$GE
GENERAL ELECTRIC CO Stock $ge

$ge Overview Financials Valuation SEC Filings Company Website

2012 Q4 Form 10-K Financial Statement

#000004054513000036 Filed on February 26, 2013

Income Statement

Concept	2012 Q4	2012 Q3	2012 Q2
Revenue	$11.77B	$36.25B	$36.40B
YoY Change	1.67%	201.74%	192.58%
Cost Of Revenue	$21.37B	$4.090B	$4.402B
YoY Change	22.9%	14.12%	-1.41%
Gross Profit	$8.240B	$6.025B	$5.800B
YoY Change	-9.4%	-5.51%	5.69%
Gross Profit Margin	70.01%	16.62%	15.94%
Selling, General & Admin
YoY Change
% of Gross Profit
Research & Development
YoY Change
% of Gross Profit
Depreciation & Amortization	$2.493B	$2.193B	$2.230B
YoY Change	22.09%	-6.68%	-3.13%
% of Gross Profit	30.25%	36.4%	38.45%
Operating Expenses	$12.10B	$10.75B	$9.809B
YoY Change	-5.74%	-3.22%	-0.92%
Operating Profit	-$3.858B	$5.239B	$5.872B
YoY Change	3.16%	10.85%	14.67%
Interest Expense	-$252.0M	-$174.0M	-$223.0M
YoY Change	-92.2%	-95.34%	-94.08%
% of Operating Profit		-3.32%	-3.8%
Other Income/Expense, Net	$826.0M	$787.0M	$393.0M
YoY Change		41.55%	-37.02%
Pretax Income	$5.236B	$4.024B	$4.187B
YoY Change	15.84%	6.82%	-7.69%
Income Tax	$816.0M	$557.0M	$496.0M
% Of Pretax Income	15.58%	13.84%	11.85%
Net Earnings	$4.011B	$3.491B	$3.105B
YoY Change	7.53%	8.28%	-17.51%
Net Earnings / Revenue	34.08%	9.63%	8.53%
Basic Earnings Per Share	$0.38	$0.33	$0.29
Diluted Earnings Per Share	$0.38	$0.33	$0.29
COMMON SHARES
Basic Shares Outstanding		10.52B shares
Diluted Shares Outstanding

Balance Sheet

Concept	2012 Q4	2012 Q3	2012 Q2
SHORT-TERM ASSETS
Cash & Short-Term Investments	$77.27B	$85.46B	$74.30B
YoY Change	-8.56%	-6.47%	-18.4%
Cash & Equivalents	$77.27B	$85.46B	$74.30B
Short-Term Investments
Other Short-Term Assets	$101.6B
YoY Change
Inventory	$15.37B	$16.02B	$15.44B
Prepaid Expenses
Receivables	$19.90B	$19.35B	$19.30B
Other Receivables	$0.00	$270.2B	$272.5B
Total Short-Term Assets	$214.2B	$391.0B	$381.6B
YoY Change	-47.28%	-6.76%	-10.38%
LONG-TERM ASSETS
Property, Plant & Equipment	$68.63B	$67.39B	$66.66B
YoY Change	4.4%	1.96%	-3.18%
Goodwill	$58.76B	$73.16B	$72.40B
YoY Change	-18.72%	-0.18%	2.64%
Intangibles	$11.98B	$11.71B	$11.74B
YoY Change	-0.73%	-5.82%	-0.51%
Long-Term Investments	$48.51B	$48.72B	$47.93B
YoY Change	2.4%	4.87%	5.71%
Other Assets	$3.472B	$106.9B	$113.8B
YoY Change	-96.96%	-10.96%	-2.6%
Total Long-Term Assets	$470.8B	$307.8B	$312.5B
YoY Change	51.02%	-3.28%	-0.26%
TOTAL ASSETS
Total Short-Term Assets	$214.2B	$391.0B	$381.6B
Total Long-Term Assets	$470.8B	$307.8B	$312.5B
Total Assets	$685.0B	$698.9B	$694.1B
YoY Change	-4.6%	-5.26%	-6.09%
SHORT-TERM LIABILITIES
YoY Change
Accounts Payable	$15.65B	$15.85B	$16.72B
YoY Change	-4.55%	-1.85%	6.05%
Accrued Expenses	$14.90B	$15.25B	$14.97B
YoY Change	0.67%	-23.74%	-10.5%
Deferred Revenue
YoY Change
Short-Term Debt	$101.4B	$120.4B	$126.3B
YoY Change	-26.32%	-5.41%	2.29%
Long-Term Debt Due	$101.4B	$120.4B	$126.3B
YoY Change	-26.32%	-5.41%	2.29%
Total Short-Term Liabilities	$241.2B	$258.3B	$265.1B
YoY Change	-14.57%	-3.1%	2.62%
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
Long-Term Debt	$312.4B	$311.0B	$302.5B
YoY Change	-1.08%	-8.2%	-13.21%
Other Long-Term Liabilities	$2.890B	$2.053B	$2.223B
YoY Change	46.4%	-42.49%	-15.95%
Total Long-Term Liabilities	$315.3B	$313.1B	$304.7B
YoY Change	-0.79%	-8.55%	-13.23%
TOTAL LIABILITIES
Total Short-Term Liabilities	$241.2B	$258.3B	$265.1B
Total Long-Term Liabilities	$315.3B	$313.1B	$304.7B
Total Liabilities	$556.5B	$570.9B	$570.2B
YoY Change	-7.25%	-6.56%	-6.33%
SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
Retained Earnings	$144.1B	$142.0B	$140.3B
YoY Change	4.55%	4.54%	3.87%
Common Stock	$702.0M	$702.0M	$702.0M
YoY Change	0.0%	0.0%	0.0%
Preferred Stock
YoY Change
Treasury Stock (at cost)	$34.57B	$32.97B	$31.68B
YoY Change	-208.82%	2.2%	-0.59%
Treasury Stock Shares	-1.288B shares
Shareholders Equity	$123.0B	$122.6B	$120.1B
YoY Change
Total Liabilities & Shareholders Equity	$685.0B	$698.9B	$694.1B
YoY Change	-4.62%	-5.26%	-6.09%

Cashflow Statement

Concept	2012 Q4	2012 Q3	2012 Q2
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net Income	$4.011B	$3.491B	$3.105B
YoY Change	7.53%	8.28%	-17.51%
Depreciation, Depletion And Amortization	$2.493B	$2.193B	$2.230B
YoY Change	22.09%	-6.68%	-3.13%
Cash From Operating Activities	$11.25B	$5.861B	$7.751B
YoY Change	23.17%	-35.47%	4.12%
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital Expenditures	-$4.619B	-$3.202B	-$4.012B
YoY Change	28.81%	27.42%	19.09%
Acquisitions
YoY Change
Other Investing Activities	$3.386B	$11.10B	$3.331B
YoY Change	222.17%	167.06%	-51.43%
Cash From Investing Activities	-$1.233B	$7.897B	-$681.0M
YoY Change	-51.36%	380.65%	-119.52%
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Cash Dividend Paid
YoY Change
Common Stock Issuance & Retirement, Net
YoY Change
Debt Paid & Issued, Net
YoY Change
Cash From Financing Activities	-18.17B	-4.175B	-15.13B
YoY Change	56.93%	-53.71%	309.53%
NET CHANGE
Cash From Operating Activities	11.25B	5.861B	7.751B
Cash From Investing Activities	-1.233B	7.897B	-681.0M
Cash From Financing Activities	-18.17B	-4.175B	-15.13B
Net Change In Cash	-8.148B	9.583B	-8.062B
YoY Change	63.75%	461.72%	-211.38%
FREE CASH FLOW
Cash From Operating Activities	$11.25B	$5.861B	$7.751B
Capital Expenditures	-$4.619B	-$3.202B	-$4.012B
Free Cash Flow	$15.87B	$9.063B	$11.76B
YoY Change	24.76%	-21.84%	8.79%

