CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020	Jun. 30, 2021	Jun. 30, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
NET INCOME (INCLUDING NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS)	$ 877	$ 483	$ 1,895	$ 1,091
Translation adjustments:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	412	745	(245)	(1,995)
Reclassification to net income	0	0	(52)	0
Income taxes	(2)	(1)	(8)	24
Translation adjustments	410	744	(305)	(1,971)
Funded status - retirement obligations (Note 8):
Retirement program remeasurements	(19)	(7)	1	51
Reclassifications to net income	44	21	87	43
Income taxes	(2)	(9)	(25)	(24)
Funded status - retirement obligations	23	5	63	70
Derivative instruments (Note 5):
Current unrealized gain (loss)	19	20	40	(45)
Reclassifications to net income	(3)	26	(5)	50
Income taxes	(3)	(10)	(8)	1
Derivative instruments	13	36	27	6
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	446	785	(215)	(1,895)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (INCLUDING NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS)	1,323	1,268	1,680	(804)
Less: noncontrolling interests	(45)	(43)	(77)	28
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - LINDE PLC	$ 1,278	$ 1,225	$ 1,603	$ (776)