Shareowners' Equity (Shares And Noncontrolling Interests) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Shares of GE Preferred Stock
Preferred stock issued	40,000		0
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01		$ 0.01
Shares of GE Common Stock
Common stock, shares authorized	4,166,000		4,166,000
Common stock, par value per share	$ 14		$ 14
Issued	1,000		1,000
Outstanding	1,000		1,000
Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling interests	$ 707	[1]	$ 690	[1]	$ 1,164	$ 2,048
Net earnings	63		127		16
Dispositions	0		(586)		(979)
Dividends	(19)		(20)		(7)
AOCI and other	(27)		5		86
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	12		(14)		57
Regency [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling Interest Effect Of Sale Of Entity					979
Other Consolidated Affiliate [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling interests	707		690
Seaco [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling Interest Effect Of Sale Of Entity			311
Heller Financial [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling Interest Effect Of Sale Of Entity			$ 275

[1] (c) Included accumulated other comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests of $(129) million and $(141) million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.