Facts In Submission

Frame	Concept Type	Concept / XBRL Key	Value	Unit
CY2010	us-gaap	Amortization Of Intangible Assets AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets	1757000000	USD
CY2010Q4	ge	Net Increase Decrease In Parent Customer Receivables Sold To Finance Subsidiary That Have Been Eliminated From Consolidated Cash From Investing Activities NetIncreaseDecreaseInParentCustomerReceivablesSoldToFinanceSubsidiaryThatHaveBeenEliminatedFromConsolidatedCashFromInvestingActivities	-147000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Net Increase Decrease In Parent Customer Receivables Sold To Finance Subsidiary That Have Been Eliminated From Consolidated Cash From Investing Activities NetIncreaseDecreaseInParentCustomerReceivablesSoldToFinanceSubsidiaryThatHaveBeenEliminatedFromConsolidatedCashFromInvestingActivities	601000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Net Increase Decrease In Parent Customer Receivables Sold To Finance Subsidiary That Have Been Eliminated From Consolidated Cash From Investing Activities NetIncreaseDecreaseInParentCustomerReceivablesSoldToFinanceSubsidiaryThatHaveBeenEliminatedFromConsolidatedCashFromInvestingActivities	2005000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Net Increase Decrease In Parent Customer Receivables Sold To Finance Subsidiary That Have Been Eliminated From Consolidated Cash From Financing Activities NetIncreaseDecreaseInParentCustomerReceivablesSoldToFinanceSubsidiaryThatHaveBeenEliminatedFromConsolidatedCashFromFinancingActivities	196000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Eliminations Of Intercompany Borrowings EliminationsOfIntercompanyBorrowings	473000000	USD
CY2011	ge	Eliminations Of Intercompany Borrowings EliminationsOfIntercompanyBorrowings	903000000	USD
CY2010	ge	Eliminations Of Intercompany Borrowings EliminationsOfIntercompanyBorrowings	293000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Eliminations Of Other Reclassifications And Eliminations From Consolidated Cash From Operating Activities EliminationsOfOtherReclassificationsAndEliminationsFromConsolidatedCashFromOperatingActivities	-307000000	USD
CY2011	ge	Eliminations Of Other Reclassifications And Eliminations From Consolidated Cash From Operating Activities EliminationsOfOtherReclassificationsAndEliminationsFromConsolidatedCashFromOperatingActivities	43000000	USD
CY2010	ge	Eliminations Of Other Reclassifications And Eliminations From Consolidated Cash From Operating Activities EliminationsOfOtherReclassificationsAndEliminationsFromConsolidatedCashFromOperatingActivities	-271000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Eliminations Of Other Reclassifications And Eliminations From Consolidated Cash From Investing Activities EliminationsOfOtherReclassificationsAndEliminationsFromConsolidatedCashFromInvestingActivities	323000000	USD
CY2011	ge	Eliminations Of Other Reclassifications And Eliminations From Consolidated Cash From Investing Activities EliminationsOfOtherReclassificationsAndEliminationsFromConsolidatedCashFromInvestingActivities	-974000000	USD
CY2010	ge	Eliminations Of Other Reclassifications And Eliminations From Consolidated Cash From Investing Activities EliminationsOfOtherReclassificationsAndEliminationsFromConsolidatedCashFromInvestingActivities	173000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Increase Decrease In Customer Receivables Sold To Affiliate IncreaseDecreaseInCustomerReceivablesSoldToAffiliate	-1809000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Otti Previously Recognized Through Oci On Securities Held Gross Unrealized Losses OttiPreviouslyRecognizedThroughOciOnSecuritiesHeldGrossUnrealizedLosses	157000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Availableforsale Securities OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsAvailableforsaleSecurities	193000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Availableforsale Securities OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsAvailableforsaleSecurities	467000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Availableforsale Securities OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsAvailableforsaleSecurities	460000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net Availableforsale Securities OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionRecognizedInEarningsNetAvailableforsaleSecurities	141000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net Availableforsale Securities OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionRecognizedInEarningsNetAvailableforsaleSecurities	387000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net Availableforsale Securities OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionRecognizedInEarningsNetAvailableforsaleSecurities	253000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Other Than Temporary Impairment Related To Equity Securities OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentRelatedToEquitySecurities	39000000	USD
CY2011	ge	Other Than Temporary Impairment Related To Equity Securities OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentRelatedToEquitySecurities	81000000	USD
CY2010	ge	Other Than Temporary Impairment Related To Equity Securities OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentRelatedToEquitySecurities	35000000	USD
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CY2012	ge	Cumulative Impairments Recognized In Earnings CumulativeImpairmentsRecognizedInEarnings	726000000	USD
CY2011	ge	Cumulative Impairments Recognized In Earnings CumulativeImpairmentsRecognizedInEarnings	500000000	USD
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CY2012	ge	Other Than Temporary First Time Impairments Of Investment Securities Recognized In Earnings OtherThanTemporaryFirstTimeImpairmentsOfInvestmentSecuritiesRecognizedInEarnings	27000000	USD
CY2011	ge	Other Than Temporary First Time Impairments Of Investment Securities Recognized In Earnings OtherThanTemporaryFirstTimeImpairmentsOfInvestmentSecuritiesRecognizedInEarnings	58000000	USD
CY2010	ge	Other Than Temporary First Time Impairments Of Investment Securities Recognized In Earnings OtherThanTemporaryFirstTimeImpairmentsOfInvestmentSecuritiesRecognizedInEarnings	164000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Incremental Charges On Previously Impaired Investment Securities IncrementalChargesOnPreviouslyImpairedInvestmentSecurities	40000000	USD
CY2011	ge	Incremental Charges On Previously Impaired Investment Securities IncrementalChargesOnPreviouslyImpairedInvestmentSecurities	230000000	USD
CY2010	ge	Incremental Charges On Previously Impaired Investment Securities IncrementalChargesOnPreviouslyImpairedInvestmentSecurities	38000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Other Than Temporary Impairment Related To Securities Subsequently Sold OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentRelatedToSecuritiesSubsequentlySold	219000000	USD
CY2011	ge	Other Than Temporary Impairment Related To Securities Subsequently Sold OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentRelatedToSecuritiesSubsequentlySold	62000000	USD
CY2010	ge	Other Than Temporary Impairment Related To Securities Subsequently Sold OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentRelatedToSecuritiesSubsequentlySold	41000000	USD
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CY2011	us-gaap	Proceeds From Sale Of Available For Sale Securities ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities	15606000000	USD
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CY2012	us-gaap	Trading Securities Realized Gain Loss TradingSecuritiesRealizedGainLoss	20000000	USD
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CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Accounts Receivable Related Parties Current AccountsReceivableRelatedPartiesCurrent	70000000	USD
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CY2011Q4	ge	Account Receivables Current From Sale Of Goods And Services To Us Government Agencies AccountReceivablesCurrentFromSaleOfGoodsAndServicesToUsGovernmentAgencies	112000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Percentage Of Sales Of Goods And Services To Us Government PercentageOfSalesOfGoodsAndServicesToUsGovernment	0.04	pure
CY2011Q4	ge	Percentage Of Sales Of Goods And Services To Us Government PercentageOfSalesOfGoodsAndServicesToUsGovernment	0.04	pure
CY2010Q4	ge	Percentage Of Sales Of Goods And Services To Us Government PercentageOfSalesOfGoodsAndServicesToUsGovernment	0.05	pure
CY2012Q4	ge	Accounts Receivable Current From Sale Of Goods And Services To Customers AccountsReceivableCurrentFromSaleOfGoodsAndServicesToCustomers	7881000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Accounts Receivable Current From Sale Of Goods And Services To Customers AccountsReceivableCurrentFromSaleOfGoodsAndServicesToCustomers	8994000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Accumulated Depreciation Depletion And Amortization Property Plant And Equipment AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment	445000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Accumulated Depreciation Depletion And Amortization Property Plant And Equipment AccumulatedDepreciationDepletionAndAmortizationPropertyPlantAndEquipment	452000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Impairment Of Long Lived Assets Held For Use ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse	242000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Impairment Of Long Lived Assets Held For Use ImpairmentOfLongLivedAssetsHeldForUse	301000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Depreciation Depreciation	9346000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Depreciation Depreciation	9185000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Increase Decrease In Intangible Assets Current IncreaseDecreaseInIntangibleAssetsCurrent	-1302000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Next Twelve Months FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseNextTwelveMonths	1528000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Year Two FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo	1333000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Year Four FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour	1075000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Year Five FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive	928000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Adjustment To Present Value Of Future Profits In Run Off Insurance Operation AdjustmentToPresentValueOfFutureProfitsInRunOffInsuranceOperation	353000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Adjustment To Present Value Of Future Profits In Run Off Insurance Operation AdjustmentToPresentValueOfFutureProfitsInRunOffInsuranceOperation	391000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Amortization Of Intangible Assets AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets	1615000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Amortization Of Intangible Assets AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets	1748000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Unrealized Loss On Cost Method Investments In Continuous Loss Position Insignificant Amount UnrealizedLossOnCostMethodInvestmentsInContinuousLossPositionInsignificantAmount	an insignificant amount insignificant amount
CY2012	ge	Committed Credit Lines CommittedCreditLines	48200000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Three Hundred Sixty Four Day Revolving Credit Agreement ThreeHundredSixtyFourDayRevolvingCreditAgreement	17900000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Reinsurance Recoverables Included In Other Receivables ReinsuranceRecoverablesIncludedInOtherReceivables	1542000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Reinsurance Recoverables Included In Other Receivables ReinsuranceRecoverablesIncludedInOtherReceivables	1411000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Domestic IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesDomestic	8430000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Domestic IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesDomestic	10116000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Domestic IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesDomestic	5458000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Foreign IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesForeign	8976000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Foreign IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesForeign	10141000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Foreign IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesForeign	8729000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Current Federal Tax Expense Benefit CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit	651000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Current Federal Tax Expense Benefit CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit	1037000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Current Federal Tax Expense Benefit CurrentFederalTaxExpenseBenefit	-3022000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Current Foreign Tax Expense Benefit CurrentForeignTaxExpenseBenefit	2895000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Current Foreign Tax Expense Benefit CurrentForeignTaxExpenseBenefit	4657000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Current Foreign Tax Expense Benefit CurrentForeignTaxExpenseBenefit	3132000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense Benefit DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit	-414000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense Benefit DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit	1529000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense Benefit DeferredFederalIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit	1994000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense Benefit DeferredForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit	792000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense Benefit DeferredForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit	2076000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense Benefit DeferredForeignIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit	1178000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Income Tax Examination Interest Expense IncomeTaxExaminationInterestExpense	-45000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Income Tax Examination Interest Expense IncomeTaxExaminationInterestExpense	-197000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Income Tax Examination Interest Expense IncomeTaxExaminationInterestExpense	-75000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Number Of Income Tax Returns File Annually NumberOfIncomeTaxReturnsFileAnnually	5900	pure
CY2012	ge	Number Of Global Taxing Jurisdictions NumberOfGlobalTaxingJurisdictions	250	pure
CY2012	us-gaap	Income Tax Examination Penalties Expense IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesExpense	33000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Income Tax Examination Penalties Expense IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesExpense	10000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Income Tax Examination Penalties Expense IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesExpense	5000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Undistributed Earnings Of Foreign Subsidiaries UndistributedEarningsOfForeignSubsidiaries	108000000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Undistributed Earnings Of Foreign Subsidiaries UndistributedEarningsOfForeignSubsidiaries	102000000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Deferred Tax Assets Operating Loss Carryforward Foreign After Allocation Of Valuation Allowances DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardForeignAfterAllocationOfValuationAllowances	4057000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Employee Service Share Based Compensation Tax Benefit From Compensation Expense EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense	153000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Employee Service Share Based Compensation Tax Benefit From Compensation Expense EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense	143000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Inventory Financing Arrangements Excluded InventoryFinancingArrangementsExcluded	12813000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Employee Service Share Based Compensation Tax Benefit From Compensation Expense EmployeeServiceShareBasedCompensationTaxBenefitFromCompensationExpense	163000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Research And Development Expense ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense	4520000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Research And Development Expense ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense	4601000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Research And Development Expense ResearchAndDevelopmentExpense	3939000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Research And Development Arrangement With Federal Government Customer Funding To Offset Costs Incurred ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementWithFederalGovernmentCustomerFundingToOffsetCostsIncurred	680000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Research And Development Arrangement With Federal Government Customer Funding To Offset Costs Incurred ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementWithFederalGovernmentCustomerFundingToOffsetCostsIncurred	788000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Research And Development Arrangement With Federal Government Customer Funding To Offset Costs Incurred ResearchAndDevelopmentArrangementWithFederalGovernmentCustomerFundingToOffsetCostsIncurred	979000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Payment To Collaborative Arrangement Participants Recorded As Costs Of Services Sold PaymentToCollaborativeArrangementParticipantsRecordedAsCostsOfServicesSold	593000000	USD
CY2011	ge	Payment To Collaborative Arrangement Participants Recorded As Costs Of Services Sold PaymentToCollaborativeArrangementParticipantsRecordedAsCostsOfServicesSold	612000000	USD
CY2010	ge	Payment To Collaborative Arrangement Participants Recorded As Costs Of Services Sold PaymentToCollaborativeArrangementParticipantsRecordedAsCostsOfServicesSold	563000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Payment To Collaborative Arrangement Participants Recorded As Costs Of Goods Sold PaymentToCollaborativeArrangementParticipantsRecordedAsCostsOfGoodsSold	2506000000	USD
