Supplemental Information About The Credit Quality Of Financing Receivables And Allowance For Losses On Financing Receivables (Commercial) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	$ 277,003		$ 295,037
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	277,003		295,037
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	138,814		148,570
General reserves	569		718
Total impaired loans	5,914		5,662
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	680		812
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	1.80%		1.80%
Over 90 days past due	1.10%		1.10%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	5,124		4,718
Nonearning financing receivables	3,460		3,451
Allowance for losses as a percent of nonaccrual financing receivables	24.40%		32.40%
Allowance for losses as a percent of nonearning financing receivables	36.10%		44.30%
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	5,914		5,662
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	680		812
Average investment in loans	5,843		5,866
Interest income recognized	181	131	193
Interest income recognized on a cash basis	70	43	59
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	138,814		148,570
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Performing Financing Receivable [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Non-impaired financing receivables	132,900		142,908
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	129,261		135,463
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	129,261		135,463
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	3,151		5,006
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	3,151		5,006
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	4,715		6,432
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	4,715		6,432
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	137,127		146,901
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	137,127		146,901
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Unsecured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	533		325
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	533		325
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Unsecured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	648		748
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	648		748
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Unsecured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	506		596
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	506		596
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	3,941		3,305
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	3,941		3,305
Unpaid principal balance	4,822		3,515
Average investment in loans	3,693		3,382
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	1,973		2,357
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	680		812
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	1,973		2,357
Unpaid principal balance	2,615		2,364
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	680		812
Average investment in loans	2,150		2,484
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Nonaccrual Financing Receivables [Member]
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Amount of nonaccrual loans currently paying in accordance with contractual terms	3,392		1,227
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Modifications Classified As TDRs In Last Twelve Months [Member]
Impaired Loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment	2,736
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Energy Financial Services Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	4,989		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	51		22
Nonearning financing receivables	2		22
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	4,989		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	4,771		5,727
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	4,771		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	47		24
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	47		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	4,867		5,769
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	4,867		5,769
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Energy Financial Services Financing Receivables [Member] | 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] | 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	9		87
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | GECAS Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	11,628		11,901
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	0.10%		0.00%
Over 90 days past due	0.00%		0.00%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	304		69
Nonearning financing receivables	50		55
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	11,628		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	11,441		10,881
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	11,441		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	176		970
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	176		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	11		50
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	11		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	11,628		11,901
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	11,628		11,901
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | GECAS Financing Receivables [Member] | No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	41		28
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	41		28
Unpaid principal balance	41		28
Average investment in loans	21		59
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | GECAS Financing Receivables [Member] | Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	3		0
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	0		0
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	3		0
Unpaid principal balance	3		0
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	0		0
Average investment in loans	6		11
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	537		1,282
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	3.00%		3.70%
Over 90 days past due	3.00%		3.50%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	33		115
Nonearning financing receivables	16		65
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	537		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	537		1,282
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	537		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	537		1,282
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	537		1,282
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other Financing Receivables [Member] | No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	13		62
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	13		62
Unpaid principal balance	20		63
Average investment in loans	28		67
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other Financing Receivables [Member] | Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	20		75
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	7		29
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	20		75
Unpaid principal balance	20		75
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	7		29
Average investment in loans	48		97
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Americas CLL Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	74,488		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	2,339		2,417
Nonearning financing receivables	1,600		1,862
Impaired Loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment	2,991		2,746
Changes In Loans Modified As Troubled Debt Restructurings	1,453
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	74,488		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	69,945		73,103
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	69,945		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	1,727		2,816
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	1,727		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	2,816		4,586
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	2,816		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	74,488		80,505
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	74,488		80,505
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Americas CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	2,702		2,136
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	2,702		2,136
Unpaid principal balance	2,972		2,219
Average investment in loans	2,547		2,128
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Americas CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	902		1,367
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	246		425
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	902		1,367
Unpaid principal balance	1,145		1,415
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	246		425
Average investment in loans	1,095		1,468
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Europe CLL Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	34,916		36,899
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	4.40%		3.80%
Over 90 days past due	2.60%		2.10%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	2,011		1,599
Nonearning financing receivables	1,533		1,167
Impaired Loans
Changes In Loans Modified As Troubled Debt Restructurings	668
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	34,916		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	31,486		33,481
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	31,486		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	1,046		1,080
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	1,046		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	1,359		1,002
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	1,359		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	33,891		35,563
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	33,891		35,563
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Europe CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	1,087		936
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	1,087		936
Unpaid principal balance	1,676		1,060
Average investment in loans	979		1,001
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Europe CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	913		730
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	406		263
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	913		730
Unpaid principal balance	1,282		717
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	406		263
Average investment in loans	845		602
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Asia CLL Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	11,597		11,635
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	0.90%		1.30%
Over 90 days past due	0.70%		1.00%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	333		428
Nonearning financing receivables	206		269
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	11,597		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	10,884		10,644
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	10,884		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	111		116
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	111		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	412		685
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	412		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	11,407		11,445
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	11,407		11,445
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Asia CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	52		85
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	52		85
Unpaid principal balance	55		83
Average investment in loans	62		94
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Asia CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	126		156
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	19		84
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	126		156
Unpaid principal balance	152		128
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	19		84
Average investment in loans	140		214
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other CLL Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	659		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	53		68
Nonearning financing receivables	53		11
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	659		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	197		345
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	197		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	44		0
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	44		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	68		91
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	68		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	309		436
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	309		436
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	44		54
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	44		54
Unpaid principal balance	56		58
Average investment in loans	53		13
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	9		11
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	2		2
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	9		11
Unpaid principal balance	13		11
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	2		2
Average investment in loans	7		5
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | CLL Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	121,660		129,475
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	2.00%		2.00%
Over 90 days past due	1.20%		1.20%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	4,736		4,512
Nonearning financing receivables	3,392		3,309
Impaired Loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment	4,248		3,642
Changes In Loans Modified As Troubled Debt Restructurings	2,281
Loans Modified As Troubled Debt Restructuring That Have Subsequently Experienced Payment Default	157
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	121,660		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	112,512		117,573
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	112,512		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	2,928		4,012
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	2,928		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	4,655		6,364
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	4,655		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	120,095		127,949
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	120,095		127,949
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	3,885		3,211
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	3,885		3,211
Unpaid principal balance	4,759		3,420
Average investment in loans	3,641		3,236
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	1,950		2,264
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	673		774
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	1,950		2,264
Unpaid principal balance	2,592		2,271
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	673		774
Average investment in loans	$ 2,087		$ 2,289