Summary of Operating Segments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011		Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	$ 36,166		$ 35,418		$ 107,829		$ 104,709
Corporate items and eliminations revenues	183		(54)		203		4,607
Consolidated revenues	36,349		35,364		108,032		109,316
Segment profit	5,244		4,726		16,171		14,621
Corporate items and eliminations	(1,019)		(703)		(3,529)		1,105
GE interest and other financial charges	(2,979)		(3,731)		(9,548)		(11,297)
GE provision for income taxes	(555)		(437)		(1,686)		(5,271)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	3,454		3,289		10,363		10,257
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	37		(65)		(733)		164
Consolidated net earnings attributable to the Company	3,491		3,224		9,630		10,421
Subsidiaries [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated revenues	27,246	[1]	25,370	[1]	80,994	[1]	78,179	[1]
GE interest and other financial charges	(294)	[1]	(356)	[1]	(960)	[1]	(1,032)	[1]
GE provision for income taxes	(477)	[1]	(378)	[1]	(1,319)	[1]	(4,437)	[1]
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	3,454	[1]	3,289	[1]	10,363	[1]	10,257	[1]
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	37	[1]	(65)	[1]	(733)	[1]	164	[1]
Consolidated net earnings attributable to the Company	3,491	[1]	3,224	[1]	9,630	[1]	10,421	[1]
Energy Infrastructure [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	12,180		10,855		35,267		30,706
Segment profit	1,695		1,503		4,974		4,436
Aviation [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	4,781		4,835		14,527		13,935
Segment profit	924		862		2,708		2,662
Healthcare [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	4,307		4,332		13,107		12,920
Segment profit	620		608		1,899		1,850
Transportation [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	1,409		1,287		4,244		3,421
Segment profit	265		196		779		531
Home Business Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	2,120		2,094		6,415		6,236
Segment profit	61		38		218		218
GE Capital [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	11,369		12,015		34,269		37,491
Segment profit	1,679		1,519		5,593		4,924
Industrial Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	24,797		23,403		73,560		67,218
Segment profit	$ 3,565		$ 3,207		$ 10,578		$ 9,697

[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.