Summary of Operating Segments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues									$ 42,892	$ 45,142	$ 46,455
Consolidated revenues	11,770	11,369	11,458	11,442	11,577	12,015	12,440	13,036	46,039	49,068	49,856
Segment profit									8,118	7,085	3,994
Earnings from continuing operations attributable to the Company									7,401	6,584	3,120
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes									(1,186)	(74)	(965)
Consolidated net earnings attributable to the Company	1,503	1,568	1,569	1,575	1,420	1,455	1,810	1,825	6,215	6,510	2,155
CLL [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues									16,857	18,178	18,447
Segment profit									2,423	2,720	1,554
Consumer [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues									15,579	16,767	17,180
Segment profit									3,240	3,703	2,619
Real Estate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues									3,654	3,712	3,744
Segment profit									803	(928)	(1,741)
Energy Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues									1,508	1,223	1,957
Segment profit									432	440	367
GECAS [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues									5,294	5,262	5,127
Segment profit									1,220	1,150	1,195
Corporate Items And Eliminations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues									3,147	3,926	3,401
Segment profit									$ (717)	$ (501)	$ (874)