Business Combination - Summary of Pro Forma Financial Information (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Business Acquisition Pro Forma Information Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Net income	$ 45	$ 36	$ 79	$ 60
Restructuring and integration costs	63		75
Transaction costs	37		40
Debt extinguishment costs			10
Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V. [Member]
Business Acquisition Pro Forma Information Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Restructuring and integration costs	54		62
Transaction costs	29		36
Debt extinguishment costs	11		11
Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V. [Member] | Elimination of Restructuring, Integration and Transaction Costs and Debt Extinguishment Costs [Member]
Business Acquisition Pro Forma Information Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Net income	$ 94		$ 109