Summary of Operating Segments (Details) (USD $) In Millions	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2011		Jun. 30, 2010		Jun. 30, 2011		Jun. 30, 2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	$ 34,642		$ 32,642		$ 67,652		$ 63,694
Corporate items and eliminations revenues	983		4,286		6,308		9,301
Consolidated revenues	35,625		36,928		73,960		72,995
Segment profit	5,161		4,362		9,950		7,895
Corporate items and eliminations	747		(264)		(1,709)		(160)
GE interest and other financial charges	(3,773)		(3,946)		(7,574)		(7,867)
GE provision for income taxes	(890)		(866)		(4,831)		(1,305)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	3,547		3,210		6,924		5,508
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	217		(101)		273		(454)
Consolidated net earnings attributable to the Company	3,764		3,109		7,197		5,054
Energy Infrastructure [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	10,402		9,540		19,851		18,195
Segment profit	1,552		1,910		2,933		3,391
Aviation [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	4,732		4,259		9,100		8,424
Segment profit	959		879		1,800		1,678
Healthcare [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	4,498		4,102		8,588		7,835
Segment profit	711		661		1,242		1,158
Transportation [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	1,231		709		2,134		1,475
Segment profit	178		26		335		141
Home Business Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	2,153		2,250		4,142		4,190
Segment profit	106		143		180		214
GE Capital [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	11,626		11,782		23,837		23,575
Segment profit	1,655		743		3,460		1,313
Subsidiaries [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated revenues	25,229	[1]	25,441	[1]	52,765	[1]	49,828	[1]
GE interest and other financial charges	(321)	[1]	(430)	[1]	(676)	[1]	(773)	[1]
GE provision for income taxes	(546)	[1]	(986)	[1]	(4,059)	[1]	(1,774)	[1]
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	3,547	[1]	3,210	[1]	6,924	[1]	5,508	[1]
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	217	[1]	(101)	[1]	273	[1]	(454)	[1]
Consolidated net earnings attributable to the Company	$ 3,764	[1]	$ 3,109	[1]	$ 7,197	[1]	$ 5,054	[1]

[1] (a) Represents the adding together of all affiliated companies except General Electric Capital Services, Inc. (GECS or financial services), which is presented on a one-line basis.