Shareowners' Equity (Shares of GE Preferred Stock) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Jan. 20, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Shares of Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, value, issued	$ 6	$ 6
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding	5,944,250				5,944,250
Noncontrolling interests	$ 1,639	1,663	$ 1,667		$ 1,864
Preferred stock
Shares of Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, value, issued	5,317
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding						50,000
Series A
Shares of Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, value, issued	91
Series B
Shares of Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, value, issued	64
Series C
Shares of Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, value, issued	95
Series D
Shares of Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, value, issued				$ 5,694
Series D | Preferred stock
Shares of Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, value, issued	5,944
GE Capital
Shares of Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, value, issued	6	6
Noncontrolling interests	285	$ 285
GE Capital | Preferred stock
Shares of Preferred Stock
Preferred stock, value, issued	$ 5,250		4,949
Preferred Stock, Shares Outstanding						50,000
Synchrony Financial
Shares of Preferred Stock
Noncontrolling interests			$ 2,790