Contract Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Contract Assets [Line Items]
Contract asset	$ 24,354	$ 21,156
Billings in excess of revenue	$ 2,970	$ 2,602

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of the asset reflecting revenue earned in excess of billings on our long-term contracts to construct technically complex equipment, long-term product maintenance, extended warranty arrangements and other deferred contract related cost.

No definition available.

Name:	ge_ContractAsset
Namespace Prefix:	ge_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant