Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 198	[1]	$ 196	[1]	$ 190
Goodwill related to acquisitions	96				1
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments	(5)		2		5
Balance at end of period	289	[1]	198	[1]	196	[1]
General Rentals [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	105		103		97
Goodwill related to acquisitions	65				1
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments	(3)		2		5
Balance at end of period	167		105		103
Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss	1,557
Trench Safety, Power and HVAC [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Balance at beginning of period	93		93		93
Goodwill related to acquisitions	31				0
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments	(2)		0		0
Balance at end of period	$ 122		$ 93		$ 93

[1] The total carrying amount of goodwill for all periods in the table above is reflected net of $1,557 of accumulated impairment charges, which were primarily recorded in our general rentals segment.