Summary of Operating Segments (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	$ 10,777	$ 10,623
Corporate items and eliminations revenues	758	717
Consolidated revenues	11,535	11,340
Segment profit	2,042	1,938
Corporate items and eliminations	(115)	(166)
GE provision for income taxes	(82)	(215)
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations	1,927	1,772
Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes	(109)	(197)
Consolidated net earnings attributable to the Company	1,818	1,575
CLL [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	3,507	4,340
Segment profit	398	664
Consumer [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	3,891	3,877
Segment profit	523	829
Real Estate [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	1,657	836
Segment profit	690	56
Energy Financial Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	343	239
Segment profit	83	71
GECAS [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment revenues	1,379	1,331
Segment profit	$ 348	$ 318

Components excluded from the segment profit total related to corporate items and eliminations.

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Amount of income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to the parent. Also defined as revenue less expenses and taxes from ongoing operations before extraordinary items but after deduction of those portions of income or loss from continuing operations that are allocable to noncontrolling interests.

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Aggregate revenue recognized during the period (derived from goods sold, services rendered, insurance premiums, or other activities that constitute an entity's earning process). For financial services companies, also includes investment and interest income, and sales and trading gains.

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