Segment information (Details 6) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	$ 3,034	$ 3,046	$ 3,163
Reportable segments
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	2,591	2,686	2,837
All Other operating segments
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	219	205	187
Cost Centers
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	156	154	147
Other
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	68	1	(8)
Machinery, Energy & Transportation | Reportable segments
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	1,742	1,838	1,952
Machinery, Energy & Transportation | Business
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	2,144	2,164	2,253
Machinery, Energy & Transportation | Business | Reportable segments
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	1,742	1,838	1,952
Machinery, Energy & Transportation | Business | All Other operating segments
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	219	205	187
Machinery, Energy & Transportation | Business | Cost Centers
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	156	154	147
Machinery, Energy & Transportation | Business | Other
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	27	(33)	(33)
Financial Products | Business
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	890	882	910
Financial Products | Business | Reportable segments
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	849	848	885
Financial Products | Business | All Other operating segments
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	0	0	0
Financial Products | Business | Cost Centers
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	0	0	0
Financial Products | Business | Other
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	$ 41	$ 34	$ 25