Property, Plant and Equipment (Narratives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment
Original cost	$ 85,875	$ 90,022
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	99	168
Depreciation and amortization	4,997	4,847	$ 4,953
Property, plant and equipment - net	50,518	54,095
GE Capital
Property, Plant and Equipment
Original cost	48,185	51,149
Amortization of Leased Asset	2,231	2,266	$ 2,386
Property, plant and equipment - net	32,225	34,781
Equipment leased to others
Property, Plant and Equipment
Original cost	1,457	1,024
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	$ (147)	$ (83)