Quarterly Information (unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Consolidated Operations [Abstract]
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Equity Method Investments, Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	$ 1,416	$ 1,916	$ 1,954	$ 2,033	$ 1,948	$ 1,768	$ 2,228	$ 1,985	$ 7,319	$ 7,929	$ 7,513
Benefit (provision) for income taxes	1,092	(3)	(13)	(84)	(126)	(80)	(102)	(213)	992	(521)	(906)
Earnings from continuing operations	2,508	1,913	1,941	1,949	1,822	1,688	2,126	1,772	8,311	7,408	6,607
Losses from discontinued operations, net of tax	(1,720)	(91)	(123)	(120)	(302)	(100)	(543)	(185)	(2,054)	(1,130)	30
Net earnings	788	1,822	1,818	1,829	1,520	1,588	1,583	1,587	6,257	6,278	6,637
Less net earnings (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	15	10	17	11	17	20	14	12	53	63	127
Consolidated net earnings attributable to the Company	773	1,812	1,801	1,818	1,503	1,568	1,569	1,575	6,204	6,215	6,510
Preferred stock dividends declared									(298)	(123)	0
Net earnings attributable to GE common shareowners									5,906	6,092	6,510
Revenues	11,077	10,606	10,916	11,468	11,605	11,207	11,285	11,267	44,067	45,364	48,324
Earnings (loss) from continuing operations									$ 8,258	$ 7,345	$ 6,480