Summary of Operating Segments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012		Mar. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	$ 35,162		$ 33,835
Corporate items and eliminations revenues	20		4,494
Consolidated revenues	35,182		38,329
Segment profit	5,061		4,774
Corporate items and eliminations	(1,045)		2,492
GE interest and other financial charges	(3,358)		(3,796)
GE provision for income taxes	(637)		(3,942)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	3,251		3,398
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(217)		35
Consolidated net earnings attributable to the Company	3,034		3,433
Subsidiaries [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated revenues	26,079	[1]	27,557	[1]
GE interest and other financial charges	(315)	[1]	(355)	[1]
GE provision for income taxes	(450)	[1]	(3,513)	[1]
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	3,251	[1]	3,398	[1]
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(217)	[1]	35	[1]
Consolidated net earnings attributable to the Company	3,034	[1]	3,433	[1]
Energy Infrastructure [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	11,168		9,449
Segment profit	1,524		1,381
Aviation [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	4,891		4,368
Segment profit	862		841
Healthcare [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	4,300		4,090
Segment profit	585		531
Transportation [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	1,270		903
Segment profit	232		157
Home Business Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	2,091		1,989
Segment profit	66		74
GE Capital [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	11,442		13,036
Segment profit	1,792		1,790
Industrial Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	23,720		20,799
Segment profit	$ 3,269		$ 2,984

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