Shareowners' Equity (Parenthetical) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012 Subsidiaries GECC [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Subsidiaries GECC [Member]	Jun. 30, 2011 Subsidiaries GECC [Member]	Jan. 31, 2011 NBC Universal [Member]
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
Percentage of Entities Outstanding Shares Purchased from Minority Owner								12.30%
NBCU share repurchase	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 3,070
Preferred Stock, Shares Issued					22,500	22,500
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share					$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Proceeds From Issuance Of Preferred Stock			2,227	0	2,227	2,227	0
Initial Fixed Interest Rate Of Preferred Stock					7.125%	7.125%
Percentage Points Over Three Month LIBOR					5.296%	5.296%
Dividend Amount Paid By Finance Subsidiary To Parent	475
Special Dividend Paid By Finance Subsidiary To Parent	$ 2,525