CY2011	ge	Payment To Collaborative Arrangement Participants Recorded As Costs Of Goods Sold PaymentToCollaborativeArrangementParticipantsRecordedAsCostsOfGoodsSold	1996000000	USD
CY2010	ge	Payment To Collaborative Arrangement Participants Recorded As Costs Of Goods Sold PaymentToCollaborativeArrangementParticipantsRecordedAsCostsOfGoodsSold	1751000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount	321000000	shares
CY2010	us-gaap	Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount	325000000	shares
CY2012	us-gaap	Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount	292000000	shares
CY2012	ge	Cash Accruals Not Included In Schedule Assets Measured For Fair Value On Recurring Basis CashAccrualsNotIncludedInScheduleAssetsMeasuredForFairValueOnRecurringBasis	2000000	USD
CY2011	ge	Cash Accruals Not Included In Schedule Assets Measured For Fair Value On Recurring Basis CashAccrualsNotIncludedInScheduleAssetsMeasuredForFairValueOnRecurringBasis	3000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Effect Of Including Interest Rate And Currency Derivatives On Borrowings And Bank Deposits EffectOfIncludingInterestRateAndCurrencyDerivativesOnBorrowingsAndBankDeposits	7937000000	USD
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CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Reinsurance Recoverables ReinsuranceRecoverables	2000000000	USD
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CY2011Q4	ge	Excluded Investment Commitments ExcludedInvestmentCommitments	2064000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Inventory Financing Arrangements Excluded InventoryFinancingArrangementsExcluded	12354000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Commitments Associated With Secured Financing Arrangements CommitmentsAssociatedWithSecuredFinancingArrangements	12923000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Commitments Associated With Secured Financing Arrangements CommitmentsAssociatedWithSecuredFinancingArrangements	14057000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Maximum Commitments Associated With Secured Financing Arrangements MaximumCommitmentsAssociatedWithSecuredFinancingArrangements	15731000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Maximum Commitments Associated With Secured Financing Arrangements MaximumCommitmentsAssociatedWithSecuredFinancingArrangements	17344000000	USD
CY2012Q4	invest	Derivative Notional Amount DerivativeNotionalAmount	325000000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Cumulative Gain Loss Adjustment For Non Performance Risk CumulativeGainLossAdjustmentForNonPerformanceRisk	15000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Cumulative Gain Loss Adjustment For Non Performance Risk CumulativeGainLossAdjustmentForNonPerformanceRisk	13000000	USD
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CY2012Q4	ge	Nonrecourse Borrowings Of Consolidated Securitization Entities Where Vie Creditors Do Not Have Recourse To Company NonrecourseBorrowingsOfConsolidatedSecuritizationEntitiesWhereVieCreditorsDoNotHaveRecourseToCompany	29123000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Financial Assistance On Future Customer Acquisitions FinancialAssistanceOnFutureCustomerAcquisitions	2116000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Credit Support For Certain Customers CreditSupportForCertainCustomers	3292000000	USD
CY2012	dei	Document Type DocumentType	10-K
CY2012	dei	Document Period End Date DocumentPeriodEndDate	2012-12-31
CY2012	dei	Amendment Flag AmendmentFlag	false
CY2012	dei	Document Fiscal Period Focus DocumentFiscalPeriodFocus	FY
CY2012	dei	Document Fiscal Year Focus DocumentFiscalYearFocus	2012
CY2012	dei	Entity Registrant Name EntityRegistrantName	General Electric Company
CY2012	dei	Entity Central Index Key EntityCentralIndexKey	0000040545
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CY2012	dei	Entity Filer Category EntityFilerCategory	Large Accelerated Filer
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CY2012	dei	Entity Current Reporting Status EntityCurrentReportingStatus	Yes
CY2012	dei	Entity Voluntary Filers EntityVoluntaryFilers	No
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CY2011	ge	Corporate Items And Eliminations Expense CorporateItemsAndEliminationsExpense	287000000	USD
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CY2009	ge	Corporate Items And Eliminations Expense CorporateItemsAndEliminationsExpense	507000000	USD
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CY2011	us-gaap	Income Loss From Continuing Operations IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations	14227000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Income Loss From Continuing Operations IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations	12613000000	USD
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CY2012	us-gaap	Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Attributable To Reporting Entity IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity	-1038000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Attributable To Reporting Entity IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity	-76000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Attributable To Reporting Entity IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity	-969000000	USD
CY2009	us-gaap	Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Attributable To Reporting Entity IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxAttributableToReportingEntity	144000000	USD
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CY2012	us-gaap	Income Tax Expense Benefit IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit	2504000000	USD
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CY2012	us-gaap	Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax	-1038000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Profit Loss ProfitLoss	13864000000	USD
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CY2011	us-gaap	Financial Services Revenue FinancialServicesRevenue	47701000000	USD
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CY2011	us-gaap	Preferred Stock Dividends Income Statement Impact PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact	1031000000	USD
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CY2011	us-gaap	Earnings Per Share Diluted EarningsPerShareDiluted	1.23
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CY2011	us-gaap	Income Tax Expense Benefit IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit	5738000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Profit Loss ProfitLoss	14443000000	USD
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CY2011	us-gaap	Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax	-76000000	USD
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CY2012	us-gaap	Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax	17385000000	USD
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CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Stockholders Equity Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest	128470000000	USD
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CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Liabilities Of Assets Held For Sale LiabilitiesOfAssetsHeldForSale	345000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Short Term Borrowings ShortTermBorrowings	137611000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Cumulative Changes In Net Gain Loss From Cash Flow Hedges Effect Net Of Tax AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossCumulativeChangesInNetGainLossFromCashFlowHedgesEffectNetOfTax	-1176000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Other Liabilities OtherLiabilities	70653000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Available For Sale Securities Adjustment Net Of Tax AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAvailableForSaleSecuritiesAdjustmentNetOfTax	-30000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Minority Interest MinorityInterest	1696000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Accounts Payable Current AccountsPayableCurrent	16400000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Other Assets OtherAssets	111701000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Liabilities Of Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation LiabilitiesOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperation	1629000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax	133000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Liabilities Liabilities	600055000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Assets Of Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation AssetsOfDisposalGroupIncludingDiscontinuedOperation	1721000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Preferred Stock Value PreferredStockValue	0	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Inventory Net InventoryNet	13792000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Premiums And Other Receivables Net PremiumsAndOtherReceivablesNet	7561000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Treasury Stock Value TreasuryStockValue	31769000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Stockholders Equity Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest	118134000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Accrued Liabilities Current AccruedLiabilitiesCurrent	14796000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Accrued Progress Collections Price Adjustments AccruedProgressCollectionsPriceAdjustments	11349000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill	12068000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Stockholders Equity StockholdersEquity	116438000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Assets Assets	718189000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Retained Earnings Accumulated Deficit RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit	137786000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Property Plant And Equipment Net PropertyPlantAndEquipmentNet	65739000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Assets Held For Sale At Carrying Value AssetsHeldForSaleAtCarryingValue	711000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Defined Benefit Pension And Other Postretirement Plans Net Of Tax AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDefinedBenefitPensionAndOtherPostretirementPlansNetOfTax	22901000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Common Stock Value CommonStockValue	702000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Accounts Receivable Net Current AccountsReceivableNetCurrent	20478000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Investment Contracts Insurance Liabilities Annuity Benefits InvestmentContractsInsuranceLiabilitiesAnnuityBenefits	29774000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Non Recourse Borrowings Of Consolidated Securitization Entities NonRecourseBorrowingsOfConsolidatedSecuritizationEntities	29258000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Long Term Debt And Capital Lease Obligations LongTermDebtAndCapitalLeaseObligations	243459000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Investment In Subsidiary InvestmentInSubsidiary	0	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Preferred Stock Shares Outstanding PreferredStockSharesOutstanding	40000	shares
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Preferred Stock Shares Outstanding PreferredStockSharesOutstanding	0	shares
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Common Stock Shares Outstanding CommonStockSharesOutstanding	10573017000	shares
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Common Stock Shares Outstanding CommonStockSharesOutstanding	10405625000	shares
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Dividends Payable Current DividendsPayableCurrent	1980000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Dividends Payable Current DividendsPayableCurrent	1797000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Notes Receivable Net NotesReceivableNet	258028000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Notes Receivable Net NotesReceivableNet	279918000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Carrying Value Of Cash And Cash Equivalents CarryingValueOfCashAndCashEquivalents	77356000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Carrying Value Of Cash And Cash Equivalents CarryingValueOfCashAndCashEquivalents	84501000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Attributable To Noncontrolling Interests AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterests	-155000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Attributable To Noncontrolling Interests AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterests	-168000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Depreciation Depletion And Amortization DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization	9346000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Earnings From Continuing Operations Retained By Subsidiary EarningsFromContinuingOperationsRetainedBySubsidiary	0	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Deferred Income Tax Expense Benefit DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit	-1171000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Increase Decrease In Accounts Receivable IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable	774000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Increase Decrease In Inventories IncreaseDecreaseInInventories	1274000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Increase Decrease Progress Collections IncreaseDecreaseProgressCollections	-920000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Increase Decrease In Other Operating Capital Net IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet	-7899000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Continuing Operations NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations	31252000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Discontinued Operations CashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations	79000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities	31331000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Payments To Acquire Property Plant And Equipment PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment	15126000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Proceeds From Sale Of Property Plant And Equipment ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment	6200000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Proceeds From Divestiture Of Businesses Net Of Cash Divested ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinessesNetOfCashDivested	227000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Proceeds From Divestiture Of Businesses ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses	3618000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Payments To Acquire Businesses Net Of Cash Acquired PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired	1456000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Continuing Operations NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations	32622000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Continuing Operations NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations	-61249000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Discontinued Operations CashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations	-133000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Payments To Acquire Additional Interest In Subsidiaries PaymentsToAcquireAdditionalInterestInSubsidiaries	2633000000	USD
CY2010Q4	ge	Less Cash And Equivalents Of Discontinued Operations LessCashAndEquivalentsOfDiscontinuedOperations	142000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Proceeds From Divestiture Of Businesses ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinesses	3062000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Deferred Income Tax Expense Benefit DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit	-203000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities	19882000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Including Discontinued Operations CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueIncludingDiscontinuedOperations	84622000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Proceeds From Sale Of Property Plant And Equipment ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment	5896000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Increase Decrease In Accounts Payable IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable	883000000	USD
CY2010	ge	Earnings From Continuing Operations Retained By Subsidiary EarningsFromContinuingOperationsRetainedBySubsidiary	0	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Payments Of Ordinary Dividends PaymentsOfOrdinaryDividends	4790000000	USD
