Business Combination - Summary of Pro Forma Financial Information (Parenthetical) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Business Acquisition Pro Forma Information Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Net income		$ 94	$ 79	$ 154
Restructuring and integration costs	$ 31		106
Transaction costs	5		45
Debt extinguishment costs			10
Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V. [Member]
Business Acquisition Pro Forma Information Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Restructuring and integration costs	24		90
Transaction costs	4		35
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	$ 28		$ 136
Chicago Bridge & Iron Company N.V. [Member] | Elimination of Restructuring Costs [Member]
Business Acquisition Pro Forma Information Nonrecurring Adjustment [Line Items]
Net income		$ 17		$ 20