Segment Information (Reconciliation to income (loss) from continuing operations) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Gross profit from other lines of business	$ 688	$ 564	$ 1,725		$ 1,420
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(194)	(167)	(549)		(479)
Merger related costs	(4)	0	(13)		(8)
Restructuring charge	2	(1)	2	[1]	(12)
Non-rental depreciation and amortization	(70)	(59)	(200)		(185)
Interest expense, net	(124)	(121)	(436)		(357)
Interest expense- subordinated convertible debentures	0	0	0		(3)
Other income, net	5	2	10		3
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes	303	218	539		379
Equipment rentals
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Gross profit from other lines of business	599	497	1,481		1,220
Other lines of business
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Gross profit from other lines of business	$ 89	$ 67	$ 244		$ 200

[1] Reflected in our condensed consolidated statements of income as “Restructuring charge.” The income for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 primarily reflects buyouts or settlements of real estate leases for less than the recognized reserves. These charges are not allocated to our reportable segments.