v3.10.0.1
Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2018
Mar. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2018
Dec. 31, 2017
Dec. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Line Items]          
Foreign income before taxes     $ 855 $ 1,000 $ 871
Change in net deferred tax liability related to acquisitions     (1,900)    
Increase (decrease) in deferred income taxes     $ (167) $ 11 153
Federal corporate income tax rate     21.00% 35.00%  
Reduction of net deferred tax liabilities       $ 12,400  
Net tax benefit related to cumulative undistributed foreign earnings and foreign tax credits       382  
One-time repatriation tax on cumulative undistributed foreign earnings and profits       101  
Income tax benefit, 2018 tax reform legislation   $ 128      
Deferred tax liability attributable to temporary differences in other comprehensive income     $ 72    
Deferred tax related to purchase of noncontrolling interest     42    
Net deferred tax liability, franchise rights $ 15,000   15,000    
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards 1,926   1,926 481  
Liability for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, Noncurrent 1,012   1,012 809 $ 1,103
Unrecognized tax benefits that would impact effective tax rate 1,100   1,100    
Unrecognized tax benefits, interest on income taxes accrued 203   203 173  
Uncertain Tax Positions Indemnified by GE [Member]          
Income Taxes [Line Items]          
Liability for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, Noncurrent 153   153    
Unrecognized tax benefits, interest on income taxes accrued 56   56 $ 43  
Sky Limited [Member]          
Income Taxes [Line Items]          
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards 1,500   1,500    
Federal Tax Authority [Member]          
Income Taxes [Line Items]          
Operating loss carryforwards 268   268    
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]          
Income Taxes [Line Items]          
Operating loss carryforwards 6,600   6,600    
Sky Limited [Member]          
Income Taxes [Line Items]          
Change in net deferred tax liability related to acquisitions     $ (1,900)    
Increase (decrease) in deferred income taxes $ 244