Merger-Related Divestitures, Discontinued Operations and Net Assets Held For Sale - Schedule of Income from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	2 Months Ended	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax						$ 117	$ 0	$ 0
Noncontrolling interests						(9)	0	0
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax and noncontrolling interests		$ 108	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 108	$ 0	$ 0
Linde AG Merger-Related Divestitures | Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 388
Cost of sales	173
Other operating costs	90
Operating profit	125
Income from equity investments	1
Income taxes	9
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	117
Noncontrolling interests	(9)
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax and noncontrolling interests	$ 108