Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 289	[1]
Goodwill related to acquisitions	2,671	[1],[2]
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments	4	[1]
Balance at end of period	2,964	[1]
General Rentals [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	167
Goodwill related to acquisitions	2,651	[2]
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments	4
Balance at end of period	2,822
Accumulated impairment charges	1,557
Trench Safety, Power and HVAC [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	122
Goodwill related to acquisitions	20	[2]
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments	0
Balance at end of period	$ 142

[1] The total carrying amount of goodwill for all periods in the table above is reflected net of $1,557 of accumulated impairment charges, which were primarily recorded in our general rentals segment.

[2] Includes goodwill adjustments for the effect on goodwill of changes to net assets acquired during the measurement period, which were not significant to our previously reported operating results or financial condition.