Segment Information (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
General Rentals [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Number of geographic regions entity operates in (in locations)	12
General Construction And Industrial Equipment [Member] | General Rentals [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Percentage of equipment rental revenue	45.00%	41.00%	41.00%
Aerial Work Platforms [Member] | General Rentals [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Percentage of equipment rental revenue	36.00%	39.00%	40.00%
General Tools And Light Equipment [Member] | General Rentals [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Percentage of equipment rental revenue	9.00%	8.00%	9.00%
Trench Safety Equipment [Member] | Trench Safety, Power and HVAC [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Percentage of equipment rental revenue	4.00%	6.00%	5.00%
Power And HVAC Equipment [Member] | Trench Safety, Power and HVAC [Member]
Product Information [Line Items]
Percentage of equipment rental revenue	6.00%	6.00%	5.00%