Summary of Operating Segments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	$ 10,633	$ 10,961	$ 31,950	$ 34,491
Corporate items and eliminations revenues	736	1,054	2,319	3,000
Consolidated revenues	11,369	12,015	34,269	37,491
Segment profit	1,917	1,696	6,060	5,419
Corporate items and eliminations	238	177	467	495
GE provision for income taxes	(78)	(59)	(367)	(834)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	1,679	1,519	5,593	4,924
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(111)	(64)	(881)	166
Consolidated net earnings attributable to the Company	1,568	1,455	4,712	5,090
CLL [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	4,124	4,512	12,707	13,786
Segment profit	568	688	1,879	1,943
Consumer [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	3,911	4,028	11,600	13,023
Segment profit	749	803	2,485	3,086
Real Estate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	948	935	2,660	2,834
Segment profit	217	(82)	494	(775)
Energy Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	401	221	1,086	931
Segment profit	132	79	325	330
GECAS [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	1,249	1,265	3,897	3,917
Segment profit	$ 251	$ 208	$ 877	$ 835