Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net earnings (loss)	[1]	$ 2,545	$ 3,509	$ (12,198)	$ 10,006
Less net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	[1]	39	(28)	229	(75)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to GE common shareowners for per-share calculation, Basic	[1]	2,506	3,537	(12,427)	10,081
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Investment securities		(3)	(284)	(452)	450
Currency translation adjustments		624	(1,590)	(2,896)	(1,649)
Cash flow hedges		(35)	55	6	136
Benefit plans		627	859	4,486	2,072
Other comprehensive income (loss)		1,214	(960)	1,144	1,009
Less Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		(8)	(8)	(45)	(1)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to the Company		1,221	(952)	1,189	1,010
Comprehensive income (loss)		3,759	2,549	(11,054)	11,015
Less Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests		31	(36)	184	(76)
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Company		$ 3,727	$ 2,585	$ (11,238)	$ 11,091

[1] Amounts may not add due to rounding.