Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (981)	$ (593)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments during the period	65	(171)
Pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax	2	7
Other comprehensive income (loss)	67	(164)
Comprehensive loss	(914)	(757)
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	0	4
Comprehensive loss attributable to Baker Hughes	$ (914)	$ (753)