Consolidated and Combined Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 283	$ (391)	$ 185
Less: Net income attributable to GE O&G pre-merger	0	42	254
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	88	(330)	(69)
Net income (loss) attributable to Baker Hughes, a GE company	195	(103)	0
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Investment securities	(3)	4	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(502)	(14)	(416)
Cash flow hedges	(4)	12	(8)
Benefit plans	(64)	55	54
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(573)	57	(370)
Less: Other comprehensive loss attributable to GE O&G pre-merger	0	(69)	(356)
Less: Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(343)	80	(14)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable Baker Hughes, a GE company	(230)	46	0
Comprehensive loss	(290)	(334)	(185)
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to GE O&G pre-merger	0	(27)	(102)
Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(255)	(250)	(83)
Comprehensive loss attributable to Baker Hughes, a GE company	$ (35)	$ (57)	$ 0