Assets and Liabilities of Businesses Held For Sale and Discontinued Operations (GE Money Japan Narrative) (Details) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2011 USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 GE Money Japan [Member] USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011 GE Money Japan [Member] USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2011 GE Money Japan [Member] USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2012 GE Money Japan [Member] JPY (¥)
Financial Information For Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Expiration Dates	2017
Other Tax Carryforward, Expiration Dates	2019
Threshold above which claims become company's responsibility			$ 3,000			¥ 258,000
Increase Adjustment To Liability For Reimbursement Of Claims In Excess Of Statutory Interest Rate				26
Liability For Reimbursement Of Claims In Excess Of Statutory Interest Rate			496
Adverse Incoming Daily Claim Rate Reduction Assumption Sensitivity Test For Liability Calculation			20.00%
Sensitivity Analysis Potential Increase (Decrease) To Estimated Contingent Liability			110
Losses from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ (217)	$ 35	$ 27		$ 1