Income Taxes - Unrecognized Tax Positions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2021	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Unrecognized income tax benefits, January 1	$ 452	$ 472	$ 319
Additions for tax positions of prior years	11	35	151
Reductions for tax positions of prior years	(11)	(34)	(3)
Additions for current year tax positions	19	11	33
Reductions for settlements with taxing authorities	(60)	(39)	(26)
Foreign currency translation and other		7
Foreign currency translation and other	(24)		(2)
Unrecognized income tax benefits, December 31	387	452	472
Expenses (Income) for interest and penalties on tax reserves	(15)	29	1
Accrued interest and penalties	$ 40	$ 99
Linde AG
Reconciliation of Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Excluding Amounts Pertaining to Examined Tax Returns [Roll Forward]
Additions for tax positions of prior years			$ 66