Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net loss	$ (430)	$ (156)	$ (2,323)	$ (939)
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments during the period	7	(91)	47	(182)
Pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax	5	5	19	6
Other comprehensive income (loss)	12	(86)	66	(176)
Comprehensive loss	(418)	(242)	(2,257)	(1,115)
Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	1	(3)	2	3
Comprehensive loss attributable to Baker Hughes	$ (417)	$ (245)	$ (2,255)	$ (1,112)