BUSINESSES HELD FOR SALE AND DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS - Financial Information for Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2018	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Disposal
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes and noncontrolling interests	$ (1,553)	$ (239)
Assets
Assets	5,670		$ 5,912
Liabilities
Liabilities	2,104		706
GE Capital
Disposal
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes and noncontrolling interests	(1,553)	(242)
Assets
Assets	5,670		5,912
Liabilities
Liabilities	2,081		683
Discontinued Operations
Operations
Total revenues and other income (loss)	(1,472)	79
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations before income taxes	(1,574)	(196)
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	19	62
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(1,555)	(134)
Disposal
Gain (loss) on disposal before income taxes	4	(27)
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	(1)	(78)
Gain (loss) on disposal, net of taxes	3	(105)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes and noncontrolling interests	(1,553)	(239)
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations	(1,571)	(223)
Assets
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	650		757
Investment securities	590		647
Deferred income taxes	1,024		951
Financing receivables held for sale	3,180		3,215
Other assets	226		342
Assets	5,670		5,912
Liabilities
Accounts payable	53		51
Borrowings	0		1
Other liabilities	2,052		654
Liabilities	2,104		$ 706
Discontinued Operations | GE Capital
Disposal
Current tax benefit (provision) for discontinued operations and disposals	(9)	(576)
Deferred tax benefit (provision)	27	560
Discontinued Operations | GE Capital | U.S. Federal
Disposal
Current tax benefit (provision) for discontinued operations and disposals	$ 24	$ (587)