CY2010	ge	Newly Issued Debt Maturities Longer Than90 Days NewlyIssuedDebtMaturitiesLongerThan90Days	47643000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Continuing Operations NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations	33788000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Increase Decrease In Deposits IncreaseDecreaseInDeposits	4603000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Payments For Proceeds From Other Investing Activities PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities	-11064000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Continuing Operations NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations	11399000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Discontinued Operations CashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations	-97000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities	11302000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Proceeds From Repayments Of Short Term Debt Maturing In Three Months Or Less ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebtMaturingInThreeMonthsOrLess	-2231000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Increase Decrease In Deposits IncreaseDecreaseInDeposits	2432000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Newly Issued Debt Maturities Longer Than90 Days NewlyIssuedDebtMaturitiesLongerThan90Days	63019000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Net Dispositions Purchases Of Company Shares For Treasury NetDispositionsPurchasesOfCompanySharesForTreasury	-4164000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Payments Of Ordinary Dividends PaymentsOfOrdinaryDividends	7189000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Payments To Acquire Additional Interest In Subsidiaries PaymentsToAcquireAdditionalInterestInSubsidiaries	0	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Proceeds From Payments For Other Financing Activities ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities	-2959000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Continuing Operations NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations	-51074000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Discontinued Operations CashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations	0	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities	-51074000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Effect Of Exchange Rate On Cash And Cash Equivalents EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents	1278000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Including Discontinued Operations CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueIncludingDiscontinuedOperations	77459000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Less Cash And Equivalents Of Discontinued Operations LessCashAndEquivalentsOfDiscontinuedOperations	103000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Payments To Acquire Property Plant And Equipment PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment	12650000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Proceeds From Repayments Of Short Term Debt Maturing In Three Months Or Less ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebtMaturingInThreeMonthsOrLess	5951000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Proceeds From Payments For Other Financing Activities ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities	-1867000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Continuing Operations NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesContinuingOperations	20596000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Payments For Proceeds From Other Investing Activities PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities	-6095000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Effect Of Exchange Rate On Cash And Cash Equivalents EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents	-841000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Proceeds From Divestiture Of Businesses Net Of Cash Divested ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinessesNetOfCashDivested	8950000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Increase Decrease In Deposits IncreaseDecreaseInDeposits	6748000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Increase Decrease In Accounts Receivable IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable	714000000	USD
CY2011	ge	Net Dispositions Purchases Of Company Shares For Treasury NetDispositionsPurchasesOfCompanySharesForTreasury	-1456000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Increase Decrease In Other Operating Capital Net IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet	-7255000000	USD
CY2011	ge	Earnings From Continuing Operations Retained By Subsidiary EarningsFromContinuingOperationsRetainedBySubsidiary	0	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Continuing Operations NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesContinuingOperations	-46819000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Discontinued Operations CashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations	737000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Less Cash And Equivalents Of Discontinued Operations LessCashAndEquivalentsOfDiscontinuedOperations	121000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Payments To Acquire Additional Interest In Subsidiaries PaymentsToAcquireAdditionalInterestInSubsidiaries	4578000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Increase Decrease In Accounts Payable IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayable	1235000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Depreciation Depletion And Amortization DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization	9185000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Increase Decrease In Inventories IncreaseDecreaseInInventories	1168000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Payments To Acquire Businesses Net Of Cash Acquired PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired	11202000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities	33359000000	USD
CY2011	ge	Increase Decrease Progress Collections IncreaseDecreaseProgressCollections	-1146000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities	-46863000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Discontinued Operations CashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations	-44000000	USD
CY2011	ge	Newly Issued Debt Maturities Longer Than90 Days NewlyIssuedDebtMaturitiesLongerThan90Days	43847000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Payments Of Ordinary Dividends PaymentsOfOrdinaryDividends	6458000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Proceeds From Payments For Other Financing Activities ProceedsFromPaymentsForOtherFinancingActivities	-3648000000	USD
CY2010Q4	us-gaap	Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Including Discontinued Operations CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueIncludingDiscontinuedOperations	79085000000	USD
CY2010	ge	Increase Decrease Progress Collections IncreaseDecreaseProgressCollections	-1243000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities	36124000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Payments To Acquire Property Plant And Equipment PaymentsToAcquirePropertyPlantAndEquipment	9800000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Effect Of Exchange Rate On Cash And Cash Equivalents EffectOfExchangeRateOnCashAndCashEquivalents	-333000000	USD
CY2010	ge	Net Dispositions Purchases Of Company Shares For Treasury NetDispositionsPurchasesOfCompanySharesForTreasury	-1263000000	USD
CY2009Q4	us-gaap	Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Including Discontinued Operations CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueIncludingDiscontinuedOperations	72444000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Depreciation Depletion And Amortization DepreciationDepletionAndAmortization	9786000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Payments To Acquire Businesses Net Of Cash Acquired PaymentsToAcquireBusinessesNetOfCashAcquired	1212000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Deferred Income Tax Expense Benefit DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit	930000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Continuing Operations NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesContinuingOperations	36257000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Increase Decrease In Inventories IncreaseDecreaseInInventories	-342000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities	-61586000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Increase Decrease In Accounts Receivable IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable	60000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Proceeds From Sale Of Property Plant And Equipment ProceedsFromSaleOfPropertyPlantAndEquipment	7208000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Discontinued Operations CashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations	-1352000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities	32436000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Increase Decrease In Other Operating Capital Net IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet	-5921000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Proceeds From Divestiture Of Businesses Net Of Cash Divested ProceedsFromDivestitureOfBusinessesNetOfCashDivested	2510000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Discontinued Operations CashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesDiscontinuedOperations	-337000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Payments For Proceeds From Other Investing Activities PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities	-10262000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Proceeds From Repayments Of Short Term Debt Maturing In Three Months Or Less ProceedsFromRepaymentsOfShortTermDebtMaturingInThreeMonthsOrLess	-1228000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Interest Paid InterestPaid	12717000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Income Taxes Paid Net IncomeTaxesPaidNet	3237000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Income Taxes Paid Net IncomeTaxesPaidNet	2919000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Interest Paid InterestPaid	15571000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Income Taxes Paid Net IncomeTaxesPaidNet	2671000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Interest Paid InterestPaid	17132000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Repayment Of Preferred Stock RepaymentOfPreferredStock	0	USD
CY2011	ge	Repayment Of Preferred Stock RepaymentOfPreferredStock	3300000000	USD
CY2010	ge	Repayment Of Preferred Stock RepaymentOfPreferredStock	0	USD
CY2010Q4	ge	Carrying Value Of Cash And Cash Equivalents CarryingValueOfCashAndCashEquivalents	78943000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Period Increase Decrease In Cash And Cash Equivalents PeriodIncreaseDecreaseInCashAndCashEquivalents	-7163000000	USD
CY2011	ge	Period Increase Decrease In Cash And Cash Equivalents PeriodIncreaseDecreaseInCashAndCashEquivalents	5537000000	USD
CY2010	ge	Period Increase Decrease In Cash And Cash Equivalents PeriodIncreaseDecreaseInCashAndCashEquivalents	6641000000	USD
CY2010	ge	Cash Flow Impact Of Loan And Lease Origination And Principal Collections CashFlowImpactOfLoanAndLeaseOriginationAndPrincipalCollections	-21758000000	USD
CY2011	ge	Cash Flow Impact Of Loan And Lease Origination And Principal Collections CashFlowImpactOfLoanAndLeaseOriginationAndPrincipalCollections	-14630000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Cash Flow Impact Of Loan And Lease Origination And Principal Collections CashFlowImpactOfLoanAndLeaseOriginationAndPrincipalCollections	-6872000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Proceeds From Issuance Of Preferred Stock ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStock	3960000000	USD
CY2011	ge	Proceeds From Issuance Of Preferred Stock ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStock	0	USD
CY2010	ge	Proceeds From Issuance Of Preferred Stock ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStock	0	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Repayments Of Debt Maturing In More Than Three Months RepaymentsOfDebtMaturingInMoreThanThreeMonths	103942000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Repayments Of Debt Maturing In More Than Three Months RepaymentsOfDebtMaturingInMoreThanThreeMonths	85706000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Repayments Of Debt Maturing In More Than Three Months RepaymentsOfDebtMaturingInMoreThanThreeMonths	99933000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Percentage Of Voting Interest For Which Company Would Determine That They Have Controlling Financial Interest PercentageOfVotingInterestForWhichCompanyWouldDetermineThatTheyHaveControllingFinancialInterest	0.5	pure
CY2012	ge	Upper Range Of Voting Interest Unconsolidated Vie For Which Company Has Significant Influence Over UpperRangeOfVotingInterestUnconsolidatedVieForWhichCompanyHasSignificantInfluenceOver	0.5	pure
CY2012	ge	Lower Range Of Voting Interest Unconsolidated Vie For Which Company Has Significant Influence Over LowerRangeOfVotingInterestUnconsolidatedVieForWhichCompanyHasSignificantInfluenceOver	0.2	pure
CY2012Q1	ge	Number Of Converted Shares Of Common Stock NumberOfConvertedSharesOfCommonStock	1000	shares
CY2012Q4	ge	Maximum Number Of Days Account Can Be Past Due Before Accrual Of Interest Stops MaximumNumberOfDaysAccountCanBePastDueBeforeAccrualOfInterestStops	90	pure
CY2012	us-gaap	Financing Receivable Allowance For Credit Losses Policy For Uncollectible Amounts FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesPolicyForUncollectibleAmounts	Losses on Financing Receivables Losses on financing receivables are recognized when they are incurred, which requires us to make our best estimate of probable losses inherent in the portfolio. The method for calculating the best estimate of losses depends on the size, type and risk characteristics of the related financing receivable. Such an estimate requires consideration of historical loss experience, adjusted for current conditions, and judgments about the probable effects of relevant observable data, including present economic conditions such as delinquency rates, financial health of specific customers and market sectors, collateral values (including housing price indices as applicable), and the present and expected future levels of interest rates. The underlying assumptions, estimates and assessments we use to provide for losses are updated periodically to reflect our view of current conditions and are subject to the regulatory examination process, which can result in changes to our assumptions. Changes in such estimates can significantly affect the allowance and provision for losses. It is possible that we will experience credit losses that are different from our current estimates. Write-offs are deducted from the allowance for losses when we judge the principal to be uncollectible and subsequent recoveries are added to the allowance at the time cash is received on a written-off account. "Impaired" loans are defined as larger balance or restructured loans for which it is probable that the lender will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the original contractual terms of the loan agreement. “Troubled debt restructurings” (TDRs) are those loans for which we have granted a concession to a borrower experiencing financial difficulties where we do not receive adequate compensation. Such loans are classified as impaired, and are individually reviewed for specific reserves. “Nonaccrual financing receivables” are those on which we have stopped accruing interest. We stop accruing interest at the earlier of the time at which collection of an account becomes doubtful or the account becomes 90 days past due. Although we stop accruing interest in advance of payments, we recognize interest income as cash is collected when appropriate provided the amount does not exceed that which would have been earned at the historical effective interest rate. Recently restructured financing receivables are not considered delinquent when payments are brought current according to the restructured terms, but may remain classified as nonaccrual until there has been a period of satisfactory payment performance by the borrower and future payments are reasonably assured of collection. “Nonearning financing receivables” are a subset of nonaccrual financing receivables for which cash payments are not being received or for which we are on the cost recovery method of accounting (i.e., any payments are accounted for as a reduction of principal). This category excludes loans purchased at a discount (unless they have deteriorated post acquisition). Under Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 310, Receivables, these loans are initially recorded at fair value and accrete interest income over the estimated life of the loan based on reasonably estimable cash flows even if the underlying loans are contractually delinquent at acquisition. “Delinquent” receivables are those that are 30 days or more past due based on their contractual terms. The same financing receivable may meet more than one of the definitions above. Accordingly, these categories are not mutually exclusive and it is possible for a particular loan to meet the definitions of a TDR, impaired loan, nonaccrual loan and nonearning loan and be included in each of these categories. The categorization of a particular loan also may not be indicative of the potential for loss. Our consumer loan portfolio consists of smaller-balance, homogeneous loans, including credit card receivables, installment loans, auto loans and leases and residential mortgages. We collectively evaluate each portfolio for impairment quarterly. The allowance for losses on these receivables is established through a process that estimates the probable losses inherent in the portfolio based upon statistical analyses of portfolio data. These analyses include migration analysis, in which historical delinquency and credit loss experience is applied to the current aging of the portfolio, together with other analyses that reflect current trends and conditions. We also consider our historical loss experience to date based on actual defaulted loans and overall portfolio indicators including nonearning loans, trends in loan volume and lending terms, credit policies and other observable environmental factors such as unemployment rates and home price indices. Our commercial loan and lease portfolio consists of a variety of loans and leases, including both larger-balance, non-homogeneous loans and leases and smaller-balance homogeneous loans and leases. Losses on such loans and leases are recorded when probable and estimable. We routinely evaluate our entire portfolio for potential specific credit or collection issues that might indicate an impairment. For larger-balance, non-homogeneous loans and leases, we consider the financial status, payment history, collateral value, industry conditions and guarantor support related to specific customers. Any delinquencies or bankruptcies are indications of potential impairment requiring further assessment of collectibility. We routinely receive financial as well as rating agency reports on our customers, and we elevate for further attention those customers whose operations we judge to be marginal or deteriorating. We also elevate customers for further attention when we observe a decline in collateral values for asset-based loans. While collateral values are not always available, when we observe such a decline, we evaluate relevant markets to assess recovery alternatives – for example, for real estate loans, relevant markets are local; for commercial aircraft loans, relevant markets are global. Measurement of the loss on our impaired commercial loans is based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate or the fair value of collateral, net of expected selling costs, if the loan is determined to be collateral dependent. We determine whether a loan is collateral dependent if the repayment of the loan is expected to be provided solely by the underlying collateral. Our review process can often result in reserves being established in advance of a modification of terms or designation as a TDR. After providing for specific incurred losses, we then determine an allowance for losses that have been incurred