Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Narrative (Details) $ in Millions		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2020 USD ($) country	Dec. 31, 2019 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018 USD ($)	Sep. 16, 2016	Sep. 15, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Performance obligations expected to be satisfied, expected timing		We sell product services under long-term product maintenance or extended warranty agreements in our Turbomachinery & Process Solutions and Oilfield Equipment segments. These agreements require us to maintain the customers' assets over the service agreement contract terms, which generally range from 10 to 20 years.
Research and development expenses		$ 595	$ 687	$ 700
Restricted cash and cash equivalents held in bank accounts	$ 1,102	$ 687	1,102
Number of countries in which entity operates (more than) | country		120
General Electric Company
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents held in bank accounts	$ 142	$ 42	$ 142
General Electric Company
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
GE's reduced ownership percentage		30.10%
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners		30.10%
Baker Hughes Company [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Approximate interest		69.90%
Related party amount, due to related party | GE
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cash		$ 44
General Electric Company | Baker Hughes Holdings LLC
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Approximate interest	36.70%		50.40%
General Electric Company | GE | Baker Hughes Incorporated
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]
GE's reduced ownership percentage					36.80%	50.30%
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Ownership percentage by noncontrolling owners					36.80%	50.30%