Shareowners' Equity (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
Changes To Noncontrolling Interest
Beginning balance	$ 3,780		$ 2,323	$ 1,696	[1]	$ 5,262
Net earnings	17		41	88		209
Dividends	(21)		(17)	(35)		(32)
NBCU share repurchase	0		0	0		(3,070)
Dispositions	0		0	0		23
GECC issuance of preferred stock	1,733		0	3,960		0
AOCI and other	(45)		(35)	(245)		(34)
Ending balance	$ 5,464	[1]	$ 2,312	$ 5,464	[1]	$ 2,312

[1] (d) Included accumulated other comprehensive income - net attributable to noncontrolling interests of $(165) million and $(168) million at September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.