Segment Information (Reconciliation to income (loss) from continuing operations) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting, Measurement Disclosures [Abstract]
Total equipment rentals gross profit	$ 497	$ 452	$ 1,220		$ 937
Gross profit from other lines of business	67	53	200		155
Selling, general and administrative expenses	(167)	(164)	(479)		(412)
RSC merger related costs	0	(8)	(8)		(98)
Restructuring charge	(1)	(40)	(12)	[1]	(93)
Non-rental depreciation and amortization	(59)	(71)	(185)		(134)
Interest expense, net	(121)	(127)	(357)		(316)
Interest expense- subordinated convertible debentures	0	(1)	(3)		(3)
Other income, net	2	0	3		13
Income before provision for income taxes	$ 218	$ 94	$ 379		$ 49

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