Summary of Operating Segments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	$ 10,592	$ 11,522	$ 21,317	$ 23,530
Corporate items and eliminations revenues	866	918	1,583	1,946
Consolidated revenues	11,458	12,440	22,900	25,476
Segment profit	2,184	1,868	4,143	3,723
Corporate items and eliminations	62	253	229	318
GE provision for income taxes	(102)	(346)	(289)	(775)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	2,122	1,615	3,914	3,405
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(553)	195	(770)	230
Consolidated net earnings attributable to the Company	1,569	1,810	3,144	3,635
CLL [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	4,141	4,666	8,583	9,274
Segment profit	626	701	1,311	1,255
Consumer [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	3,812	4,172	7,689	8,995
Segment profit	907	1,042	1,736	2,283
Real Estate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	876	992	1,712	1,899
Segment profit	221	(335)	277	(693)
Energy Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	446	365	685	710
Segment profit	122	139	193	251
GECAS [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	1,317	1,327	2,648	2,652
Segment profit	$ 308	$ 321	$ 626	$ 627