Supplemental Information About The Credit Quality Of Financing Receivables And Allowance For Losses On Financing Receivables (Commercial) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	$ 279,189		$ 295,037
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	279,189		295,037
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	141,779		148,570
General reserves	650		718
Total impaired loans	5,880		5,662
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	640		812
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	1.70%		1.80%
Over 90 days past due	1.00%		1.10%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	5,234		4,718
Nonearning financing receivables	3,450		3,451
Allowance for losses as a percent of nonaccrual financing receivables	24.60%		32.40%
Allowance for losses as a percent of nonearning financing receivables	37.40%		44.30%
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	5,880		5,662
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	640		812
Interest income recognized	115	85	193
Interest income recognized on a cash basis	49	25	59
Changes In Loans Modified As Troubled Debt Restructurings	1,800
Loans Modified As Troubled Debt Restructuring That Have Subsequently Experienced Payment Default	96
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	141,779		148,570
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Performing Financing Receivable [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	135,899		142,908
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	135,899		142,908
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	131,350		135,463
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	131,350		135,463
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	3,213		5,006
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	3,213		5,006
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	5,407		6,432
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	5,407		6,432
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	139,970		146,901
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	139,970		146,901
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Unsecured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	320		325
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	320		325
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Unsecured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	947		748
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	947		748
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Unsecured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	542		596
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	542		596
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	3,815		3,305
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	3,815		3,305
Unpaid principal balance	4,571		3,515
Average investment in loans	3,609		3,382
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	2,065		2,357
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	640		812
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	2,065		2,357
Unpaid principal balance	2,520		2,364
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	640		812
Average investment in loans	2,209		2,484
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Nonaccrual Financing Receivables [Member]
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	5,234		4,718
Amount of nonaccrual loans currently paying in accordance with contractual terms	1,761		1,227
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | TDR Modifications [Member]
Impaired Loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment	2,796
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Energy Financial Services Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	5,159		5,912
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	0.00%		0.30%
Over 90 days past due	0.00%		0.30%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	52		22
Nonearning financing receivables	2		22
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	5,159		5,912
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Energy Financial Services Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	4,878		5,727
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	4,878		5,727
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Energy Financial Services Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	113		24
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	113		24
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Energy Financial Services Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	49		18
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	49		18
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Energy Financial Services Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	5,040		5,769
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	5,040		5,769
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Energy Financial Services Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	2		4
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	2		4
Unpaid principal balance	2		4
Average investment in loans	3		20
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Energy Financial Services Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	0		18
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	0		9
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	0		18
Unpaid principal balance	0		18
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	0		9
Average investment in loans	12		87
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | GECAS Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	12,046		11,901
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	0.00%		0.00%
Over 90 days past due	0.00%		0.00%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	344		69
Nonearning financing receivables	56		55
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	12,046		11,901
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | GECAS Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	11,470		10,881
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	11,470		10,881
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | GECAS Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	236		970
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	236		970
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | GECAS Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	340		50
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	340		50
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | GECAS Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	12,046		11,901
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	12,046		11,901
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | GECAS Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	0		28
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	0		28
Unpaid principal balance	0		28
Average investment in loans	14		59
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | GECAS Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	21		0
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	1		0
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	21		0
Unpaid principal balance	21		0
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	1		0
Average investment in loans	7		11
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	587		1,282
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	3.80%		3.70%
Over 90 days past due	3.80%		3.50%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	46		115
Nonearning financing receivables	22		65
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	587		1,282
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	587		1,282
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	587		1,282
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	0		0
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	0		0
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	0		0
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	0		0
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	587		1,282
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	587		1,282
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	18		62
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	18		62
Unpaid principal balance	18		63
Average investment in loans	33		67
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	28		75
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	9		29
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	28		75
Unpaid principal balance	31		75
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	9		29
Average investment in loans	57		97
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Americas CLL Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	77,241		80,505
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	1.10%		1.30%
Over 90 days past due	0.60%		0.80%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	2,559		2,417
Nonearning financing receivables	1,739		1,862
Impaired Loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment	3,098		2,746
Changes In Loans Modified As Troubled Debt Restructurings	1,157
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	77,241		80,505
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Americas CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	72,168		73,103
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	72,168		73,103
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Americas CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	1,630		2,816
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	1,630		2,816
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Americas CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	3,443		4,586
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	3,443		4,586
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Americas CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	77,241		80,505
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	77,241		80,505
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Americas CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	2,782		2,136
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	2,782		2,136
Unpaid principal balance	3,016		2,219
Average investment in loans	2,495		2,128
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Americas CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	985		1,367
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	275		425
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	985		1,367
Unpaid principal balance	1,165		1,415
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	275		425
Average investment in loans	1,160		1,468
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Europe CLL Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	34,722		36,899
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	4.00%		3.80%
Over 90 days past due	2.30%		2.10%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	1,790		1,599
Nonearning financing receivables	1,390		1,167
Impaired Loans
Changes In Loans Modified As Troubled Debt Restructurings	532
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	34,722		36,899
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Europe CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	31,392		33,481
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	31,392		33,481
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Europe CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	1,067		1,080
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	1,067		1,080
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Europe CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	1,105		1,002
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	1,105		1,002
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Europe CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	33,564		35,563
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	33,564		35,563
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Europe CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	911		936
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	911		936
Unpaid principal balance	1,430		1,060
Average investment in loans	942		1,001
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Europe CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	879		730
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	323		263
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	879		730
Unpaid principal balance	1,133		717
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	323		263
Average investment in loans	822		602
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Asia CLL Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	11,313		11,635
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	1.10%		1.30%
Over 90 days past due	0.80%		1.00%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	381		428
Nonearning financing receivables	232		269
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	11,313		11,635
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Asia CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	10,525		10,644
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	10,525		10,644
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Asia CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	167		116
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	167		116
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Asia CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	439		685
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	439		685
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Asia CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	11,131		11,445
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	11,131		11,445
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Asia CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	49		85
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	49		85
Unpaid principal balance	49		83
Average investment in loans	66		94
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Asia CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	143		156
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	31		84
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	143		156
Unpaid principal balance	157		128
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	31		84
Average investment in loans	145		214
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other CLL Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	711		436
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	0.00%		2.00%
Over 90 days past due	0.00%		0.10%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	62		68
Nonearning financing receivables	9		11
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	711		436
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	330		345
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	330		345
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	0		0
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	0		0
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	31		91
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	31		91
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	361		436
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	361		436
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	53		54
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	53		54
Unpaid principal balance	56		58
Average investment in loans	56		13
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	9		11
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	1		2
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	9		11
Unpaid principal balance	13		11
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	1		2
Average investment in loans	6		5
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | CLL Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	123,987		129,475
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	1.90%		2.00%
Over 90 days past due	1.10%		1.20%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	4,792		4,512
Nonearning financing receivables	3,370		3,309
Impaired Loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment	4,319		3,642
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	123,987		129,475
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	114,415		117,573
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	114,415		117,573
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	2,864		4,012
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	2,864		4,012
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	5,018		6,364
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	5,018		6,364
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	122,297		127,949
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	122,297		127,949
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	3,795		3,211
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	3,795		3,211
Unpaid principal balance	4,551		3,420
Average investment in loans	3,559		3,236
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	2,016		2,264
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	630		774
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	2,016		2,264
Unpaid principal balance	2,468		2,271
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	630		774
Average investment in loans	$ 2,133		$ 2,289