Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 289	[1]
Goodwill related to acquisitions	2,698	[1]
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments	7	[1]
Balance at end of period	2,994	[1]
General Rentals [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	167
Goodwill related to acquisitions	2,657
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments	5
Balance at end of period	2,829
Accumulated impairment charges	1,557
Trench Safety, Power and HVAC [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	122
Goodwill related to acquisitions	41
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments	2
Balance at end of period	$ 165

[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.