Merger-related Divestitures - Narrative (Details) - Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jul. 12, 2019	Mar. 01, 2019	Mar. 31, 2020	Dec. 16, 2019	Apr. 30, 2019
Messer Group and CVC Capital Partners Fund VII Sale and Purchase Agreement
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