in the balance of the portfolio but cannot yet be identified to a specific loan or lease. This estimate is based upon various statistical analyses considering historical and projected default rates and loss severity and aging, as well as our view on current market and economic conditions. It is prepared by each respective line of business. For Real Estate, this includes assessing the probability of default and the loss given default based on loss history of our portfolio for loans with similar loan metrics and attributes. We consider multiple factors in evaluating the adequacy of our allowance for losses on Real Estate financing receivables, including loan-to-value ratios, collateral values at the individual loan level, debt service coverage ratios, delinquency status, and economic factors including interest rate and real estate market forecasts. In addition to evaluating these factors, we deem a Real Estate loan to be impaired if its projected loan-to-value ratio at maturity is in excess of 100%, even if the loan is currently paying in accordance with its contractual terms. Substantially all of the loans in the Real Estate portfolio are considered collateral dependent and are measured for impairment based on the fair value of collateral. If foreclosure is deemed probable or if repayment is dependent solely on the sale of collateral, we also include estimated selling costs in our reserve. Collateral values for our Real Estate loans are determined based upon internal cash flow estimates discounted at an appropriate rate and corroborated by external appraisals, as appropriate. Collateral valuations are routinely monitored and updated annually, or more frequently for changes in collateral, market and economic conditions. Further discussion on determination of fair value is in the Fair Value Measurements section below. Experience is not available for new products; therefore, while we are developing that experience, we set loss allowances based on our experience with the most closely analogous products in our portfolio. Our loss mitigation strategy intends to minimize economic loss and, at times, can result in rate reductions, principal forgiveness, extensions, forbearance or other actions, which may cause the related loan to be classified as a TDR. We utilize certain loan modification programs for borrowers experiencing temporary financial difficulties in our Consumer loan portfolio. These loan modification programs are primarily concentrated in our non-U.S. residential mortgage and non-U.S. installment and revolving portfolios and include short-term (three months or less) interest rate reductions and payment deferrals, which were not part of the terms of the original contract. We sold our U.S. residential mortgage business in 2007 and as such, do not participate in the U.S. government-sponsored mortgage modification programs. Our allowance for losses on financing receivables on these modified consumer loans is determined based upon a formulaic approach that estimates the probable losses inherent in the portfolio based upon statistical analyses of the portfolio. Data related to redefault experience is also considered in our overall reserve adequacy review. Once the loan has been modified, it returns to current status (re-aged) only after receipt of at least three consecutive minimum monthly payments or the equivalent cumulative amount, subject to a re-aging limitation of once a year, or twice in a five-year period in accordance with the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council guidelines on Uniform Retail Credit Classification and Account Management policy issued in June 2000. We believe that the allowance for losses would not be materially different had we not re-aged these accounts. For commercial loans, we evaluate changes in terms and conditions to determine whether those changes meet the criteria for classification as a TDR on a loan-by-loan basis. In Commercial Lending and Leasing (CLL), these changes primarily include: changes to covenants, short-term payment deferrals and maturity extensions. For these changes, we receive economic consideration, including additional fees and/or increased interest rates, and evaluate them under our normal underwriting standards and criteria. Changes to Real Estate’s loans primarily include maturity extensions, principal payment acceleration, changes to collateral terms, and cash sweeps, which are in addition to, or sometimes in lieu of, fees and rate increases. The determination of whether these changes to the terms and conditions of our commercial loans meet the TDR criteria includes our consideration of all of the relevant facts and circumstances. When the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty, we carefully evaluate these changes to determine whether they meet the form of a concession. In these circumstances, if the change is deemed to be a concession, we classify the loan as a TDR. When we repossess collateral in satisfaction of a loan, we write down the receivable against the allowance for losses. Repossessed collateral is included in the caption “All other assets” in the Statement of Financial Position and carried at the lower of cost or estimated fair value less costs to sell. For Consumer loans, we write off unsecured closed-end installment loans when they are 120 days contractually past due and unsecured open-ended revolving loans at 180 days contractually past due. We write down consumer loans secured by collateral other than residential real estate when such loans are 120 days past due. Consumer loans secured by residential real estate (both revolving and closed-end loans) are written down to the fair value of collateral, less costs to sell, no later than when they become 360 days past due. Unsecured consumer loans in bankruptcy are written off within 60 days of notification of filing by the bankruptcy court or within contractual write-off periods, whichever occurs earlier. Write-offs on larger balance impaired commercial loans are based on amounts deemed uncollectible and are reviewed quarterly. Write-offs are determined based on the consideration of many factors, such as expectations of the workout plan or restructuring of the loan, valuation of the collateral and the prioritization of our claim in bankruptcy. Write-offs are recognized against the allowance for losses at the earlier of transaction confirmation (e.g., discounted pay-off, restructuring, foreclosure, etc.) or not later than 360 days after initial recognition of a specific reserve for a collateral dependent loan. If foreclosure is probable, the write-off is determined based on the fair value of the collateral less costs to sell. Smaller balance, homogeneous commercial loans are written off at the earlier of when deemed uncollectible or at 180 days past due.
CY2012Q4	ge	Number Of Days Past Due Delinquent Receivable NumberOfDaysPastDueDelinquentReceivable	30	pure
CY2012Q4	ge	Number Of Days Past Due Unsecured Closed End Installment Loans Are Written Off NumberOfDaysPastDueUnsecuredClosedEndInstallmentLoansAreWrittenOff	120	pure
CY2012Q4	ge	Number Of Days Past Due Unsecured Open Ended Revolving Loans Are Written Off NumberOfDaysPastDueUnsecuredOpenEndedRevolvingLoansAreWrittenOff	180	pure
CY2012Q4	ge	Number Of Days Past Due Consumer Loans Secured By Collateral Other Than Residential Real Estate Write Off NumberOfDaysPastDueConsumerLoansSecuredByCollateralOtherThanResidentialRealEstateWriteOff	120	pure
CY2012Q4	ge	Number Of Days Past Due Consumer Loans Secured By Residential Real Estate Before Written Down To Fair Value Of Collateral Less Costs To Sell NumberOfDaysPastDueConsumerLoansSecuredByResidentialRealEstateBeforeWrittenDownToFairValueOfCollateralLessCostsToSell	360	pure
CY2012Q4	ge	Number Of Days Past Due Unsecured Consumer Loans In Bankruptcy Before Written Off NumberOfDaysPastDueUnsecuredConsumerLoansInBankruptcyBeforeWrittenOff	60	pure
CY2012Q4	ge	Number Of Days Commercial Smaller Balance Homogeneous Loans Are Written Off NumberOfDaysCommercialSmallerBalanceHomogeneousLoansAreWrittenOff	180	pure
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Percentage Of Lifo Inventory PercentageOfLIFOInventory	0.38	pure
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Percentage Of Lifo Inventory PercentageOfLIFOInventory	0.37	pure
CY2010	us-gaap	Available For Sale Securities Gross Realized Gain Loss Net AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossNet	-91000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Available For Sale Securities Gross Realized Gain Loss Net AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossNet	-197000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Available For Sale Securities Gross Realized Gain Loss Net AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossNet	-35000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Increase Decrease In Financing Receivables IncreaseDecreaseInFinancingReceivables	271000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Incremental Effect On Balance Sheet Assets Due To Adopting Asu20091617 IncrementalEffectOnBalanceSheetAssetsDueToAdoptingAsu20091617	31097000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Incremental Effect On Balance Sheet Liabilities Due To Adopting Asu20091617 IncrementalEffectOnBalanceSheetLiabilitiesDueToAdoptingAsu20091617	33042000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Net Reduction Of Balance Sheet Total Equity Due To Adopting Asu20091617 NetReductionOfBalanceSheetTotalEquityDueToAdoptingAsu20091617	1945000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Tax Credit Carryforward Date Of Expiration TaxCreditCarryforwardDateOfExpiration	2017
CY2012Q4	ge	Number Of Lawsuits Involving Repurchase Claims On Loans Initiated By Divested Business NumberOfLawsuitsInvolvingRepurchaseClaimsOnLoansInitiatedByDivestedBusiness	four
CY2012	us-gaap	Other Tax Carryforward Expiration Dates OtherTaxCarryforwardExpirationDates	2019
CY2011	ge	Residential Subprime Credit ResidentialSubprimeCredit	515000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Residential Subprime Credit ResidentialSubprimeCredit	471000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Residential Subprime Credit Exposure ResidentialSubprimeCreditExposure	219000000	USD
CY2011	ge	Residential Subprime Credit Exposure ResidentialSubprimeCreditExposure	277000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Accounts Receivable Gross Current AccountsReceivableGrossCurrent	20930000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Accounts Receivable Gross Current AccountsReceivableGrossCurrent	21962000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable Current AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent	462000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable Current AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivableCurrent	452000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Capital Leases Net Investment In Direct Financing Leases Minimum Payments To Be Received CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInDirectFinancingLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived	29416000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Direct Financing Leases Non Recourse Debt Service DirectFinancingLeasesNonRecourseDebtService	0	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Financing Leases Direct Financing Leases Net Receivables FinancingLeasesDirectFinancingLeasesNetReceivables	29416000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Capital Leases Net Investment In Direct Financing Leases Unguaranteed Residual Values Of Leased Property CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInDirectFinancingLeasesUnguaranteedResidualValuesOfLeasedProperty	4272000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Direct Financing Leases Deferred Income DirectFinancingLeasesDeferredIncome	29235000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Capital Leases Net Investment In Direct Financing Leases CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInDirectFinancingLeases	26797000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Capital Leases Net Investment In Direct Financing Leases Minimum Payments To Be Received CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInDirectFinancingLeasesMinimumPaymentsToBeReceived	33667000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Direct Financing Leases Non Recourse Debt Service DirectFinancingLeasesNonRecourseDebtService	0	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Financing Leases Direct Financing Leases Net Receivables FinancingLeasesDirectFinancingLeasesNetReceivables	33667000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Capital Leases Net Investment In Direct Financing Leases Unguaranteed Residual Values Of Leased Property CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInDirectFinancingLeasesUnguaranteedResidualValuesOfLeasedProperty	5140000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Direct Financing Leases Deferred Income DirectFinancingLeasesDeferredIncome	33588000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Capital Leases Net Investment In Direct Financing Leases Deferred Income CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInDirectFinancingLeasesDeferredIncome	4453000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Capital Leases Net Investment In Direct Financing Leases Deferred Income CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInDirectFinancingLeasesDeferredIncome	5219000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Capital Leases Net Investment In Direct Financing Leases Allowance For Uncollectible Minimum Lease Payments CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInDirectFinancingLeasesAllowanceForUncollectibleMinimumLeasePayments	281000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Capital Leases Net Investment In Direct Financing Leases Allowance For Uncollectible Minimum Lease Payments CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInDirectFinancingLeasesAllowanceForUncollectibleMinimumLeasePayments	193000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Direct Financing Leases Deferred Taxes DirectFinancingLeasesDeferredTaxes	2245000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Direct Financing Leases Deferred Taxes DirectFinancingLeasesDeferredTaxes	2938000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Capital Leases Net Investment In Direct Financing Leases CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInDirectFinancingLeases	30369000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Leveraged Leases Net Investment In Leveraged Leases Disclosure Rental Receivables Gross LeveragedLeasesNetInvestmentInLeveragedLeasesDisclosureRentalReceivablesGross	7035000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Leveraged Leases Net Investment In Leveraged Leases Disclosure Rental Receivables Net LeveragedLeasesNetInvestmentInLeveragedLeasesDisclosureRentalReceivablesNet	2373000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Leveraged Leases Net Investment In Leveraged Leases Disclosure Residual Value Of Leased Assets LeveragedLeasesNetInvestmentInLeveragedLeasesDisclosureResidualValueOfLeasedAssets	2074000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Leveraged Leases Net Investment In Leveraged Leases Disclosure Deferred Income LeveragedLeasesNetInvestmentInLeveragedLeasesDisclosureDeferredIncome	1211000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Leveraged Leases Net Investment In Leveraged Leases Disclosure Net Of Deferred Income LeveragedLeasesNetInvestmentInLeveragedLeasesDisclosureNetOfDeferredIncome	3236000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Leveraged Leases Net Investment In Leveraged Leases Disclosure Allowance For Losses LeveragedLeasesNetInvestmentInLeveragedLeasesDisclosureAllowanceForLosses	5000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Leveraged Leases Net Investment In Leveraged Leases Disclosure Deferred Taxes Arising From Leveraged Leases LeveragedLeasesNetInvestmentInLeveragedLeasesDisclosureDeferredTaxesArisingFromLeveragedLeases	2261000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Leveraged Leases Net Investment In Leveraged Leases Disclosure Investment In Leveraged Leases Net LeveragedLeasesNetInvestmentInLeveragedLeasesDisclosureInvestmentInLeveragedLeasesNet	970000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Leveraged Leases Net Investment In Leveraged Leases Disclosure Rental Receivables Gross LeveragedLeasesNetInvestmentInLeveragedLeasesDisclosureRentalReceivablesGross	10490000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Leveraged Leases Net Investment In Leveraged Leases Disclosure Nonrecourse Debt Service LeveragedLeasesNetInvestmentInLeveragedLeasesDisclosureNonrecourseDebtService	6812000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Leveraged Leases Net Investment In Leveraged Leases Disclosure Rental Receivables Net LeveragedLeasesNetInvestmentInLeveragedLeasesDisclosureRentalReceivablesNet	3678000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Leveraged Leases Net Investment In Leveraged Leases Disclosure Residual Value Of Leased Assets LeveragedLeasesNetInvestmentInLeveragedLeasesDisclosureResidualValueOfLeasedAssets	2452000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Leveraged Leases Net Investment In Leveraged Leases Disclosure Nonrecourse Debt Service LeveragedLeasesNetInvestmentInLeveragedLeasesDisclosureNonrecourseDebtService	4662000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Leveraged Leases Net Investment In Leveraged Leases Disclosure Deferred Income LeveragedLeasesNetInvestmentInLeveragedLeasesDisclosureDeferredIncome	1576000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Leveraged Leases Net Investment In Leveraged Leases Disclosure Net Of Deferred Income LeveragedLeasesNetInvestmentInLeveragedLeasesDisclosureNetOfDeferredIncome	4554000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Leveraged Leases Net Investment In Leveraged Leases Disclosure Allowance For Losses LeveragedLeasesNetInvestmentInLeveragedLeasesDisclosureAllowanceForLosses	13000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Leveraged Leases Net Investment In Leveraged Leases Disclosure Deferred Taxes Arising From Leveraged Leases LeveragedLeasesNetInvestmentInLeveragedLeasesDisclosureDeferredTaxesArisingFromLeveragedLeases	3780000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Leveraged Leases Net Investment In Leveraged Leases Disclosure Investment In Leveraged Leases Net LeveragedLeasesNetInvestmentInLeveragedLeasesDisclosureInvestmentInLeveragedLeasesNet	761000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Minimum Lease Payments Receivable MinimumLeasePaymentsReceivable	36451000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Capital