settle RSUs									$76
RSUs Settled with Cash Payments									2.6

Segment_Reporting_Details

Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended				9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended			3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
						GMIO [Member]	GMIO [Member]	GMIO [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	GM Financial [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	Group [Member]	InterGroup Elimination [Member]	InterGroup Elimination [Member]	InterGroup Elimination [Member]	InterGroup Elimination [Member]	InterGroup Elimination [Member]	InterGroup Elimination [Member]	InterGroup Elimination [Member]
						GM Korea [Member]	GM Korea [Member]	GM Korea [Member]			GMNA [Member]	GME [Member]	GME [Member]	GMIO [Member]	GMSA [Member]	Intersegment Eliminations [Member]		Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	Automotive [Member]	GM Financial [Member]	GM Financial [Member]	GM Financial [Member]	GM Financial [Member]	GM Financial [Member]	GM Financial [Member]	GM Financial [Member]					Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
																		Operating Segments [Member]	Operating Segments [Member]	Operating Segments [Member]	Operating Segments [Member]	Operating Segments [Member]	Operating Segments [Member]	Operating Segments [Member]	Operating Segments [Member]	Operating Segments [Member]	Operating Segments [Member]	Operating Segments [Member]	Operating Segments [Member]	Operating Segments [Member]	Operating Segments [Member]	Operating Segments [Member]	Operating Segments [Member]	Operating Segments [Member]	Operating Segments [Member]	Operating Segments [Member]	Operating Segments [Member]	Operating Segments [Member]	Operating Segments [Member]	Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]	Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]	Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]	Corporate, Non-Segment [Member]	Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	Operating Segments [Member]	Operating Segments [Member]	Operating Segments [Member]	Operating Segments [Member]	Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	Intersegment Eliminations [Member]	Intersegment Eliminations [Member]
																						GM Korea [Member]	GMNA [Member]	GMNA [Member]	GMNA [Member]	GMNA [Member]	GME [Member]	GME [Member]	GME [Member]	GME [Member]	GMIO [Member]	GMIO [Member]	GMIO [Member]	GMIO [Member]	GMSA [Member]	GMSA [Member]	GMSA [Member]	GMSA [Member]	GMSA [Member]								GMNA [Member]	GMNA [Member]	GMNA [Member]	GME [Member]	GME [Member]	GME [Member]	GMIO [Member]	GMIO [Member]	GMIO [Member]	GMSA [Member]	GMSA [Member]	GMSA [Member]	GM Financial Segment [Member]	GM Financial Segment [Member]	GM Financial Segment [Member]	GM Financial Segment [Member]	GM Financial Segment [Member]	GM Financial Segment [Member]	GM Financial Segment [Member]
																																							Venezuela [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of Reportable Segments			5
Revenue, Net	$38,120	$37,062	$112,704	$111,517														$38,120	$37,062	$112,704	$111,517		$23,506	$22,347	$69,974	$67,075	$4,858	$4,702	$14,830	$15,489	$5,336	$5,722	$15,406	$16,653	$4,381	$4,275	$12,380	$12,259		$39	$16	$114	$41																							$0	$0	$0	$0
GM Financial revenue	863	514	2,238	1,432														0	0	0	0		0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0		0	0	0	0																867	514	2,243	1,432				-4	0	-5	0
Total net sales and revenue	38,983	37,576	114,942	112,949														38,122	37,062	112,712	111,516		23,508	22,347	69,982	67,074	4,858	4,702	14,830	15,489	5,336	5,722	15,406	16,653	4,381	4,275	12,380	12,259		39	16	114	41	2	8	-1	2	8	-1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	867	514	2,243	1,432	0	0	0	-6	0	-13	1	-2	-8	1
Income (loss) before automotive interest and income taxes-adjusted	2,637	2,296	6,679	6,597														2,395	2,097	6,003	6,000		2,187	1,715	5,577	5,248	-214	-487	-499	-1,175	299	761	1,022	1,909	284	159	300	328		-161	-51	-397	-310																239	200	673	598				3	-1	3	-1
Adjustments	-48	-62	-114	-674														-48	-62	-114	-674		0	0	-1	0	0	0	1	-590	-48	-62	43	-84	0	0	-157	0		0	0	0	0																0	0	0	0				0	0	0	0
Corporate interest income	33	84	189	259																																				32	84	192	259																							1		-3
Automotive interest expense	65	128	217	356																																				65	128	219	356																							0		-2
Gain (Loss) on extinguishment of debt	2	0	-238	-18					-238	-18																														2		-238	-18																0		0	0
Income (loss) before income taxes	2,559	2,190	6,299	5,808																																				-192	-95	-662	-425																239	200	673	598
Income tax expense	842	357	1,993	814																																				756	286	1,760	560																85	71	232	254				1		1
Net income (loss) attributable to stockholders	1,717	1,833	4,306	4,994																																				-948	-381	-2,422	-985																154	129	441	344
Total Assets	168,539		168,539		149,422											-27,761		138,239		138,239			92,876		92,876		11,274		11,274		25,594		25,594		12,327		12,327			23,929		23,929																	32,000		32,000					-1,700		-1,700
Charge for Foreign Currency Devaluation																																							162
Charges related to preferred shares redemption																						67
Net adjustments for pension settlement charges and various insurance recoveries																				29
Goodwill impairment charges	60	78	60	695		60	78	27	60		0	590	0	60	0		0													590	48	62	48
Goodwill Impairment Loss, Net of Noncontrolling Interest																																		$84

Subsequent_Event_Details

Subsequent Event (Details) (Subsequent Event [Member], Ally International Operations - Brazil [Member], USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Subsequent Event [Member] | Ally International Operations - Brazil [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Effective Date of Acquisition	1-Oct-13
Aggregate consideration for acquisitions	$611
Pro forma total net sales and revenue		39,175	37,758	115,517	113,509
Pro forma net income attributable to stockholders		$1,743	$1,850	$4,385	$5,018