GECC Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses on Financing Receivables (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Financing receivables, net	$ 262,564	$ 279,918
Subsidiaries GECC [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Loans net of deferred income	242,729	256,895
Investment In Financing Leases, Net Of Deferred Income	34,274	38,142
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	277,003	295,037
Less allowance for losses	(5,380)	(6,190)	(6,512)	(7,919)
Financing receivables, net	271,623	288,847
Deferred income	2,221	2,329
Loans that have been acquired in a transfer but have been subject to credit deterioration since origination per ASC 310, Receivables	$ 845	$ 1,062