Property, Plant and Equipment (Narratives) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment
Original cost	$ 113,321us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross	$ 116,397us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross
Depreciation and amortization	9,283us-gaap_Depreciation	9,762us-gaap_Depreciation	9,192us-gaap_Depreciation
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	66,387us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet	68,827us-gaap_PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet
Subsidiaries GECC [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Original cost	77,232	78,567
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	445	732
Amortization of Leased Asset	6,245	6,696	6,097
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	49,570	51,607
Equipment Leased to Other Party [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Original cost	1,845	1,353
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	560	342
Equipment Leased to Other Party [Member] \| Subsidiaries GECC [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment
Original cost	2,233	2,504
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	$ 952	$ 1,025

Amount of accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization for physical assets used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

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-Section 02

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- Definition

The expense charged against earnings for the periodic recognition of capitalized leases. This element may apply to energy companies that lease mineral producing properties and to other enterprises that capitalize property, plant, or equipment obtained through capital leases.

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The amount of expense recognized in the current period that reflects the allocation of the cost of tangible assets over the assets' useful lives. Includes production and non-production related depreciation.

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- Definition

The aggregate amount of write-downs for impairments recognized during the period for long lived assets held for use (including those held for disposal by means other than sale).

+ References

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- Definition

Amount before accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization of physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, and furniture and fixtures.

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Amount after accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization of physical assets used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include, but are not limited to, land, buildings, machinery and equipment, office equipment, and furniture and fixtures.

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