Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Sep. 30, 2011		Jun. 30, 2011		Mar. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Sep. 30, 2010		Jun. 30, 2010		Mar. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 746	[1]	$ 713		$ 629		$ 523		$ 597	[2]	$ 605		$ 557		$ 478		$ 2,611		$ 2,237		$ 2,358
Gross profit	275	[1]	274		211		138		175	[2]	209		171		103		898		658		610
Operating income	115	[1]	156		95		30		47	[2]	93		59		(2)		396		197		114
Income (loss) from continuing operations	28	[1]	65		28		(20)		(17)	[2]	23		12		(40)		101		(22)		(60)
Income (loss) from continuing operations - basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.45	[1]	$ 1.04		$ 0.45		$ (0.34)		$ (0.29)	[2]	$ 0.37		$ 0.20		$ (0.67)		$ 1.62		$ (0.38)		$ (0.98)
Income (loss) from continuing operations - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.39	[1],[3]	$ 0.91	[3]	$ 0.38	[3]	$ (0.34)	[3]	$ (0.29)	[2],[3]	$ 0.33	[3]	$ 0.18	[3]	$ (0.67)	[3]	$ 1.38	[3]	$ (0.38)	[3]	$ (0.98)
Net income (loss)	$ 29	[1]	$ 65		$ 27		$ (20)		$ (21)	[2]	$ 23		$ 12		$ (40)		$ 101		$ (26)		$ (62)
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract]
RSC merger relatd costs (in dollars per share)	$ (0.25)	[4]	$ 0.00		$ 0.00		$ 0.00										$ (0.25)	[4]
Restructuring charge (in dollars per share)	$ (0.12)	[5]	$ (0.01)	[5]	$ (0.01)	[5]	$ (0.01)	[5]	$ (0.15)	[5]	$ (0.06)	[5]	$ (0.06)	[5]	$ (0.06)	[5]	$ (0.16)	[5]	$ (0.34)	[5]
Losses on repurchase/retirement of debt securities and subordinated convertible debentures, and ABL amendment (in dollars per share)	$ (0.03)	[6]	$ 0.00	[6]	$ 0.00	[6]	$ (0.01)	[6]	$ (0.24)	[6]	$ 0.00	[6]	$ 0.01	[6]	$ (0.04)	[6]	$ (0.04)	[6]	$ (0.28)	[6]
Asset impairment charge (in dollars per share)	$ (0.03)	[7]	$ 0.00	[7]	$ (0.01)	[7]	$ 0.00	[7]	$ (0.06)	[7]	$ (0.01)	[7]	$ (0.02)	[7]	$ 0.00	[7]	$ (0.04)	[7]	$ (0.09)	[7]

[1] During the fourth quarter of 2011, we recognized $19 of charges associated with the proposed RSC merger. Additionally, during the quarter, we closed 18 branches and recognized restructuring charges of $14. During the quarter, we also recognized asset impairment charges of $3 which are primarily reflected in non-rental depreciation and amortization and principally relate to write-offs of leasehold improvements and other fixed assets in connection with the consolidation of our branch network. In the quarter, we also purchased an aggregate of $32 of QUIPS for $32. In connection with this transaction, we retired $32 principal amount of our subordinated convertible debentures and recognized a loss of $1 in interest expense-subordinated convertible debentures, net, inclusive of the write-off of capitalized debt issuance costs. Interest expense, net for the fourth quarter of 2011 also includes a loss of $3 reflecting write-offs of debt issuance costs associated with the amendment of our ABL facility discussed above. During the quarter, we also recognized a benefit of $8 in cost of equipment rentals, excluding depreciation related to our provision for self-insurance reserves.

[2] During the fourth quarter of 2010, we repurchased or redeemed and subsequently retired an aggregate of $814 principal amount of our outstanding 7 3/4 percent Senior Subordinated Notes due 2013, 7 percent Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014 and 1 7/8 percent Convertible Senior Subordinated Notes due 2023. Interest expense, net for the fourth quarter of 2010 includes a charge of $25, representing the difference between the net carrying amount of these securities and the total purchase price of $827. The $25 charge includes a $4 write-off of a previously terminated derivative transaction. During the quarter, we also recognized restructuring charges of $15 related to the closure of 22 branches and reductions in headcount of approximately 100, and recognized asset impairment charges of $6. These asset impairment charges are primarily reflected in non-rental depreciation and amortization and principally relate to write-offs of leasehold improvement and other fixed assets in connection with the consolidation of our branch network. Additionally, the income tax provision (benefit) for the quarter includes a benefit of $7 related to a correction of a deferred tax asset recognized in prior periods. During the quarter, we also recognized a charge of $24 related to our provision for self-insurance reserves, comprised of $18 recorded in cost of equipment rentals, excluding depreciation, and $6 recorded in discontinued operation. The charge reflected recent adverse experience in our portfolio of automobile and general liability claims, as well as worker’s compensation claims. The discontinued operation component of the charge is reflected net of taxes in our consolidated statements of income.

[3] Diluted earnings (loss) per share from continuing operations includes the after-tax impacts of the following: First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter Full YearFor the year ended December 31, 2011: RSC merger related costs (4)$— $— $— $(0.25) $(0.25)Restructuring charge (5)(0.01) (0.01) (0.01) (0.12) (0.16)Losses on repurchase/retirement of debt securities and subordinated convertible debentures, and ABL amendment (6)(0.01) — — (0.03) (0.04)Asset impairment charge (7)— (0.01) — (0.03) (0.04)For the year ended December 31, 2010: Restructuring charge (5)(0.06) $(0.06) $(0.06) $(0.15) $(0.34)(Losses) gains on repurchase/retirement of debt securities (6)(0.04) 0.01 — (0.24) (0.28)Asset impairment charge (7)— (0.02) (0.01) (0.06) (0.09)

[4] This relates to transaction costs associated with the proposed RSC merger discussed above (see note 1 “Organization, Description of Business and Consolidation”).

[5] As discussed above (see note 5 “Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges”), this relates to branch closure charges and severance costs.

[6] As discussed above (see notes 12 “Debt” and 13 "Subordinated Convertible Debentures"), this reflects (losses) gains on the repurchase/retirement of debt securities and subordinated convertible debentures, and write-offs of debt issuance costs associated with the October 2011 amendment of our ABL facility.

[7] As discussed above (see note 5 “Restructuring and Asset Impairment Charges”), this non-cash charge primarily reflects write-offs of leasehold improvements and other fixed assets.