CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020	Sep. 30, 2021	Sep. 30, 2020
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
NET INCOME (INCLUDING NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS)	$ 1,010	$ 731	$ 2,905	$ 1,822
Translation adjustments:
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(823)	696	(1,068)	(1,299)
Reclassification to net income	0	0	(52)	0
Income taxes	4	7	(4)	31
Translation adjustments	(819)	703	(1,124)	(1,268)
Funded status - retirement obligations (Note 8):
Retirement program remeasurements	52	(49)	53	2
Reclassifications to net income	43	28	130	71
Income taxes	(28)	(2)	(53)	(26)
Funded status - retirement obligations	67	(23)	130	47
Derivative instruments (Note 5):
Current unrealized gain (loss)	64	16	104	(29)
Reclassifications to net income	(25)	(5)	(30)	45
Income taxes	(10)	(3)	(18)	(2)
Derivative instruments	29	8	56	14
TOTAL OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	(723)	688	(938)	(1,207)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (INCLUDING NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS)	287	1,419	1,967	615
Less: noncontrolling interests	(18)	(71)	(95)	(43)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) - LINDE PLC	$ 269	$ 1,348	$ 1,872	$ 572