Segment Information (Reconciliation to income (loss) from continuing operations) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012		Sep. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting, Measurement Disclosures [Abstract]
Total equipment rentals gross profit	$ 452	$ 233	$ 937		$ 510
Gross profit from other lines of business	53	41	155		113
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(164)	(103)	(412)		(298)
RSC merger related costs	(8)	0	(98)		0
Restructuring charge	(40)	(2)	(93)	[1]	(5)
Non-rental depreciation and amortization	(71)	(13)	(134)		(39)
Interest expense, net	(127)	(57)	(316)		(170)
Interest expense-subordinated convertible debentures	(1)	(1)	(3)		(5)
Other (expense) income, net	0	2	(13)		(2)
Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes	$ 94	$ 96	$ 49		$ 108

[1] Reflected in our condensed consolidated statements of income as “Restructuring charge.” These charges are not allocated to our reportable segments.