Leases Nonrecourse Debt Service CapitalLeasesNonrecourseDebtService	4662000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Net Rentals Receivable NetRentalsReceivable	31789000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Financing Leases Unguaranteed Residual Value Of Leased Property FinancingLeasesUnguaranteedResidualValueOfLeasedProperty	6346000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Financing Leases Deferred Income FinancingLeasesDeferredIncome	5664000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Investment In Financing Leases Net Of Deferred Income InvestmentInFinancingLeasesNetOfDeferredIncome	32471000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Financing Leases Allowance For Losses FinancingLeasesAllowanceForLosses	198000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Financing Leases Deferred Taxes FinancingLeasesDeferredTaxes	4506000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Financing Leases Net Investment In Financing Leases FinancingLeasesNetInvestmentInFinancingLeases	27767000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Minimum Lease Payments Receivable MinimumLeasePaymentsReceivable	44157000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Capital Leases Nonrecourse Debt Service CapitalLeasesNonrecourseDebtService	6812000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Net Rentals Receivable NetRentalsReceivable	37345000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Financing Leases Unguaranteed Residual Value Of Leased Property FinancingLeasesUnguaranteedResidualValueOfLeasedProperty	7592000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Financing Leases Deferred Income FinancingLeasesDeferredIncome	6795000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Investment In Financing Leases Net Of Deferred Income InvestmentInFinancingLeasesNetOfDeferredIncome	38142000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Financing Leases Allowance For Losses FinancingLeasesAllowanceForLosses	294000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Financing Leases Deferred Taxes FinancingLeasesDeferredTaxes	6718000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Financing Leases Net Investment In Financing Leases FinancingLeasesNetInvestmentInFinancingLeases	31130000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Capital Leases Net Investment In Direct Financing Leases Initial Direct Costs CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInDirectFinancingLeasesInitialDirectCosts	330000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Capital Leases Net Investment In Direct Financing Leases Initial Direct Costs CapitalLeasesNetInvestmentInDirectFinancingLeasesInitialDirectCosts	413000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Leveraged Leases Income Statement Income From Leveraged Leases LeveragedLeasesIncomeStatementIncomeFromLeveragedLeases	81000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Leveraged Leases Income Statement Income From Leveraged Leases LeveragedLeasesIncomeStatementIncomeFromLeveragedLeases	116000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Leveraged Leases Income Statement Income Tax Expense On Leveraged Leases LeveragedLeasesIncomeStatementIncomeTaxExpenseOnLeveragedLeases	32000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Leveraged Leases Income Statement Income Tax Expense On Leveraged Leases LeveragedLeasesIncomeStatementIncomeTaxExpenseOnLeveragedLeases	45000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Loans Net Of Deferred Income Current LoansNetOfDeferredIncomeCurrent	56668000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Loans Net Of Deferred Income Receivable In Two Years LoansNetOfDeferredIncomeReceivableInTwoYears	22076000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Loans Net Of Deferred Income Receivable In Three Years LoansNetOfDeferredIncomeReceivableInThreeYears	19889000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Loans Net Of Deferred Income Receivable In Four Years LoansNetOfDeferredIncomeReceivableInFourYears	18214000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Loans Net Of Deferred Income Receivable In Five Years LoansNetOfDeferredIncomeReceivableInFiveYears	17114000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Loans Net Of Deferred Income Receivable Due Thereafter LoansNetOfDeferredIncomeReceivableDueThereafter	48593000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Loans Net Of Deferred Income Excluding Consumer Revolving Loans LoansNetOfDeferredIncomeExcludingConsumerRevolvingLoans	182554000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Consumer Revolving Loans Included In Loans Net Of Deferred Income ConsumerRevolvingLoansIncludedInLoansNetOfDeferredIncome	58911000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Loans Net Of Deferred Income LoansNetOfDeferredIncome	241465000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Consumer Revolving Loans Included In Net Rentals Receivable ConsumerRevolvingLoansIncludedInNetRentalsReceivable	0	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Rentals Receivable Net Of Deferred Income RentalsReceivableNetOfDeferredIncome	31789000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Net Rentals Receivable Current NetRentalsReceivableCurrent	8700000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Net Rentals Receivable Due In Two Years NetRentalsReceivableDueInTwoYears	6633000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Net Rentals Receivable Due In Three Years NetRentalsReceivableDueInThreeYears	5235000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Net Rentals Receivable Due In Four Years NetRentalsReceivableDueInFourYears	3751000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Net Rentals Receivable Due In Five Years NetRentalsReceivableDueInFiveYears	2234000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Net Rentals Receivable Due Thereafter NetRentalsReceivableDueThereafter	5236000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Financing Receivable Allowance For Credit Losses Other FinancingReceivableAllowanceForCreditLossesOther	-98000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Property Plant And Equipment Gross PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross	116763000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Property Plant And Equipment Gross PropertyPlantAndEquipmentGross	108117000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Receivable Current OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableCurrent	7507000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Receivable In Two Years OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInTwoYears	6168000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Receivable In Three Years OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInThreeYears	4946000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Receivable In Four Years OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInFourYears	3863000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Receivable In Five Years OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableInFiveYears	3000000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Receivable Thereafter OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivableThereafter	8286000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Operating Leases Future Minimum Payments Receivable OperatingLeasesFutureMinimumPaymentsReceivable	33770000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Goodwill Acquired During Period GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod	845000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Goodwill Dispositions Currency Exchange And Other GoodwillDispositionsCurrencyExchangeAndOther	23000000	USD
CY2010Q4	us-gaap	Goodwill Goodwill	64388000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Goodwill Acquired During Period GoodwillAcquiredDuringPeriod	9281000000	USD
CY2011	ge	Goodwill Dispositions Currency Exchange And Other GoodwillDispositionsCurrencyExchangeAndOther	1044000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Goodwill Period Increase Decrease GoodwillPeriodIncreaseDecrease	8237000000	USD
CY2011Q3	us-gaap	Business Acquisition Percentage Of Voting Interests Acquired BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired	0.9	pure
CY2011Q3	us-gaap	Business Acquisition Cost Of Acquired Entity Purchase Price BusinessAcquisitionCostOfAcquiredEntityPurchasePrice	3586000000	USD
CY2011Q3	ge	Price Of Remaining Percentage That Could Be Purchased PriceOfRemainingPercentageThatCouldBePurchased	343000000
CY2011Q3	ge	Price Of Remaining Percentage That Could Be Purchased PriceOfRemainingPercentageThatCouldBePurchased	470000000	USD
CY2011Q3	ge	Remaining Percentage Of Business That Could Be Purchased RemainingPercentageOfBusinessThatCouldBePurchased	0.1	pure
CY2012	us-gaap	Goodwill Period Increase Decrease GoodwillPeriodIncreaseDecrease	822000000	USD
CY2012Q1	ge	Pre Tax Gain On Deconsolidation Of Business Contributed To Joint Venture PreTaxGainOnDeconsolidationOfBusinessContributedToJointVenture	274000000	USD
CY2012Q1	ge	After Tax Gain On Deconsolidation Of Business Contributed To Joint Venture AfterTaxGainOnDeconsolidationOfBusinessContributedToJointVenture	152000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Discount Rates Used In Reporting Unit Valuations Minimum Rate DiscountRatesUsedInReportingUnitValuationsMinimumRate	0.08	pure
CY2012Q1	us-gaap	Subsidiary Of Limited Liability Company Or Limited Partnership Ownership Interest SubsidiaryOfLimitedLiabilityCompanyOrLimitedPartnershipOwnershipInterest	0.5	pure
CY2012	ge	Discount Rates Used In Reporting Unit Valuations Maximum Rate DiscountRatesUsedInReportingUnitValuationsMaximumRate	0.13	pure
CY2012Q4	ge	All Other Assets Eliminations AllOtherAssetsEliminations	-77000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	All Other Assets Eliminations AllOtherAssetsEliminations	-586000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Total Borrowings And Bank Deposits TotalBorrowingsAndBankDeposits	414060000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Total Borrowings And Bank Deposits TotalBorrowingsAndBankDeposits	453443000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Senior Notes SeniorNotes	7000000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Subsidiary Issued And Outstanding Senior Unsecured Debt Guaranteed By Federal Depository Insurance Company SubsidiaryIssuedAndOutstandingSeniorUnsecuredDebtGuaranteedByFederalDepositoryInsuranceCompany	No
CY2012Q4	ge	Fixed And Floating Rate Notes Containing Put Options FixedAndFloatingRateNotesContainingPutOptions	914000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Extension Period From Date Of Expiration In Term Out Feature Minimum ExtensionPeriodFromDateOfExpirationInTermOutFeatureMinimum	one
CY2012	ge	Extension Period From Date Of Expiration In Term Out Feature Maximum ExtensionPeriodFromDateOfExpirationInTermOutFeatureMaximum	two
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Deposit Contracts Liabilities DepositContractsLiabilities	3321000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Deposit Contracts Liabilities DepositContractsLiabilities	3493000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Guaranteed Interest Contracts GuaranteedInterestContracts	4226000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Guaranteed Interest Contracts GuaranteedInterestContracts	1644000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Liability Of Issuance Of Investment Contracts LiabilityOfIssuanceOfInvestmentContracts	4965000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Liability Of Issuance Of Investment Contracts LiabilityOfIssuanceOfInvestmentContracts	7719000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Liability For Future Policy Benefits Life LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitsLife	19257000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Liability For Future Policy Benefits Life LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitsLife	20427000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Investment Contracts Insurance Liabilities And Insurance Annuity Benefits InvestmentContractsInsuranceLiabilitiesAndInsuranceAnnuityBenefits	28696000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Investment Contracts Insurance Liabilities And Insurance Annuity Benefits InvestmentContractsInsuranceLiabilitiesAndInsuranceAnnuityBenefits	30198000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Other Investment Contracts OtherInvestmentContracts	3304000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Other Investment Contracts OtherInvestmentContracts	3222000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Life Insurance Benefits Net Level Premium Method Using Estimated Yields Minimum LifeInsuranceBenefitsNetLevelPremiumMethodUsingEstimatedYieldsMinimum	0.03	pure
CY2011Q4	ge	Life Insurance Benefits Net Level Premium Method Using Estimated Yields Maximum LifeInsuranceBenefitsNetLevelPremiumMethodUsingEstimatedYieldsMaximum	0.085	pure
CY2012Q4	ge	Life Insurance Benefits Net Level Premium Method Using Estimated Yields Maximum LifeInsuranceBenefitsNetLevelPremiumMethodUsingEstimatedYieldsMaximum	0.085	pure
CY2011Q4	ge	Life Insurance Benefits Net Level Premium Method Using Estimated Yields Minimum LifeInsuranceBenefitsNetLevelPremiumMethodUsingEstimatedYieldsMinimum	0.03	pure
CY2012	ge	Minimum Pension Assets Or Obligations MinimumPensionAssetsOrObligations	50000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Pension Plans With Pension Assets Or Obligations In Excess Of Threshold PensionPlansWithPensionAssetsOrObligationsInExcessOfThreshold	40	pure
CY2012Q4	ge	Percentage Of Total Pension Assets Disclosed PercentageOfTotalPensionAssetsDisclosed	0.99	pure
CY2012	ge	Pension Plan Participants Active Employees PensionPlanParticipantsActiveEmployees	136000	pure
CY2012	ge	Pension Plan Participants Vested Former Employees PensionPlanParticipantsVestedFormerEmployees	236000	pure
CY2012	ge	Pension Plan Participants Retirees And Beneficiaries PensionPlanParticipantsRetireesAndBeneficiaries	257000	pure
CY2012	ge	Pension Plan Participants PensionPlanParticipants	629000	pure
CY2013	ge	Amount Expected To Be Contributed To Fund Company Pension Plan AmountExpectedToBeContributedToFundCompanyPensionPlan	433000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Retiree Health Plan Weighted Average Discount Rate Used For Determination Of Costs RetireeHealthPlanWeightedAverageDiscountRateUsedForDeterminationOfCosts	0.08	pure
CY2012Q4	ge	Private Equities PrivateEquities	6878000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Real Estate Investments Other RealEstateInvestmentsOther	3356000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Other Investments OtherInvestments	1738000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Cash And Other CashAndOther	-641000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Investments And Cash InvestmentsAndCash	44738000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Private Equities PrivateEquities	6786000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Real Estate Investments Other RealEstateInvestmentsOther	3274000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Other Investments OtherInvestments	1709000000	USD
CY2011	ge	Cash And Other CashAndOther	415000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Investments And Cash InvestmentsAndCash	42137000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Retiree Health Plan Number Of Retirees And Dependents RetireeHealthPlanNumberOfRetireesAndDependents	205000	pure
CY2012	ge	Pension And Postretirement Cost Of Benefit Plans PensionAndPostretirementCostOfBenefitPlans	5452000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Pension And Postretirement Net Actuarial Gain Loss During Current Year PensionAndPostretirementNetActuarialGainLossDuringCurrentYear	1804000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Pension And Postretirement Prior Service Cost Credit During Current Year PensionAndPostretirementPriorServiceCostCreditDuringCurrentYear	-838000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Pension And Postretirement Changes In Other Comprehensive Income PensionAndPostretirementChangesInOtherComprehensiveIncome	3869000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Pension And Postretirement Benefit Plan Cost And Changes In Other Comprehensive Income PensionAndPostretirementBenefitPlanCostAndChangesInOtherComprehensiveIncome	1583000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Defined Benefit Plan Amortization Of Prior Service Cost Credit DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfPriorServiceCostCredit	-805000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Defined Benefit Plan Amortization Of Gains Losses DefinedBenefitPlanAmortizationOfGainsLosses	3733000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Defined Benefit Plan Curtailments DefinedBenefitPlanCurtailments	-297000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Accruals For Noncurrent Compensation And Benefits AccrualsForNoncurrentCompensationAndBenefits	39460000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Accruals For Noncurrent Compensation And Benefits AccrualsForNoncurrentCompensationAndBenefits	39430000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Accrual For Environmental Loss Contingencies AccrualForEnvironmentalLossContingencies	2988000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Current Income Tax Expense Benefit CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit	3675000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Current Income Tax Expense Benefit CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit	5941000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Current Income Tax Expense Benefit CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit	109000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Income Tax Expense Benefit Continuing Operations IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperations	2504000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Income Tax Expense Benefit Continuing Operations IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperations	5738000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Income Tax Expense Benefit Continuing Operations IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitContinuingOperations	1039000000	USD
CY2011	ge	Percentage Of Reduction In Effective Tax Rate PercentageOfReductionInEffectiveTaxRate	0.059	pure
CY2012	ge	Percentage Of Reduction In Effective Tax Rate PercentageOfReductionInEffectiveTaxRate	0.023	pure
