Supplemental Information About The Credit Quality Of Financing Receivables And Allowance For Losses On Financing Receivables (Commercial) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	$ 263,683		$ 273,936
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	263,683		273,936
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	134,192		137,810
General reserves	563		554
Total impaired loans	4,847		5,069
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	430		487
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	1.70%		1.70%
Over 90 days past due	0.90%		0.90%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	3,900		4,166
Nonearning financing receivables	2,715		2,890
Allowance for losses as a percent of nonaccrual financing receivables	25.50%		25.00%
Allowance for losses as a percent of nonearning financing receivables	36.60%		36.00%
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	4,847		5,069
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	430		487
Average investment in loans	4,958		5,688
Interest income recognized	53	57	253
Interest income recognized on a cash basis	16	23	92
Loans Modified As Troubled Debt Restructuring That Have Subsequently Experienced Payment Default		108
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	134,192		137,810
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Performing Financing Receivable [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Non-impaired financing receivables	129,345		132,741
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	126,093		128,899
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	126,093		128,899
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	2,913		3,303
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	2,913		3,303
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	3,690		4,115
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	3,690		4,115
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	132,696		136,317
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	132,696		136,317
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Unsecured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	490		458
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	490		458
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Unsecured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	620		583
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	620		583
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Unsecured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	386		452
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	386		452
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	3,588		3,697
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	3,588		3,697
Unpaid principal balance	4,864		4,920
Average investment in loans	3,642		3,694
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	1,259		1,372
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	430		487
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	1,259		1,372
Unpaid principal balance	1,768		1,858
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	430		487
Average investment in loans	1,316		1,994
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Nonaccrual Financing Receivables [Member]
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Amount of nonaccrual loans currently paying in accordance with contractual terms	2,310		2,647
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Energy Financial Services Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	4,734		4,851
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	0.00%		0.00%
Over 90 days past due	0.00%		0.00%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	0		0
Nonearning financing receivables	0		0
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	4,734		4,851
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Energy Financial Services Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	4,603		4,725
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	4,603		4,725
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Energy Financial Services Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	0		0
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	0		0
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Energy Financial Services Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	0		0
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	0		0
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Energy Financial Services Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	4,603		4,725
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	4,603		4,725
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Energy Financial Services Financing Receivables [Member] | No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	0		0
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	0		0
Unpaid principal balance	0		0
Average investment in loans	0		2
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Energy Financial Services Financing Receivables [Member] | Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	0		0
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	0		0
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	0		0
Unpaid principal balance	0		0
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	0		0
Average investment in loans	0		7
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | GECAS Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	10,557		10,915
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	0.00%		0.00%
Over 90 days past due	0.00%		0.00%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	0		3
Nonearning financing receivables	0		0
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	10,557		10,915
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | GECAS Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	10,344		10,681
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	10,344		10,681
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | GECAS Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	66		223
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	66		223
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | GECAS Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	147		11
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	147		11
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | GECAS Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	10,557		10,915
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	10,557		10,915
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | GECAS Financing Receivables [Member] | No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	0		0
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	0		0
Unpaid principal balance	0		0
Average investment in loans	0		17
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | GECAS Financing Receivables [Member] | Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	0		3
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	0		0
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	0		3
Unpaid principal balance	0		3
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	0		0
Average investment in loans	2		5
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	456		486
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	1.60%		2.80%
Over 90 days past due	1.30%		2.80%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	14		25
Nonearning financing receivables	13		13
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	456		486
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	456		486
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	456		486
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	0		0
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	0		0
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	0		0
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	0		0
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	456		486
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	456		486
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other Financing Receivables [Member] | No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	9		17
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	9		17
Unpaid principal balance	20		28
Average investment in loans	13		26
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other Financing Receivables [Member] | Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	7		8
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	1		2
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	7		8
Unpaid principal balance	9		8
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	1		2
Average investment in loans	7		40
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Americas CLL Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	72,318		72,517
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	1.10%		1.10%
Over 90 days past due	0.60%		0.50%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	1,896		1,951
Nonearning financing receivables	1,401		1,333
Impaired Loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment	2,564		2,577
Changes In Loans Modified As Troubled Debt Restructurings	236
