Shareowners' Equity (Shares of GE Common Stock) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Shares Of GE Common Stock
Payments for repurchase of common stock	$ 18,144
Stock repurchased during period	71,189,280
Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding	8,846,390,000	9,379,288,000
Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share	$ 0.06