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Unrecognized Tax Benefits UnrecognizedTaxBenefits	5445000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Unrecognized Tax Benefits UnrecognizedTaxBenefits	5230000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Unrecognized Tax Benefits That Would Impact Effective Tax Rate UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate	3938000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Unrecognized Tax Benefits That Would Impact Effective Tax Rate UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsThatWouldImpactEffectiveTaxRate	4032000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Unrecognized Tax Benefits Interest On Income Taxes Accrued UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsInterestOnIncomeTaxesAccrued	961000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Unrecognized Tax Benefits Interest On Income Taxes Accrued UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsInterestOnIncomeTaxesAccrued	1033000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Unrecognized Tax Benefits Income Tax Penalties Accrued UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAccrued	121000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Unrecognized Tax Benefits Income Tax Penalties Accrued UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncomeTaxPenaltiesAccrued	173000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Significant Change In Unrecognized Tax Benefits Is Reasonably Possible Estimated Range Of Change Lower Bound SignificantChangeInUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIsReasonablyPossibleEstimatedRangeOfChangeLowerBound	0	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Significant Change In Unrecognized Tax Benefits Is Reasonably Possible Estimated Range Of Change Upper Bound SignificantChangeInUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIsReasonablyPossibleEstimatedRangeOfChangeUpperBound	900000000	USD
CY2011	ge	Tax On Global Activities Including Exports TaxOnGlobalActivitiesIncludingExports	-0.106	pure
CY2012	ge	Tax On Global Activities Including Exports TaxOnGlobalActivitiesIncludingExports	-0.127	pure
CY2012	ge	Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Tax Credits Us EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxCreditsUs	-0.026	pure
CY2012	us-gaap	Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation At Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate	0.35	pure
CY2011	us-gaap	Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation At Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate	0.35	pure
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Significant Change In Unrecognized Tax Benefits Is Reasonably Possible Estimated Range Of Change Lower Bound SignificantChangeInUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIsReasonablyPossibleEstimatedRangeOfChangeLowerBound	0	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Significant Change In Unrecognized Tax Benefits Is Reasonably Possible Estimated Range Of Change Upper Bound SignificantChangeInUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIsReasonablyPossibleEstimatedRangeOfChangeUpperBound	800000000	USD
CY2010Q4	us-gaap	Unrecognized Tax Benefits UnrecognizedTaxBenefits	6139000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Unrecognized Tax Benefits Increases Resulting From Current Period Tax Positions UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromCurrentPeriodTaxPositions	305000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Unrecognized Tax Benefits Increases Resulting From Current Period Tax Positions UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromCurrentPeriodTaxPositions	293000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Unrecognized Tax Benefits Increases Resulting From Prior Period Tax Positions UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions	882000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Unrecognized Tax Benefits Increases Resulting From Prior Period Tax Positions UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions	817000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Unrecognized Tax Benefits Decreases Resulting From Prior Period Tax Positions UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions	1828000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Unrecognized Tax Benefits Decreases Resulting From Prior Period Tax Positions UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions	723000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Unrecognized Tax Benefits Decreases Resulting From Settlements With Taxing Authorities UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromSettlementsWithTaxingAuthorities	191000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Unrecognized Tax Benefits Decreases Resulting From Settlements With Taxing Authorities UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromSettlementsWithTaxingAuthorities	127000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Unrecognized Tax Benefits Reductions Resulting From Lapse Of Applicable Statute Of Limitations UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsReductionsResultingFromLapseOfApplicableStatuteOfLimitations	76000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Unrecognized Tax Benefits Reductions Resulting From Lapse Of Applicable Statute Of Limitations UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsReductionsResultingFromLapseOfApplicableStatuteOfLimitations	46000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation At Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate	0.35	pure
CY2012	ge	Effective Tax Rate Impact Of Inclusion Of After Tax Earnings Of Subsidiary EffectiveTaxRateImpactOfInclusionOfAfterTaxEarningsOfSubsidiary	0.00	pure
CY2011	ge	Effective Tax Rate Impact Of Inclusion Of After Tax Earnings Of Subsidiary EffectiveTaxRateImpactOfInclusionOfAfterTaxEarningsOfSubsidiary	0.00	pure
CY2010	ge	Effective Tax Rate Impact Of Inclusion Of After Tax Earnings Of Subsidiary EffectiveTaxRateImpactOfInclusionOfAfterTaxEarningsOfSubsidiary	0.00	pure
CY2010	ge	Tax On Global Activities Including Exports TaxOnGlobalActivitiesIncludingExports	-0.198	pure
CY2011	ge	Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Tax Credits Us EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxCreditsUs	-0.032	pure
CY2010	ge	Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Tax Credits Us EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxCreditsUs	-0.044	pure
CY2010	us-gaap	Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Other Adjustments EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOtherAdjustments	-0.035	pure
CY2011	us-gaap	Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Other Adjustments EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOtherAdjustments	-0.022	pure
CY2012	us-gaap	Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Other Adjustments EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOtherAdjustments	-0.034	pure
CY2012	ge	Income Tax Reconciliation Items IncomeTaxReconciliationItems	-0.206	pure
CY2011	ge	Income Tax Reconciliation Items IncomeTaxReconciliationItems	-0.067	pure
CY2010	ge	Income Tax Reconciliation Items IncomeTaxReconciliationItems	-0.277	pure
CY2010	us-gaap	Effective Income Tax Rate Continuing Operations EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations	0.073	pure
CY2011	us-gaap	Effective Income Tax Rate Continuing Operations EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations	0.283	pure
CY2012	us-gaap	Effective Income Tax Rate Continuing Operations EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations	0.144	pure
CY2012	ge	Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Due To Gain On Sale Of Business EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationDueToGainOnSaleOfBusiness	0.00	pure
CY2011	ge	Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Due To Gain On Sale Of Business EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationDueToGainOnSaleOfBusiness	0.093	pure
CY2010	ge	Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Due To Gain On Sale Of Business EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationDueToGainOnSaleOfBusiness	0.00	pure
CY2012	us-gaap	Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Disposition Of Business EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationDispositionOfBusiness	-0.019	pure
CY2011	us-gaap	Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Disposition Of Business EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationDispositionOfBusiness	0.00	pure
CY2010	us-gaap	Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Disposition Of Business EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationDispositionOfBusiness	0.00	pure
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Deferred Tax Assets Net DeferredTaxAssetsNet	31930000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Deferred Tax Assets Net DeferredTaxAssetsNet	30688000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Deferred Tax Liabilities DeferredTaxLiabilities	31855000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Deferred Tax Liabilities DeferredTaxLiabilities	30557000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Deferred Tax Assets Liabilities Net DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNet	131000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Deferred Tax Assets Liabilities Net DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNet	75000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Dividends Dividends	7372000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Other Retained Earnings OtherRetainedEarnings	0	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Treasury Stock Value Acquired Cost Method TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod	5295000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Proceeds From Sale Of Treasury Stock ProceedsFromSaleOfTreasuryStock	-2493000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Dividends Dividends	7498000000	USD
CY2011	ge	Other Retained Earnings OtherRetainedEarnings	4000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Treasury Stock Value Acquired Cost Method TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod	2067000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Proceeds From Sale Of Treasury Stock ProceedsFromSaleOfTreasuryStock	-2236000000	USD
CY2010Q4	us-gaap	Preferred Stock Value PreferredStockValue	0	USD
CY2010Q4	us-gaap	Common Stock Value CommonStockValue	702000000	USD
CY2009Q4	us-gaap	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax	-15530000000	USD
CY2010Q4	us-gaap	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax	-17855000000	USD
CY2009Q4	us-gaap	Additional Paid In Capital AdditionalPaidInCapital	37729000000	USD
CY2010Q4	us-gaap	Additional Paid In Capital AdditionalPaidInCapital	36890000000	USD
CY2009Q4	us-gaap	Retained Earnings Accumulated Deficit RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit	124655000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Dividends Dividends	5212000000	USD
CY2010	ge	Other Retained Earnings OtherRetainedEarnings	-50000000	USD
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CY2009Q4	us-gaap	Treasury Stock Value TreasuryStockValue	32238000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Treasury Stock Value Acquired Cost Method TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod	1890000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Proceeds From Sale Of Treasury Stock ProceedsFromSaleOfTreasuryStock	-2190000000	USD
CY2010Q4	us-gaap	Treasury Stock Value TreasuryStockValue	31938000000	USD
CY2010	ge	Gains Losses On Treasury Stock Dispositions And Other Additional Paid In Capital During Period GainsLossesOnTreasuryStockDispositionsAndOtherAdditionalPaidInCapitalDuringPeriod	-839000000	USD
CY2011	ge	Gains Losses On Treasury Stock Dispositions And Other Additional Paid In Capital During Period GainsLossesOnTreasuryStockDispositionsAndOtherAdditionalPaidInCapitalDuringPeriod	703000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Gains Losses On Treasury Stock Dispositions And Other Additional Paid In Capital During Period GainsLossesOnTreasuryStockDispositionsAndOtherAdditionalPaidInCapitalDuringPeriod	623000000	USD
CY2010Q4	ge	Other Comprehensive Income Loss Before Reclassifications Net Of Tax OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax	-5073000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Other Comprehensive Income Loss Before Reclassifications Net Of Tax OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax	-9601000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Other Comprehensive Income Loss Before Reclassifications Net Of Tax OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax	329000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustment For Sale Of Securities Included In Net Income Tax OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentForSaleOfSecuritiesIncludedInNetIncomeTax	3415000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustment For Sale Of Securities Included In Net Income Tax OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentForSaleOfSecuritiesIncludedInNetIncomeTax	3482000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustment For Sale Of Securities Included In Net Income Tax OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentForSaleOfSecuritiesIncludedInNetIncomeTax	2748000000	USD
CY2010	ge	Preferred Stock Redemption Impact On Other Capital PreferredStockRedemptionImpactOnOtherCapital	0	USD
CY2011	ge	Preferred Stock Redemption Impact On Other Capital PreferredStockRedemptionImpactOnOtherCapital	2494000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Preferred Stock Redemption Impact On Other Capital PreferredStockRedemptionImpactOnOtherCapital	0	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Dividends Preferred Stock Stock DividendsPreferredStockStock	1031000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Dividends Preferred Stock Stock DividendsPreferredStockStock	300000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Preferred Stock Accretion Of Redemption Discount PreferredStockAccretionOfRedemptionDiscount	-38000000	USD
CY2008Q4	us-gaap	Preferred Stock Shares Issued PreferredStockSharesIssued	30000	shares
CY2008Q4	ge	Cumulative Percentage Of Dividends On Preferred Stock CumulativePercentageOfDividendsOnPreferredStock	0.1	pure
CY2008Q4	us-gaap	Preferred Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare	1.00
CY2008Q4	us-gaap	Auction Market Preferred Securities Stock Series Liquidation Value AuctionMarketPreferredSecuritiesStockSeriesLiquidationValue	3000000000	USD
CY2008Q4	ge	Number Of Common Stock Shares Warrants Can Purchase NumberOfCommonStockSharesWarrantsCanPurchase	134831460	shares
CY2008Q4	ge	Par Value Of Common Stock That Warrants Can Purchase ParValueOfCommonStockThatWarrantsCanPurchase	0.06
CY2008Q4	ge	Proceeds From Issuance Of Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock And Warrants ProceedsFromIssuanceOfCumulativePerpetualPreferredStockAndWarrants	2965000000	USD
CY2008Q4	ge	Value Allocated To Preferred Shares ValueAllocatedToPreferredShares	2494000000	USD
CY2008Q4	ge	Value Allocated To Warrants ValueAllocatedToWarrants	471000000	USD
CY2008Q4	us-gaap	Class Of Warrant Or Right Exercise Price Of Warrants Or Rights ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights	22.25
CY2008Q4	ge	Percentage Of Liquidation Value Plus Accrued And Unpaid Dividends That Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock Is Redeemable At PercentageOfLiquidationValuePlusAccruedAndUnpaidDividendsThatCumulativePerpetualPreferredStockIsRedeemableAt	1.1	pure
CY2011Q3	ge	Preferred Stock Redemption Price PreferredStockRedemptionPrice	3300000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Stock Repurchase Program Authorized Amount StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount	25000000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Stock Repurchased During Period Shares StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares	248600000	shares
CY2012	us-gaap	Stock Repurchased During Period Value StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue	5185000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Stock Repurchased During Period Shares StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodShares	111300000	shares
CY2011	us-gaap	Stock Repurchased During Period Value StockRepurchasedDuringPeriodValue	1968000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Increase In Stock Repurchase Program Number Of Shares Authorized To Be Repurchased IncreaseInStockRepurchaseProgramNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchased	10000000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Number Of Trading Days Preceding Date Of Cashless Exercise Average Market Price NumberOfTradingDaysPrecedingDateOfCashlessExerciseAverageMarketPrice	20	pure
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Common Stock Shares Authorized CommonStockSharesAuthorized	13200000000	shares
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare	0.06
CY2013Q1	ge	Increase In Stock Repurchase Program Number Of Shares Authorized To Be Repurchased IncreaseInStockRepurchaseProgramNumberOfSharesAuthorizedToBeRepurchased	10000000000	USD
CY2013Q1	us-gaap	Stock Repurchase Program Authorized Amount StockRepurchaseProgramAuthorizedAmount	35000000000	USD
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Preferred Stock Shares Authorized PreferredStockSharesAuthorized	50000000	shares
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Common Stock Shares Issued CommonStockSharesIssued	11693841000	shares
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Common Stock Shares Issued CommonStockSharesIssued	11693841000	shares
CY2010Q4	us-gaap	Common Stock Shares Issued CommonStockSharesIssued	11693841000	shares
CY2010Q4	us-gaap	Treasury Stock Shares TreasuryStockShares	1078465000	shares
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Treasury Stock Shares TreasuryStockShares	1120824000	shares
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Treasury Stock Shares TreasuryStockShares	1288216000	shares
CY2010Q4	us-gaap	Common Stock Shares Outstanding CommonStockSharesOutstanding	10615376000	shares
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax	-20230000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax	-23974000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Adjustment To Reclass Unrealized Gains To Offset Deferred Acquisition Costs And Present Value Of Future Profits AdjustmentToReclassUnrealizedGainsToOffsetDeferredAcquisitionCostsAndPresentValueOfFutureProfits	527000000	USD
CY2011	ge	Adjustment To Reclass Unrealized Gains To Offset Deferred Acquisition Costs And Present Value Of Future Profits AdjustmentToReclassUnrealizedGainsToOffsetDeferredAcquisitionCostsAndPresentValueOfFutureProfits	786000000	USD
