Summary of Operating Segments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	$ 34,209		$ 35,395
Corporate items and eliminations revenues	801		(315)
Consolidated revenues	35,010		35,080
Segment profit	4,863		5,057
Corporate items and eliminations	(479)		(1,061)
GE interest and other financial charges	(2,621)		(3,347)
GE provision for income taxes	(506)		(665)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	3,636		3,231
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(109)		(197)
Consolidated net earnings attributable to the Company	3,527		3,034
Subsidiaries [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Consolidated revenues	25,850	[1]	26,059	[1]
GE interest and other financial charges	(324)	[1]	(315)	[1]
GE provision for income taxes	(424)	[1]	(450)	[1]
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	3,636	[1]	3,231	[1]
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(109)	[1]	(197)	[1]
Consolidated net earnings attributable to the Company	3,527	[1]	3,034	[1]
Power And Water [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	4,825		6,551
Segment profit	719		1,188
Oil And Gas [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	3,399		3,406
Segment profit	325		340
Energy Management [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	1,748		1,722
Segment profit	15		21
Aviation [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	5,074		4,891
Segment profit	936		862
Healthcare [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	4,289		4,300
Segment profit	595		585
Transportation [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	1,422		1,270
Segment profit	267		232
Home Business Solutions [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	1,917		1,915
Segment profit	79		57
GE Capital [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	11,535		11,340
Segment profit	1,927		1,772
Industrial Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	22,674		24,055
Segment profit	$ 2,936		$ 3,285

[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.