Borrowings and Bank Deposits (Parenthetical) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Borrowings And Bank Deposits [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings (Note 6)	$ 223,001	$ 224,776
Secured Debt	9,401	9,757
U.S. dollar equivalent of subordinated debentures hedged at issuance	7,725
Bank deposits (Note 6)	49,427	46,461
Short-term borrowings (Note 6)	82,662	95,940
Guaranteed investment contracts [Member]
Borrowings And Bank Deposits [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings (Note 6)	591	604
Subordinated Notes Guaranteed By GE [Member]
Borrowings And Bank Deposits [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings (Note 6)	300	300
Non US Banks [Member]
Borrowings And Bank Deposits [Line Items]
Bank deposits (Note 6)	16,316	16,157
Subordinated Debenture [Member]
Borrowings And Bank Deposits [Line Items]
Long-term borrowings (Note 6)	2,868
Non Recourse [Member]
Borrowings And Bank Deposits [Line Items]
Secured Debt	3,451	3,294
Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Borrowings And Bank Deposits [Line Items]
Bank deposits (Note 6)	$ 17,293	$ 17,291