Shareowners' Equity (Parenthetical) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012 Subsidiaries GECC [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Subsidiaries GECC [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Subsidiaries GECC [Member]	Sep. 30, 2011 Subsidiaries GECC [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Subsidiaries GECC [Member] First Preferred Shares Issuance [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Subsidiaries GECC [Member] Second Preferred Shares Issuance [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	17,500
Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share									$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Proceeds From Issuance Of Preferred Stock			3,960	0	1,733	2,227	3,960	0
Initial Fixed Interest Rate Of Preferred Stock					6.25%	7.125%	6.25%
Percentage Points Over Three Month LIBOR					4.704%	5.296%	4.704%
Dividend Amount Paid By Finance Subsidiary To Parent	471		946
Special Dividend Paid By Finance Subsidiary To Parent	$ 1,975		$ 4,500