OPERATING SEGMENTS - Reconciliation of Profit and Earnings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest and other financial charges										$ (4,869)	$ (5,025)	$ (3,463)
Benefit (provision) for income taxes										3,043	464	(6,485)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to GE common shareowners										(5,907)	9,128	1,663
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes		$ 182	$ (106)	$ (146)	$ (239)	$ 0	$ (105)	$ (541)	$ (308)	(309)	(954)	(7,495)
Less net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, discontinued operations										6	(1)	312
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes										(315)	(952)	(7,807)
Net earnings (loss) attributable to GE common shareowners										(6,222)	8,176	(6,145)
GE
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest and other financial charges	[1]									(2,753)	(2,026)	(1,706)
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	[1]									(3,259)	(967)	(1,506)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations attributable to GE common shareowners	[1]									(5,907)	9,128	1,663
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	[1]									(315)	(952)	(7,807)
Less net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, discontinued operations	[1]									0	0	0
Net earnings (loss) attributable to GE common shareowners	[1]									(6,222)	8,176	(6,145)
Capital
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Interest and other financial charges										(3,145)	(3,790)	(2,301)
Benefit (provision) for income taxes										6,302	1,431	(4,979)
Operating segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment profit										7,975	16,347	9,983
Operating segments | Industrial Segment
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment profit										14,740	17,598	17,966
Operating segments | Power
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment profit										2,786	5,091	4,772
Operating segments | Renewable Energy
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment profit										727	576	431
Operating segments | Oil & Gas
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment profit										220	1,392	2,427
Operating segments | Aviation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment profit										6,642	6,115	5,507
Operating segments | Healthcare
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment profit										3,448	3,161	2,882
Operating segments | Transportation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment profit										824	1,064	1,273
Operating segments | Lighting
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment profit										93	199	674
Operating segments | Capital
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment profit										(6,765)	(1,251)	(7,983)
Corporate items and eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total segment profit										$ (7,871)	$ (4,226)	$ (5,108)

[1] Represents the adding together of all affiliated companies except GE Capital, which is presented on a one-line basis. See Note 1.