Reconciliations of depreciation and amortization (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2018
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization
Total depreciation and amortization	$ 645	$ 698	$ 1,933	$ 2,065
Reportable Segments
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization
Total depreciation and amortization	553	579	1,643	1,719
All Other operating segments
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization
Total depreciation and amortization	53	55	158	170
Cost Centers
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization
Total depreciation and amortization	35	33	100	96
Other
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization
Total depreciation and amortization	4	31	32	80
Machinery, Energy & Transportation | Reportable Segments
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization
Total depreciation and amortization	344	367	1,021	1,092
Machinery, Energy & Transportation | Operating Segments
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization
Total depreciation and amortization	428	477	1,283	1,410
Machinery, Energy & Transportation | Operating Segments | Reportable Segments
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization
Total depreciation and amortization	344	367	1,021	1,092
Machinery, Energy & Transportation | Operating Segments | All Other operating segments
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization
Total depreciation and amortization	53	55	158	170
Machinery, Energy & Transportation | Operating Segments | Cost Centers
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization
Total depreciation and amortization	35	33	100	96
Machinery, Energy & Transportation | Operating Segments | Other
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization
Total depreciation and amortization	(4)	22	4	52
Financial Products | Operating Segments
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization
Total depreciation and amortization	217	221	650	655
Financial Products | Operating Segments | Reportable Segments
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization
Total depreciation and amortization	209	212	622	627
Financial Products | Operating Segments | All Other operating segments
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization
Total depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	0
Financial Products | Operating Segments | Cost Centers
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization
Total depreciation and amortization	0	0	0	0
Financial Products | Operating Segments | Other
Reconciliation of Depreciation and amortization
Total depreciation and amortization	$ 8	$ 9	$ 28	$ 28