| Cover Page | Jul. 29, 2020 |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Jul. 29, 2020 |
| 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 | 5 Necco 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 |
| Common Stock | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Common stock, par value $0.06 per share |
| Trading Symbol | GE |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Floating Rate Notes Due 2020 | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Floating Rate Notes due 2020 |
| Trading Symbol | GE 20E |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 0.375% Notes Due 2022 | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 0.375% Notes due 2022 |
| Trading Symbol | GE 22A |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 1.250% Notes Due 2023 | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 1.250% Notes due 2023 |
| Trading Symbol | GE 23E |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 0.875% Notes Due 2025 | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 0.875% Notes due 2025 |
| Trading Symbol | GE 25 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 1.875% Notes Due 2027 | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 1.875% Notes due 2027 |
| Trading Symbol | GE 27E |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 1.500% Notes Due 2029 | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 1.500% Notes due 2029 |
| Trading Symbol | GE 29 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 7.5% Guaranteed Subordinated Notes Due 2035 | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 7 1/2% Guaranteed Subordinated Notes due 2035 |
| Trading Symbol | GE /35 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| 2.125% Notes Due 2037 | |
| Entity Information [Line Items] | |
| Title of 12(b) Security | 2.125% Notes due 2037 |
| Trading Symbol | GE 37 |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
