Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 Region
General Rentals [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Number of Geographic Regions Entity Operates In	7
General Construction And Industrial Equipment [Member] | General Rentals [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Revenue Rentals Net Percentage	41.00%
Aerial Work Platforms [Member] | General Rentals [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Revenue Rentals Net Percentage	39.00%
General Tools And Light Equipment [Member] | General Rentals [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Revenue Rentals Net Percentage	8.00%
Trench Safety Equipment [Member] | Trench Safety, Power and HVAC [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Revenue Rentals Net Percentage	6.00%
Power And HVAC Equipment [Member] | Trench Safety, Power and HVAC [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Revenue Rentals Net Percentage	6.00%