| Cover | Sep. 12, 2019 |
| Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 12, 2019 |
| Entity File Number | 001-00035 |
| Entity Registrant Name | General Electric Co |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0000040545 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 14-0689340 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | NY |
| 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 |
| Elected Not To Use the Extended Transition Period | false |
| Common Stock [Member] | |
| Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, par value $0.06 per share |
| Trading Symbol | GE |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Notes 0. 375 Percentdue 2022 [Member] | |
| Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 0.375% Notes due 2022 |
| Trading Symbol | GE22A |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Notes 0. 875 Percentdue 2025 [Member] | |
| Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 0.875% Notes due 2025 |
| Trading Symbol | GE25 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Notes 1. 500 Percentdue 2029 [Member] | |
| Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 1.500% Notes due 2029 |
| Trading Symbol | GE29 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Notes 2. 125 Percentdue 2037 [Member] | |
| Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 2.125% Notes due 2037 |
| Trading Symbol | GE37 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Notes 1. 250 Percentdue 2023 [Member] | |
| Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 1.250% Notes due 2023 |
| Trading Symbol | GE23E |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Notes 1. 875 Percentdue 2027 [Member] | |
| Schedule of Capitalization, Equity [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 1.875% Notes due 2027 |
| Trading Symbol | GE27E |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
