Consolidated Condensed Statement of Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 284	$ 706	$ 1,102	$ 1,425
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments during the period	63	(116)	61	(33)
Pension and other postretirement benefits	0	5	19	5
Net gain on hedge transactions	0	0	1	0
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	63	(111)	81	(28)
Comprehensive income	347	595	1,183	1,397
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(5)	1	(5)	1
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Baker Hughes	$ 342	$ 596	$ 1,178	$ 1,398

The change in equity [net assets] of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources which are attributable to the reporting entity. It includes all changes in equity during a period except those resulting from investments by owners and distributions to owners, but excludes any and all transactions which are directly or indirectly attributable to that ownership interest in subsidiary equity which is not attributable to the parent.

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