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, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	$ 262,380		$ 273,936
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	262,380		273,936
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	131,845		137,810
General reserves	639		554
Total impaired loans	4,291		5,069
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	263		487
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	1.60%		1.70%
Over 90 days past due	0.90%		0.90%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	3,413		4,166
Nonearning financing receivables	2,377		2,890
Allowance for losses as a percent of nonaccrual financing receivables	26.40%		25.00%
Allowance for losses as a percent of nonearning financing receivables	37.90%		36.00%
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	4,291		5,069
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	263		487
Average investment in loans	4,735		5,688
Interest income recognized	112	115	253
Interest income recognized on a cash basis	36	49	92
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	131,845		137,810
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Performing Financing Receivable [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Non-impaired financing receivables	127,554		132,741
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	124,816		128,899
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	124,816		128,899
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	2,490		3,303
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	2,490		3,303
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	3,196		4,115
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	3,196		4,115
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	130,502		136,317
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	130,502		136,317
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Unsecured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	424		458
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	424		458
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Unsecured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	602		583
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	602		583
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Unsecured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	317		452
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	317		452
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	3,344		3,697
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	3,344		3,697
Unpaid principal balance	4,657		4,920
Average investment in loans	3,543		3,694
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	947		1,372
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	263		487
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	947		1,372
Unpaid principal balance	1,486		1,858
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	263		487
Average investment in loans	1,192		1,994
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Nonaccrual Financing Receivables [Member]
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Amount of nonaccrual loans currently paying in accordance with contractual terms	2,040		2,647
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Energy Financial Services Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	4,671		4,851
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	4		0
Nonearning financing receivables	4		0
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	4,671		4,851
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	4,545		4,725
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	4,545		4,725
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	0		0
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	0		0
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	0		0
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	0		0
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	4,545		4,725
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	4,545		4,725
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Energy Financial Services Financing Receivables [Member] | No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	0		0
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	0		0
Unpaid principal balance	0		0
Average investment in loans	0		2
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Energy Financial Services Financing Receivables [Member] | Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	4		0
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	1		0
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	4		0
Unpaid principal balance	4		0
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	1		0
Average investment in loans	1		7
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | GECAS Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	9,998		10,915
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	0		3
Nonearning financing receivables	0		0
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	9,998		10,915
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	9,819		10,681
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	9,819		10,681
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	48		223
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	48		223
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	131		11
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	131		11
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | GECAS Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	9,998		10,915
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	9,998		10,915
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | GECAS Financing Receivables [Member] | No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	0		0
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	0		0
Unpaid principal balance	0		0
Average investment in loans	0		17
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | GECAS Financing Receivables [Member] | Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	0		3
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	0		0
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	0		3
Unpaid principal balance	0		3
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	0		0
Average investment in loans	1		5
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	425		486
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	1.70%		2.80%
Over 90 days past due	1.70%		2.80%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	12		25
Nonearning financing receivables	6		13
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	425		486
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	425		486
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	425		486
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	425		486
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	425		486
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other Financing Receivables [Member] | No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	6		17
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	6		17
Unpaid principal balance	9		28
Average investment in loans	11		26
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other Financing Receivables [Member] | Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	6		8
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	1		2
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	6		8
Unpaid principal balance	7		8
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	1		2
Average investment in loans	7		40
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Americas CLL Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	70,499		72,517
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	1.00%		1.10%
Over 90 days past due	0.60%		0.50%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	1,715		1,951
Nonearning financing receivables	1,232		1,333
Impaired Loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment	2,351		2,577
Changes In Loans Modified As Troubled Debt Restructurings	513
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	70,499		72,517
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	66,821		68,360
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	66,821		68,360
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	1,778		1,775
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	1,778		1,775
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	1,900		2,382
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	1,900		2,382
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	70,499		72,517
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	70,499		72,517
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Americas CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	2,272		2,487
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	2,272		2,487
Unpaid principal balance	2,729		2,927
Average investment in loans	2,373		2,535
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Americas CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	425		557
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	102		178
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	425		557
Unpaid principal balance	613		681
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	102		178
Average investment in loans	531		987
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Europe CLL Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	35,839		37,035
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	3.50%		3.70%
Over 90 days past due	2.20%		2.10%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	1,298		1,740
Nonearning financing receivables	958		1,299
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	35,839		37,035
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	33,556		33,754
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	33,556		33,754
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	573		1,188
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	573		1,188
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	1,006		1,256
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	1,006		1,256
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	35,135		36,198
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	35,135		36,198
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Europe CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	928		1,131
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	928		1,131
Unpaid principal balance	1,758		1,901
Average investment in loans	1,039		1,009
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Europe CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	436		643
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	148		278
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	436		643
Unpaid principal balance	780		978
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	148		278
Average investment in loans	543		805
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Asia CLL Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	9,907		11,401
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	1.00%		0.90%
Over 90 days past due	0.60%		0.60%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	384		395
Nonearning financing receivables	177		193
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	9,907		11,401
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	9,495		10,732
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	9,495		10,732
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	91		117
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	91		117
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	159		372
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	159		372
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	9,745		11,221
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	9,745		11,221
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Asia CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	138		62
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	138		62
Unpaid principal balance	161		64
Average investment in loans	120		62
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Asia CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	76		109
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	11		23
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	76		109
Unpaid principal balance	82		120
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	11		23
Average investment in loans	89		134
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other CLL Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	506		605
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	0.00%		0.10%
Over 90 days past due	0.00%		0.00%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	0		52
Nonearning financing receivables	0		52
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	506		605
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	155		161
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	155		161
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	0		94
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	0		94
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	155		255
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	155		255
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	0		0
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	0		0
Unpaid principal balance	0		0
Average investment in loans	0		43
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	0		52
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	0		6
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	0		52
Unpaid principal balance	0		68
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	0		6
Average investment in loans	20		16
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | CLL Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	116,751		121,558
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	1.80%		1.90%
Over 90 days past due	1.10%		1.00%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	3,397		4,138
Nonearning financing receivables	2,367		2,877
Impaired Loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment	3,350		3,872
Changes In Loans Modified As Troubled Debt Restructurings	825
Loans Modified As Troubled Debt Restructuring That Have Subsequently Experienced Payment Default	87	96
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	116,751		121,558
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	110,027		113,007
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	110,027		113,007
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	2,442		3,080
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	2,442		3,080
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	3,065		4,104
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	3,065		4,104
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	115,534		120,191
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	115,534		120,191
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	3,338		3,680
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	3,338		3,680
Unpaid principal balance	4,648		4,892
Average investment in loans	3,532		3,649
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	937		1,361
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	261		485
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	937		1,361
Unpaid principal balance	1,475		1,847
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	261		485
Average investment in loans	1,183		1,942
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Modifications Classified As TDRs In Last Twelve Months [Member]
Impaired Loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment	$ 1,961	$ 2,796