Acquisitions, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Intangible Assets Subject To Amortization [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	$ 28,145		$ 27,781
Accumulated amortization	(11,729)		(11,444)
Net	16,417		16,336
Increase (Decrease) in Intangible Assets Subject to Amortizaiton	81
Amortization Expense related to Intangible Assets subject to amortization	404	$ 445
GE Capital
Intangible Assets Subject To Amortization [Line Items]
Amortization Expense related to Intangible Assets subject to amortization	20	$ 33
Run-Off Insurance Operations
Intangible Assets Subject To Amortization [Line Items]
Adjustments related to Present Value of Future Profits	234		241
Customer-related
Intangible Assets Subject To Amortization [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	9,238		9,172
Accumulated amortization	(2,533)		(2,408)
Net	6,706		6,764
Patents and technology
Intangible Assets Subject To Amortization [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	8,965		8,693
Accumulated amortization	(3,383)		(3,325)
Net	5,582		5,368
Capitalized software
Intangible Assets Subject To Amortization [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	7,654		7,652
Accumulated amortization	(4,601)		(4,538)
Net	3,053		3,114
Trademarks
Intangible Assets Subject To Amortization [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	1,175		1,165
Accumulated amortization	(333)		(307)
Net	842		858
Lease valuations
Intangible Assets Subject To Amortization [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	143		143
Accumulated amortization	(64)		(59)
Net	79		84
Present value of future profits(a)
Intangible Assets Subject To Amortization [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	693		684
Accumulated amortization	(693)		(684)
Net	0		0
All other
Intangible Assets Subject To Amortization [Line Items]
Gross carrying amount	277		273
Accumulated amortization	(123)		(124)
Net	$ 154		$ 149