CY2010	ge	Adjustment To Reclass Unrealized Gains To Offset Deferred Acquisition Costs And Present Value Of Future Profits AdjustmentToReclassUnrealizedGainsToOffsetDeferredAcquisitionCostsAndPresentValueOfFutureProfits	1171000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Share Based Compensation Arrangements Number Awards Outstanding ShareBasedCompensationArrangementsNumberAwardsOutstanding	483265000	shares
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Options Outstanding Weighted Average Exercise Price ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardOptionsOutstandingWeightedAverageExercisePrice	19.27
CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Number Of Shares Available For Grant ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardNumberOfSharesAvailableForGrant	459339000	shares
CY2012	ge	Net Earnings Due To Change In Noncontrolling Interest NetEarningsDueToChangeInNoncontrollingInterest	223000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Minority Interest Decrease From Redemptions MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions	0	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Noncontrolling Interest Decrease From Deconsolidation NoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromDeconsolidation	0	USD
CY2011	ge	Net Earnings Due To Change In Noncontrolling Interest NetEarningsDueToChangeInNoncontrollingInterest	292000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Minority Interest Decrease From Redemptions MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions	3070000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Noncontrolling Interest Decrease From Deconsolidation NoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromDeconsolidation	609000000	USD
CY2009Q4	us-gaap	Minority Interest MinorityInterest	7845000000	USD
CY2010	ge	Net Earnings Due To Change In Noncontrolling Interest NetEarningsDueToChangeInNoncontrollingInterest	535000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Minority Interest Decrease From Redemptions MinorityInterestDecreaseFromRedemptions	1878000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Noncontrolling Interest Decrease From Deconsolidation NoncontrollingInterestDecreaseFromDeconsolidation	979000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Minority Interest Decrease From Distributions To Noncontrolling Interest Holders MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders	42000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Minority Interest Decrease From Distributions To Noncontrolling Interest Holders MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders	34000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Minority Interest Decrease From Distributions To Noncontrolling Interest Holders MinorityInterestDecreaseFromDistributionsToNoncontrollingInterestHolders	317000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Impact On Non Controlling Interest Of Issuance Of Preferred Stock ImpactOnNonControllingInterestOfIssuanceOfPreferredStock	3960000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Changes To Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income And Other Impact On Non Controlling Interest ChangesToAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAndOtherImpactOnNonControllingInterest	-393000000	USD
CY2011	ge	Impact On Non Controlling Interest Of Issuance Of Preferred Stock ImpactOnNonControllingInterestOfIssuanceOfPreferredStock	0	USD
CY2011	ge	Changes To Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income And Other Impact On Non Controlling Interest ChangesToAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAndOtherImpactOnNonControllingInterest	-145000000	USD
CY2010	ge	Impact On Non Controlling Interest Of Issuance Of Preferred Stock ImpactOnNonControllingInterestOfIssuanceOfPreferredStock	0	USD
CY2010	ge	Changes To Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income And Other Impact On Non Controlling Interest ChangesToAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAndOtherImpactOnNonControllingInterest	56000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Purchases Of Shares Value Reflected In Noncontrolling Interest PurchasesOfSharesValueReflectedInNoncontrollingInterest	3070000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Purchases Of Shares Recorded As Reduction In Additional Paid In Capital PurchasesOfSharesRecordedAsReductionInAdditionalPaidInCapital	222000000	USD
CY2012Q2	us-gaap	Preferred Stock Shares Issued PreferredStockSharesIssued	40000	shares
CY2012	ge	Dividend Amount Paid By Finance Subsidiary To Parent DividendAmountPaidByFinanceSubsidiaryToParent	1926000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Special Dividend Paid By Finance Subsidiary To Parent SpecialDividendPaidByFinanceSubsidiaryToParent	4500000000	USD
CY2012Q2	ge	Proceeds From Issuance Of Preferred Stock ProceedsFromIssuanceOfPreferredStock	3960000000	USD
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CY2012	ge	Share Based Compensation Shares Authorized Under Stock Option Plans Vesting Period Years Lower Range Limit ShareBasedCompensationSharesAuthorizedUnderStockOptionPlansVestingPeriodYearsLowerRangeLimit	one
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CY2010	ge	Excess Of Actual Tax Deductions Over Amounts Assumed Recognized In Shareowners Equity ExcessOfActualTaxDeductionsOverAmountsAssumedRecognizedInShareownersEquity	insignificant
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CY2010Q4	ge	Non Cash Transactions Foreclosed Properties And Repossessed Assets NonCashTransactionsForeclosedPropertiesAndRepossessedAssets	1915000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Individually Insignificant Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements IndividuallyInsignificantNonrecurringFairValueMeasurements	287000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Ordinary Course Of Business Lending Commitments OrdinaryCourseOfBusinessLendingCommitments	3708000000	USD
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CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Value FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetValue	3146000000	USD
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CY2012Q4	ge	Individually Insignificant Recurring Fair Value Measurements IndividuallyInsignificantRecurringFairValueMeasurements	370000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Netting Adjustment Of Derivative Gross Assets NettingAdjustmentOfDerivativeGrossAssets	2801000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Netting Adjustment Of Derivative Gross Assets NettingAdjustmentOfDerivativeGrossAssets	3294000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Netting Adjustment Of Derivative Gross Liability NettingAdjustmentOfDerivativeGrossLiability	-3281000000	USD
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CY2012Q4	ge	Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Assets Net Of Master Netting Agreement DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetsNetOfMasterNettingAgreement	3940000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Assets Net Of Master Netting Agreement DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAssetsNetOfMasterNettingAgreement	10041000000	USD
CY2011Q4	ge	Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability Net Of Master Netting Agreement DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityNetOfMasterNettingAgreement	729000000	USD
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CY2012Q4	ge	Cash Collateral Posted For Derivatives Liability CashCollateralPostedForDerivativesLiability	391000000	USD
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CY2011Q4	ge	Cash Collateral Posted For Derivatives Assets CashCollateralPostedForDerivativesAssets	2310000000	USD
CY2012Q4	ge	Cash Collateral Posted For Derivatives Assets CashCollateralPostedForDerivativesAssets	5125000000	USD
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CY2011Q4	ge	Non Cash Transactions Foreclosed Properties And Repossessed Assets NonCashTransactionsForeclosedPropertiesAndRepossessedAssets	859000000	USD
CY2009Q4	us-gaap	Standard Product Warranty Accrual StandardProductWarrantyAccrual	1641000000	USD
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CY2011	us-gaap	Standard Product Warranty Accrual Preexisting Increase Decrease StandardProductWarrantyAccrualPreexistingIncreaseDecrease	866000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Standard Product Warranty Accrual Preexisting Increase Decrease StandardProductWarrantyAccrualPreexistingIncreaseDecrease	491000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Standard Product Warranty Accrual Payments StandardProductWarrantyAccrualPayments	710000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Standard Product Warranty Accrual Payments StandardProductWarrantyAccrualPayments	881000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Standard Product Warranty Accrual Payments StandardProductWarrantyAccrualPayments	723000000	USD
CY2012	ge	Other Product Warranty Liability Changes OtherProductWarrantyLiabilityChanges	-12000000	USD
CY2011	ge	Other Product Warranty Liability Changes OtherProductWarrantyLiabilityChanges	117000000	USD
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CY2010Q4	us-gaap	Standard Product Warranty Accrual StandardProductWarrantyAccrual	1405000000	USD
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CY2010	ge	Net Dispositions Purchases Of Shares For Treasury NetDispositionsPurchasesOfSharesForTreasury	-1263000000	USD
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CY2010	us-gaap	Revenues From Transactions With Other Operating Segments Of Same Entity RevenuesFromTransactionsWithOtherOperatingSegmentsOfSameEntity	0	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Revenues From External Customers RevenuesFromExternalCustomers	147359000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Revenues From External Customers RevenuesFromExternalCustomers	147288000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Revenues From External Customers RevenuesFromExternalCustomers	149567000000	USD
CY2010Q4	us-gaap	Assets Assets	748491000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Property Plant And Equipment Additions PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions	15382000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Property Plant And Equipment Additions PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions	13567000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Property Plant And Equipment Additions PropertyPlantAndEquipmentAdditions	9821000000	USD
CY2012	us-gaap	Interest Expense InterestExpense	12508000000	USD
CY2011	us-gaap	Interest Expense InterestExpense	14528000000	USD
CY2010	us-gaap	Interest Expense InterestExpense	15537000000	USD
CY2012Q1	us-gaap	Income Loss From Continuing Operations Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest	3289000000	USD
CY2012Q1	us-gaap	Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax	-217000000	USD
CY2012Q1	us-gaap	Profit Loss ProfitLoss	3072000000	USD
CY2012Q1	us-gaap	Net Income Loss Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest	38000000	USD
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CY2012Q1	us-gaap	Preferred Stock Dividends Income Statement Impact PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact	0	USD
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CY2011Q1	us-gaap	Income Loss From Continuing Operations Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest	3492000000	USD
CY2011Q1	us-gaap	Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax	35000000	USD
CY2011Q1	us-gaap	Profit Loss ProfitLoss	3527000000	USD
CY2011Q1	us-gaap	Net Income Loss Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest	94000000	USD
CY2011Q1	us-gaap	Net Income Loss NetIncomeLoss	3433000000	USD
CY2011Q1	us-gaap	Preferred Stock Dividends Income Statement Impact PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact	75000000	USD
CY2011Q1	us-gaap	Net Income Loss Available To Common Stockholders Basic NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic	3358000000	USD
CY2011Q2	us-gaap	Income Loss From Continuing Operations Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest	3644000000	USD
CY2011Q2	us-gaap	Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax	194000000	USD
CY2011Q2	us-gaap	Profit Loss ProfitLoss	3838000000	USD
CY2011Q2	us-gaap	Net Income Loss Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest	74000000	USD
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CY2011Q2	us-gaap	Preferred Stock Dividends Income Statement Impact PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact	75000000	USD
CY2011Q2	us-gaap	Net Income Loss Available To Common Stockholders Basic NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic	3689000000	USD
CY2012Q2	us-gaap	Income Loss From Continuing Operations Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest	3691000000	USD
CY2012Q2	us-gaap	Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax	-553000000	USD
CY2012Q2	us-gaap	Profit Loss ProfitLoss	3138000000	USD
CY2012Q2	us-gaap	Net Income Loss Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest	33000000	USD
CY2012Q2	us-gaap	Net Income Loss NetIncomeLoss	3105000000	USD
CY2012Q2	us-gaap	Net Income Loss Available To Common Stockholders Basic NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic	3105000000	USD
CY2012Q2	us-gaap	Preferred Stock Dividends Income Statement Impact PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact	0	USD
CY2012Q3	us-gaap	Income Loss From Continuing Operations Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest	3471000000	USD
CY2012Q3	us-gaap	Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax	37000000	USD
CY2012Q3	us-gaap	Profit Loss ProfitLoss	3508000000	USD
CY2012Q3	us-gaap	Net Income Loss Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest	17000000	USD
CY2012Q3	us-gaap	Net Income Loss NetIncomeLoss	3491000000	USD
CY2012Q3	us-gaap	Preferred Stock Dividends Income Statement Impact PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact	0	USD
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CY2011Q3	us-gaap	Income Loss From Continuing Operations Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest	3330000000	USD
CY2011Q3	us-gaap	Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTax	-65000000	USD
CY2011Q3	us-gaap	Profit Loss ProfitLoss	3265000000	USD
CY2011Q3	us-gaap	Net Income Loss Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest	41000000	USD
CY2011Q3	us-gaap	Net Income Loss NetIncomeLoss	3224000000	USD
CY2011Q3	us-gaap	Preferred Stock Dividends Income Statement Impact PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact	881000000	USD
CY2011Q3	us-gaap	Net Income Loss Available To Common Stockholders Basic NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic	2343000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Income Loss From Continuing Operations Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest	4053000000	USD
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CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Profit Loss ProfitLoss	3813000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Net Income Loss Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest	83000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Net Income Loss NetIncomeLoss	3730000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Preferred Stock Dividends Income Statement Impact PreferredStockDividendsIncomeStatementImpact	0	USD
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CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Profit Loss ProfitLoss	4146000000	USD
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CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Net Income Loss NetIncomeLoss	4011000000	USD
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CY2012Q3	us-gaap	Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Per Diluted Share IncomeLossFromDiscontinuedOperationsNetOfTaxPerDilutedShare	0
CY2011Q3	us-gaap	Revenues Revenues	12015000000	USD
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CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Sales Revenue Net SalesRevenueNet	26744000000	USD
CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Revenues Revenues	11577000000	USD
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CY2011Q4	us-gaap	Income Loss From Continuing Operations IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations	1420000000	USD
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CY2012Q4	us-gaap	Revenues Revenues	11770000000	USD
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CY2011Q3	us-gaap	Gross Profit GrossProfit	6376000000	USD
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CY2012Q3	us-gaap	Sales Revenue Net SalesRevenueNet	24749000000	USD
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CY2012Q3	us-gaap	Revenues Revenues	11369000000	USD
CY2012Q3	us-gaap	Income Loss From Continuing Operations IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations	1568000000	USD
CY2012Q2	us-gaap	Sales Revenue Net SalesRevenueNet	25138000000	USD
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CY2012Q2	us-gaap	Revenues Revenues	11458000000	USD
CY2012Q2	us-gaap	Income Loss From Continuing Operations IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations	1569000000	USD
CY2011Q2	us-gaap	Sales Revenue Net SalesRevenueNet	22961000000	USD
CY2011Q2	us-gaap	Gross Profit GrossProfit	5488000000	USD
CY2011Q2	us-gaap	Revenues Revenues	12440000000	USD
CY2011Q2	us-gaap	Income Loss From Continuing Operations IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations	1810000000	USD
CY2011Q1	us-gaap	Sales Revenue Net SalesRevenueNet	22102000000	USD
CY2011Q1	us-gaap	Gross Profit GrossProfit	5273000000	USD
CY2011Q1	us-gaap	Revenues Revenues	13036000000	USD
CY2011Q1	us-gaap	Income Loss From Continuing Operations IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations	1825000000	USD
CY2012Q1	us-gaap	Sales Revenue Net SalesRevenueNet	23687000000	USD
CY2012Q1	us-gaap	Gross Profit GrossProfit	5653000000	USD
CY2012Q1	us-gaap	Revenues Revenues	11442000000	USD
CY2012Q1	us-gaap	Income Loss From Continuing Operations IncomeLossFromContinuingOperations	1575000000	USD

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$GE
GENERAL ELECTRIC CO Stock $ge

2012 Q4 Form 10-K Financial Statement

#000004054513000036 Filed on February 26, 2013

Income Statement

Balance Sheet

Cashflow Statement

Facts In Submission

Files In Submission

$GE GENERAL ELECTRIC CO Stock $ge

2012 Q4 Form 10-K Financial Statement

#000004054513000036 Filed on February 26, 2013

Income Statement

Balance Sheet

Cashflow Statement

Facts In Submission

Files In Submission

$GE
GENERAL ELECTRIC CO Stock $ge