Supplemental Information About The Credit Quality Of Financing Receivables And Allowance For Losses On Financing Receivables (Commercial) (Details) (Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member], USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	$ 144,377		$ 148,570
General reserves	694		718
Total impaired loans	5,913		5,662
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	739		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	4,939		4,718
Nonearning financing receivables	3,360		3,451
Allowance for losses as a percent of nonaccrual financing receivables	29.00%		32.40%
Allowance for losses as a percent of nonearning financing receivables	42.60%		44.30%
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	5,913		5,662
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	739		812
Average investment in loans	5,787		5,866
Interest income recognized	57	42	193
Interest income recognized on a cash basis	23	10	59
Changes In Loans Modified As Troubled Debt Restructurings	794
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	144,377		148,570
Performing Financing Receivable [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	138,464		142,908
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	138,464		142,908
Secured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	133,313		135,463
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	133,313		135,463
Secured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	3,773		5,006
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	3,773		5,006
Secured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	5,850		6,432
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	5,850		6,432
Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	142,936		146,901
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	142,936		146,901
Unsecured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	308		325
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	308		325
Unsecured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	697		748
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	697		748
Unsecured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	436		596
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	436		596
Impaired Financing Receivable with No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	3,707		3,305
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	3,707		3,305
Unpaid principal balance	3,787		3,515
Average investment in loans	3,506		3,382
Impaired Financing Receivable with Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	2,206		2,357
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	739		812
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	2,206		2,357
Unpaid principal balance	2,244		2,364
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	739		812
Average investment in loans	2,281		2,484
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables [Member]
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	4,939		4,718
Amount of nonaccrual loans currently paying in accordance with contractual terms	1,539		1,227
TDR Modifications [Member]
Impaired Loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment	2,384
Energy Financial Services Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	5,287		5,912
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	0.30%		0.30%
Over 90 days past due	0.30%		0.30%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	29		22
Nonearning financing receivables	29		22
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	5,287		5,912
Energy Financial Services Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	5,010		5,727
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	5,010		5,727
Energy Financial Services Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	69		24
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	69		24
Energy Financial Services Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	82		18
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	82		18
Energy Financial Services Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	5,161		5,769
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	5,161		5,769
Energy Financial Services Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	3		4
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	3		4
Unpaid principal balance	3		4
Average investment in loans	3		20
Energy Financial Services Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	18		18
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	10		9
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	18		18
Unpaid principal balance	18		18
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	10		9
Average investment in loans	18		87
GECAS Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	11,721		11,901
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	17		69
Nonearning financing receivables	17		55
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	11,721		11,901
GECAS Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	11,226		10,881
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	11,226		10,881
GECAS Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	447		970
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	447		970
GECAS Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	48		50
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	48		50
GECAS Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	11,721		11,901
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	11,721		11,901
GECAS Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	14		28
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	14		28
Unpaid principal balance	14		28
Average investment in loans	21		59
GECAS Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	0		0
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	0		0
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	0		0
Unpaid principal balance	0		0
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	0		0
Average investment in loans	0		11
Other Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	681		1,282
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	6.40%		3.70%
Over 90 days past due	6.10%		3.50%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	87		115
Nonearning financing receivables	42		65
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	681		1,282
Other Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	681		1,282
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	681		1,282
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
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
Other Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	681		1,282
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	681		1,282
Other Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	18		62
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	18		62
Unpaid principal balance	18		63
Average investment in loans	40		67
Other Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	69		75
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	18		29
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	69		75
Unpaid principal balance	69		75
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	18		29
Average investment in loans	72		97
Americas CLL Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	79,645		80,505
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	1.10%		1.30%
Over 90 days past due	0.70%		0.80%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	2,473		2,417
Nonearning financing receivables	1,664		1,862
Impaired Loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment	3,017		2,746
Changes In Loans Modified As Troubled Debt Restructurings	592
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	79,645		80,505
Americas CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	73,845		73,103
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	73,845		73,103
Americas CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	1,967		2,816
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	1,967		2,816
Americas CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	3,833		4,586
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	3,833		4,586
Americas CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	79,645		80,505
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	79,645		80,505
Americas CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	2,566		2,136
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	2,566		2,136
Unpaid principal balance	2,636		2,219
Average investment in loans	2,352		2,128
Americas CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	1,127		1,367
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	362		425
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	1,127		1,367
Unpaid principal balance	1,162		1,415
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	362		425
Average investment in loans	1,247		1,468
Europe CLL Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	35,613		36,899
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	4.40%		3.80%
Over 90 days past due	2.40%		2.10%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	1,854		1,599
Nonearning financing receivables	1,354		1,167
Impaired Loans
Changes In Loans Modified As Troubled Debt Restructurings	104
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	35,613		36,899
Europe CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	32,060		33,481
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	32,060		33,481
Europe CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	1,182		1,080
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	1,182		1,080
Europe CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	1,228		1,002
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	1,228		1,002
Europe CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	34,470		35,563
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	34,470		35,563
Europe CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	981		936
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	981		936
Unpaid principal balance	986		1,060
Average investment in loans	958		1,001
Europe CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	858		730
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	297		263
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	858		730
Unpaid principal balance	862		717
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	297		263
Average investment in loans	794		602
Asia CLL Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	11,048		11,635
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	1.20%		1.30%
Over 90 days past due	0.60%		1.00%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	415		428
Nonearning financing receivables	245		269
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	11,048		11,635
Asia CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	10,196		10,644
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	10,196		10,644
Asia CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	108		116
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	108		116
Asia CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	572		685
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	572		685
Asia CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	10,876		11,445
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	10,876		11,445
Asia CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	63		85
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	63		85
Unpaid principal balance	61		83
Average investment in loans	74		94
Asia CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	134		156
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	52		84
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	134		156
Unpaid principal balance	133		128
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	52		84
Average investment in loans	145		214
Other CLL Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	382		436
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	0.20%		2.00%
Over 90 days past due	0.00%		0.10%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	64		68
Nonearning financing receivables	9		11
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	382		436
Other CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	295		345
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	295		345
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
Other CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	87		91
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	87		91
Other CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	382		436
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	382		436
Other CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	62		54
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	62		54
Unpaid principal balance	69		58
Average investment in loans	58		13
Other CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	0		11
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	0		2
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	0		11
Unpaid principal balance	0		11
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	0		2
Average investment in loans	5		5
CLL Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	126,688		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	4,806		4,512
Nonearning financing receivables	3,272		3,309
Impaired Loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment	3,985		3,642
Loans Modified As Troubled Debt Restructuring That Have Subsequently Experienced Payment Default	108
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	126,688		129,475
CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	116,396		117,573
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	116,396		117,573
CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	3,257		4,012
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	3,257		4,012
CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	5,720		6,364
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	5,720		6,364
CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	125,373		127,949
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	125,373		127,949
CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	3,672		3,211
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	3,672		3,211
Unpaid principal balance	3,752		3,420
Average investment in loans	3,442		3,236
CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Impaired Financing Receivable with Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	2,119		2,264
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	711		774
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	2,119		2,264
Unpaid principal balance	2,157		2,271
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	711		774
Average investment in loans	$ 2,191		$ 2,289