Intercompany Transactions (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Intercompany Transactions [Line Items]
Elimination of net decrease (increase) in GE customer receivables sold to GECC from consolidated cash from operating, investing and financing activities		$ 570
Net Increase Decrease In Parent Customer Receivables Sold To Finance Subsidiary That Have Been Eliminated From Consolidated Cash From Investing Activities	347
Net Increase Decrease In Parent Customer Receivables Sold To Finance Subsidiary That Have Been Eliminated From Consolidated Cash From Financing Activities	(150)
Net Increase Decrease In Parent Customer Receivables Sold To Finance Subsidiary That Have Been Eliminated From Consolidated Cash From Operating Activities	(197)
Intercompany borrowings	258	850
Eliminations of other reclassifications and eliminations from consolidated cash from operating activities	37	(365)
Eliminations of other reclassifications and eliminations from consolidated cash from investing activities	(279)	(532)
Dividend Paid By Finance Subsidiary To Parent	5,446
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	20,078	24,223
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	12,535	22,417
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	(32,906)	(35,286)
Consolidation, Eliminations [Member]
Intercompany Transactions [Line Items]
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities	(5,606)	205
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	68	(1,102)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	$ 5,554	$ 850