Cumulative impairments recognized in earnings associated with debt securities still held.

No definition available.

Name:	gecc_CumulativeImpairmentsRecognizedInEarnings
Namespace Prefix:	gecc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

ncrementaThe amount of incremental charged recognized during the year on previously imparied investment securities. Charges On Previously Impaired Investment Securities

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gecc_IncrementalChargesOnPreviouslyImpairedInvestmentSecurities
Namespace Prefix:	gecc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Marketable Securities Realized Gain Loss Other Than Temporary Impairments Amount Included In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gecc_MarketableSecuritiesRealizedGainLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsAmountIncludedInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncome
Namespace Prefix:	gecc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Impairment losses that were other than temporary and were recorded in through earnings.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gecc_OtherThanTemporaryFirstTimeImpairmentsOfInvestmentSecuritiesRecognizedInEarnings
Namespace Prefix:	gecc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount represents the other than temporary impairments recorded through earnings related to equity securities.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gecc_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentRelatedToEquitySecurities
Namespace Prefix:	gecc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Other Than Temporary Impairment Related To Securities Subsequently Sold

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	gecc_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentRelatedToSecuritiesSubsequentlySold
Namespace Prefix:	gecc_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Details

Name:	invest_InvestmentLineItems
Namespace Prefix:	invest_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This item represents the cost of debt and equity securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, net of adjustments including accretion, amortization, collection of cash, previous other-than-temporary impairments recognized in earnings (less any cumulative-effect adjustments recognized, as defined), and fair value hedge accounting adjustments, if any.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.2)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)

-Number FAS115-1/124-1

-Paragraph 7

-Footnote 2

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 115

-Paragraph 19

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item represents Available-for-sale Securities which consist of all investments in certain debt and equity securities neither classified as trading or held-to-maturity securities. A debt security represents a creditor relationship with an enterprise. Debt securities include, among other items, US Treasury securities, US government securities, municipal securities, corporate bonds, convertible debt, commercial paper, and all securitized debt instruments. An equity security represents an ownership interest in an enterprise or the right to acquire or dispose of an ownership interest in an enterprise at fixed or determinable prices. Equity securities include, among other things, common stock, certain preferred stock, warrant rights, call options, and put options, but do not include convertible debt. An entity may opt to provide the reader with additional narrative text to better understand the nature of investments in debt and equity securities which are categorized as Available-for-sale.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 25

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7534914&loc=d3e22054-111558

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 115

-Paragraph 12

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Available-for-Sale Securities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6505594

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This item represents the gross unrealized gains for securities, at a point in time, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 133

-Paragraph 22

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27161-111563

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 115

-Paragraph 13, 19

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedGain
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This item represents the gross unrealized losses for securities, at a point in time, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities.

+ References

No definition available.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossUnrealizedLosses1
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	instant

- Definition

This element represents the amount of loss recognized for other than temporary impairments (OTTI) of investments in debt and equity securities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 115

-Paragraph 16

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SAB TOPIC 5.M)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6784337&loc=d3e87990-122713

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_MarketableSecuritiesRealizedGainLossOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsAmount
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The amount by which the fair value of an investment in debt and equity securities categorized as Available-for-sale is less than the amortized cost basis or carrying amount of that investment at the balance sheet date and the decline in fair value is deemed to be other than temporary, before considering whether or not such amount is recognized in earnings or other comprehensive income.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)

-Number FAS115-1/124-1

-Paragraph 15D

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)

-Number FAS115-1/124-1

-Paragraph 15C

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Staff Position (FSP)

-Number FAS115-1/124-1

-Paragraph 22

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsAvailableforsaleSecurities
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The cash inflow associated with the sale of debt and equity securities classified as available-for-sale securities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 95

-Paragraph 16

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 11

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6871852&loc=d3e26853-111562

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Investing Activities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6516133

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 95

-Paragraph 16

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 115

-Paragraph 18

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 95

-Paragraph 15

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 12

-Subparagraph (a),(b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3179-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

This item represents the gain (loss) realized during the period from the sale of trading securities.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 9

-Subparagraph (e)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27357-111563

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 03

-Paragraph 7

-Subparagraph c

-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.7(c))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Trading Securities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6526789

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesRealizedGainLoss
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

Investment Securities (Investment) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012 Domestic Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Domestic Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Asset-backed Securities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Asset-backed Securities [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Foreign Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Foreign Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Foreign Government Debt Securities [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 US Treasury and Government [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 US Treasury and Government [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Retained Interest [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Retained Interest [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Trading Securities [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Trading Securities [Member]	Sep. 30, 2012 Total [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Total [Member]
Investment [Line Items]
Investment securities amortized cost					$ 20,264	$ 20,748	$ 4,032	$ 3,027	$ 2,360	$ 2,711	$ 2,975	$ 2,913	$ 5,588	$ 5,102	$ 2,550	$ 2,414	$ 1,812	$ 2,488	$ 3,480	$ 3,974	$ 27	$ 25	$ 480	$ 713	$ 263	$ 241	$ 43,831	$ 44,356
Investment securities gross unrealized gains					4,242	3,432	579	350	205	184	230	162	68	32	163	126	149	129	96	84	2	10	110	75	0	0	5,844	4,584
Investment securities gross unrealized loss					327	410	120	143	141	286	126	247	111	164	134	207	4	86	0	0	0	0	17	38	0	0	980	1,581
Investment securities estimated fair value					24,179	23,770	4,491	3,234	2,424	2,609	3,079	2,828	5,545	4,970	2,579	2,333	1,957	2,531	3,576	4,058	29	35	573	750	263	241	48,695	47,359
Net pre-tax gains (loss) on trading securities	1	(29)	37	26
Marketable securities OTTI amounts	25	86	90	270
Cumulative impairments recognized in earnings associated with debt securities	410	413	558	332
Marketable securities OTTI recorded in AOCI	0	18	1	84
Marketable Securities, Realized Loss, Other than Temporary Impairments, Amount	25	68	89	186
Incremental Charges On Previously Impaired Investment Securities	13	23	25	104
Other Than Temporary Impairment Related To Equity Securities	0	6	24	16
Other Than Temporary First Time Impairments Of Investment Securities Recognized In Earnings	0	37	10	57
Other Than Temporary Impairment Related To Securities Subsequently Sold	39	1	209	22
Proceeds from Sale of Available-for-sale Securities	$ 2,696	$ 3,466	$ 9,200	$ 13,438