Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$ 2,970	[1]	$ 289	[1]	$ 198	[1]	$ 2,300
Goodwill related to acquisitions (2)			2,681	[2]	96
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments	(17)				(5)
Balance at end of period	2,953	[1]	2,970	[1]	289	[1]	2,300
General Rentals [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	2,828	[1]	167	[1]	105	[1]
Goodwill related to acquisitions (2)			2,661	[2]	65
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments	(16)				(3)
Balance at end of period	2,812	[1]	2,828	[1]	167	[1]
Goodwill accumulated impairment loss	1,557
Trench Safety, Power and HVAC [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	142	[1]	122	[1]	93	[1]
Goodwill related to acquisitions (2)			20	[2]	31
Foreign currency translation and other adjustments	(1)				(2)
Balance at end of period	$ 141	[1]	$ 142	[1]	$ 122	[1]

[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.