| Cover Page | Jul. 31, 2019 |
| Cover page. | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jul. 31, 2019 |
| Entity Registrant Name | General Electric Co |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000040545 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | NY |
| Entity File Number | 001-00035 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 14-0689340 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | 41 Farnsworth Street, |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Boston, |
| Entity Address, State or Province | MA |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | 02210 |
| City Area Code | 617 |
| Local Phone Number | 443-3000 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, par value $0.06 per share |
| Trading Symbol | GE |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
