All Other Assets (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Investments
Assets held for sale	$ 211		$ 711
Other investments	1,738		1,709
Investments	48,510		47,374
Derivative instruments	3,940		10,041
Eliminations	(77)		(586)
Other assets	100,076		111,701
Subsidiaries [Member]
Investments
Assets held for sale	0	[1]	0	[1]
Investments	74	[1]	18	[1]
Contract costs and estimated earnings	9,443		9,008
Long-term receivables, including notes	714		1,316
Derivative instruments	383		370
Other	4,782		4,911
Other assets	37,936	[1]	36,675	[1]
Subsidiaries [Member] | Investments [Member]
Investments
Associated companies	22,169		20,463
Other investments	445		607
Investments	22,614		21,070
Subsidiaries GECC [Member]
Investments
Assets held for sale	211		711
Investments	48,439		47,359
Derivative instruments	3,557		9,671
Deferred borrowing costs	940		1,327
Advances to suppliers	1,813		1,560
Deferred acquistion costs	46		55
Other	4,272		3,026
Other assets	62,217		75,612
Subsidiaries GECC [Member] | Investments [Member]
Investments
Real estate	25,154		28,255
Associated companies	19,119		23,589
Assets held for sale	4,205		4,525
Cost method	1,665		1,882
Other investments	1,446		1,722
Investments	$ 51,589		$ 59,973

[1] (a) Represents the adding together of all affiliated companies except General Electric Capital Corporation (GECC or financial services), which is presented on a one-line basis See Note 1