Segment information (Details 6) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	$ 2,877	$ 3,034	$ 3,046
Reportable segments
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	2,387	2,591	2,686
All Other operating segments
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	220	219	205
Cost Centers
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	143	156	154
Other
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	127	68	1
Machinery, Energy & Transportation | Reportable segments
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	1,567	1,742	1,838
Machinery, Energy & Transportation | Business
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	2,016	2,144	2,164
Machinery, Energy & Transportation | Business | Reportable segments
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	1,567	1,742	1,838
Machinery, Energy & Transportation | Business | All Other operating segments
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	220	219	205
Machinery, Energy & Transportation | Business | Cost Centers
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	143	156	154
Machinery, Energy & Transportation | Business | Other
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	86	27	(33)
Financial Products | Business
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	861	890	882
Financial Products | Business | Reportable segments
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization:
Total depreciation and amortization	820	849	848
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	$ 41	$ 34