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	72,318		72,517
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Americas CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	68,586		68,360
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	68,586		68,360
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Americas CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	1,616		1,775
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	1,616		1,775
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Americas CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	2,116		2,382
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	2,116		2,382
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Americas CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	72,318		72,517
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	72,318		72,517
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Americas CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	2,363		2,487
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	2,363		2,487
Unpaid principal balance	2,798		2,927
Average investment in loans	2,425		2,535
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Americas CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	610		557
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	173		178
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	610		557
Unpaid principal balance	751		681
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	173		178
Average investment in loans	584		987
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Europe CLL Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	35,435		37,035
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	3.90%		3.70%
Over 90 days past due	2.20%		2.10%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	1,573		1,740
Nonearning financing receivables	1,122		1,299
Impaired Loans
Changes In Loans Modified As Troubled Debt Restructurings	99
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	35,435		37,035
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Europe CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	32,230		33,754
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	32,230		33,754
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Europe CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	1,144		1,188
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	1,144		1,188
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Europe CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	1,209		1,256
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	1,209		1,256
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Europe CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	34,583		36,198
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	34,583		36,198
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Europe CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	1,058		1,131
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	1,058		1,131
Unpaid principal balance	1,879		1,901
Average investment in loans	1,094		1,009
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Europe CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	551		643
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	236		278
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	551		643
Unpaid principal balance	911		978
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	236		278
Average investment in loans	597		805
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Asia CLL Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	10,158		11,401
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	0.80%		0.90%
Over 90 days past due	0.40%		0.60%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	408		395
Nonearning financing receivables	170		193
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	10,158		11,401
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Asia CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	9,737		10,732
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	9,737		10,732
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Asia CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	54		117
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	54		117
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Asia CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	209		372
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	209		372
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Asia CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	10,000		11,221
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	10,000		11,221
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Asia CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	158		62
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	158		62
Unpaid principal balance	167		64
Average investment in loans	110		62
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Asia CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	82		109
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	17		23
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	82		109
Unpaid principal balance	84		120
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	17		23
Average investment in loans	95		134
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other CLL Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	534		605
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	0.00%		0.10%
Over 90 days past due	0.00%		0.00%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	9		52
Nonearning financing receivables	9		52
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	534		605
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	137		161
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	137		161
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	33		0
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	33		0
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	9		94
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	9		94
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	179		255
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	179		255
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	0		0
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	0		0
Unpaid principal balance	0		0
Average investment in loans	0		43
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | Other CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	9		52
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	3		6
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	9		52
Unpaid principal balance	13		68
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	3		6
Average investment in loans	31		16
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | CLL Financing Receivables [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	118,445		121,558
Past Due Financing Receivables
Over 30 days past due	1.90%		1.90%
Over 90 days past due	1.00%		1.00%
Nonaccrual Financing Receivables
Nonaccrual loans	3,886		4,138
Nonearning financing receivables	2,702		2,877
Impaired Loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment	3,717		3,872
Changes In Loans Modified As Troubled Debt Restructurings	412
Loans Modified As Troubled Debt Restructuring That Have Subsequently Experienced Payment Default	43
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	118,445		121,558
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Low Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	110,690		113,007
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	110,690		113,007
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator Moderate Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	2,847		3,080
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	2,847		3,080
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator High Risk [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	3,543		4,104
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	3,543		4,104
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Secured Credit Quality Indicator [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	117,080		120,191
Credit Quality Indicators
Loans and leases receivable, Gross	117,080		120,191
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | No Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	3,579		3,680
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	3,579		3,680
Unpaid principal balance	4,844		4,892
Average investment in loans	3,629		3,649
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Related Allowance [Member]
Financing Receivables and Allowance for Losses
Total impaired loans	1,252		1,361
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	429		485
Impaired Loans
Total impaired loans	1,252		1,361
Unpaid principal balance	1,759		1,847
Allowance for losses (specific reserves)	429		485
Average investment in loans	1,307		1,942
Commercial Portfolio Segment [Member] | CLL Financing Receivables [Member] | Modifications Classified As TDRs In Last Twelve Months [Member]
Impaired Loans
Financing Receivable, Modifications, Recorded Investment	$ 2,555	$ 2,384