Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2019
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ (270)	$ 117	$ (16,712)	$ 177
Less: Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(100)	60	(6,120)	97
Net income (loss) attributable to Baker Hughes Company	(170)	57	(10,592)	80
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Investment securities	0	(1)	(2)	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments	135	(123)	(101)	(96)
Cash flow hedges	2	2	(6)	3
Benefit plans	(54)	7	(24)	(6)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	83	(115)	(133)	(99)
Less: Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	29	(42)	(52)	(33)
Other comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Baker Hughes Company	54	(73)	(81)	(66)
Comprehensive income (loss)	(187)	2	(16,845)	78
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(71)	18	(6,172)	64
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Baker Hughes Company	$ (116)	$ (16)	$ (10,673)	$ 14