Postretirement Benefit Plans (Pension Benefits Narratives and Pension Plan Participants) (Details) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) NumberOfParticipants
GE pension plan
Postretirement Benefit Plan Participants [Abstract]
Active employees	61,000
Vested former employees	168,000
Retirees and beneficiaries	238,000
Other pension plans
Postretirement Benefit Plan Participants [Abstract]
Active employees	33,000
Vested former employees	59,000
Retirees and beneficiaries	60,000
Number of US and Non US Pension Plans	49
Minimum US and non-US other pension plans with pension assets or obligations | $	50
Principal retiree benefit plans
Postretirement Benefit Plan Participants [Abstract]
Retirees and dependents	187,000
Benefit obligation decrease due to the plan amendments | $	$ 3,300