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Postretirement Benefit Plans (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Sep. 30, 2010
Sep. 30, 2011
Sep. 30, 2010
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Years of service generally required of employees to receive health and life insurance benefits who retire under the GE Pension Plan's10   
Disclosure of other pension plans includes pension plans with pension assets or obligations in excess of threshold amount$ 50 $ 50 
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Expected return on plan assets(984)(1,084)(2,953)(3,254)
Service cost for benefits earned296275857844
Interest cost on benefit obligation6656781,9952,020
Prior service cost amortization4959144178
Net actuarial (gain) loss amortization5843311,752993
Pension plans cost6102591,795781
Other Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Expected return on plan assets(151)(126)(451)(380)
Service cost for benefits earned7065210209
Interest cost on benefit obligation131116387360
Prior service cost amortization431211
Net actuarial (gain) loss amortization3448103159
Pension plans cost88106261359
Principal Retiree Health and Life Insurance Plans [Member]
    
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]    
Expected return on plan assets(24)(29)(72)(87)
Service cost for benefits earned4850140162
Interest cost on benefit obligation151175452525
Prior service cost amortization163158482474
Net actuarial (gain) loss amortization(27)(6)(83)(18)
Pension plans cost$ 311$ 348$ 919$ 1,056