Merger-related Divestitures - Narrative (Details) - Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended
	Jul. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Apr. 30, 2019
Linde AG South America Divestiture
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Consideration paid		$ 2,900
Americas Industrial Gases Business, Plant Sales
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Proceeds for incremental plant sales		$ 500
Linde Korea Divestiture
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Consideration paid					$ 1,200
Praxair India Divestiture
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Consideration paid	$ 218
Net gain on sale of businesses	$ 164
Linde India Divestiture
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Consideration paid				$ 193
Linde China Divestiture
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Consideration paid			$ 98