2.2.0.7 true Fair Value of Certain Financial Assets and Liabilities (Details) (Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member], USD $) 0610 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Certain Financial Assets and Liabilities (Details) true false In Millions false false 1 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ false 2 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ 2 Fair value of the qualified defined contribution plan assets and liabilities 2 us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 3 Fair Value Measurement Assets 2 us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInvestments us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 true true false false 150000000 150 false false false 2 true true false false 146000000 146 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a false 4 Fair Value Measurement Liabilities 2 us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisObligations us-gaap true credit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 150000000 150 false false false 2 false true false false 146000000 146 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents a certain statement of financial position liability caption which represents a class of liabilities, or which may include an individual liability, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a false 5 Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] 0 na true na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false false false http://bakerhughes.com/role/fairvalueofcertainfinancialassetsandliabilitiesdetails false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false false 3 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ false 4 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ na No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 6 Fair value of the qualified defined contribution plan assets and liabilities 2 us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 7 Fair Value Measurement Assets 2 us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInvestments us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 150000000 150 false false false 2 false true false false 146000000 146 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a false 8 Fair Value Measurement Liabilities 2 us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisObligations us-gaap true credit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 150000000 150 false false false 2 false true false false 146000000 146 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents a certain statement of financial position liability caption which represents a class of liabilities, or which may include an individual liability, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a false 9 Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity Funds [Member] 0 na true na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false false false http://bakerhughes.com/role/fairvalueofcertainfinancialassetsandliabilitiesdetails false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false false 5 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember false false Equity Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_EquityFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ false 6 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember false false Equity Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_EquityFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ na No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 10 Fair value of the qualified defined contribution plan assets and liabilities 2 us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 11 Fair Value Measurement Assets 2 us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInvestments us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 78000000 78 false false false 2 false true false false 82000000 82 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a false 13 Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Cash Funds [Member] 0 na true na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false false false http://bakerhughes.com/role/fairvalueofcertainfinancialassetsandliabilitiesdetails false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false false 7 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember false false Cash Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_CashFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ false 8 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember false false Cash Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_CashFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ na No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 14 Fair value of the qualified defined contribution plan assets and liabilities 2 us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 15 Fair Value Measurement Assets 2 us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInvestments us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 37000000 37 false false false 2 false true false false 35000000 35 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a false 17 Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Bond Mutual Funds [Member] 0 na true na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false false false http://bakerhughes.com/role/fairvalueofcertainfinancialassetsandliabilitiesdetails false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false false 9 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember false false Bond Mutual Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_BondMutualFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ false 10 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember false false Bond Mutual Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_BondMutualFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ na No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 18 Fair value of the qualified defined contribution plan assets and liabilities 2 us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 19 Fair Value Measurement Assets 2 us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInvestments us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 28000000 28 false false false 2 false true false false 22000000 22 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a false 21 Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Balanced Funds [Member] 0 na true na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false false false http://bakerhughes.com/role/fairvalueofcertainfinancialassetsandliabilitiesdetails false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false false 11 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember false false Balanced Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_BalancedFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ false 12 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember false false Balanced Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_BalancedFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ na No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 22 Fair value of the qualified defined contribution plan assets and liabilities 2 us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 23 Fair Value Measurement Assets 2 us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInvestments us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 5000000 5 false false false 2 false true false false 5000000 5 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a false 25 Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] 0 na true na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false false false http://bakerhughes.com/role/fairvalueofcertainfinancialassetsandliabilitiesdetails false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false false 13 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember false false Equity Securities [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ false 14 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember false false Equity Securities [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ na No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 26 Fair value of the qualified defined contribution plan assets and liabilities 2 us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 27 Fair Value Measurement Assets 2 us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInvestments us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 2000000 2 false false false 2 false true false false 2000000 2 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a false 29 Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] 0 na true na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false false false http://bakerhughes.com/role/fairvalueofcertainfinancialassetsandliabilitiesdetails false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false false 15 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ false 16 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ na No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 30 Fair value of the qualified defined contribution plan assets and liabilities 2 us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 31 Fair Value Measurement Assets 2 us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInvestments us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a false 32 Fair Value Measurement Liabilities 2 us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisObligations us-gaap true credit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents a certain statement of financial position liability caption which represents a class of liabilities, or which may include an individual liability, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a false 33 Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Equity Funds [Member] 0 na true na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false false false http://bakerhughes.com/role/fairvalueofcertainfinancialassetsandliabilitiesdetails false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false false 17 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember false false Equity Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_EquityFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ false 18 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember false false Equity Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_EquityFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ na No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 34 Fair value of the qualified defined contribution plan assets and liabilities 2 us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 35 Fair Value Measurement Assets 2 us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInvestments us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a false 37 Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Cash Funds [Member] 0 na true na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false false false http://bakerhughes.com/role/fairvalueofcertainfinancialassetsandliabilitiesdetails false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false false 19 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember false false Cash Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_CashFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ false 20 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember false false Cash Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_CashFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ na No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 38 Fair value of the qualified defined contribution plan assets and liabilities 2 us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 39 Fair Value Measurement Assets 2 us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInvestments us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a false 41 Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Bond Mutual Funds [Member] 0 na true na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false false false http://bakerhughes.com/role/fairvalueofcertainfinancialassetsandliabilitiesdetails false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false false 21 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember false false Bond Mutual Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_BondMutualFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ false 22 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember false false Bond Mutual Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_BondMutualFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ na No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 42 Fair value of the qualified defined contribution plan assets and liabilities 2 us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 43 Fair Value Measurement Assets 2 us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInvestments us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a false 45 Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Balanced Funds [Member] 0 na true na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false false false http://bakerhughes.com/role/fairvalueofcertainfinancialassetsandliabilitiesdetails false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false false 23 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember false false Balanced Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_BalancedFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ false 24 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember false false Balanced Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_BalancedFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ na No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 46 Fair value of the qualified defined contribution plan assets and liabilities 2 us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 47 Fair Value Measurement Assets 2 us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInvestments us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a false 49 Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] 0 na true na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false false false http://bakerhughes.com/role/fairvalueofcertainfinancialassetsandliabilitiesdetails false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false false 25 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember false false Equity Securities [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ false 26 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember false false Equity Securities [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ na No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 50 Fair value of the qualified defined contribution plan assets and liabilities 2 us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 51 Fair Value Measurement Assets 2 us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInvestments us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a false 53 Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] 0 na true na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false false false http://bakerhughes.com/role/fairvalueofcertainfinancialassetsandliabilitiesdetails false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false false 27 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ false 28 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ na No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 54 Fair value of the qualified defined contribution plan assets and liabilities 2 us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 55 Fair Value Measurement Assets 2 us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInvestments us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a false 56 Fair Value Measurement Liabilities 2 us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisObligations us-gaap true credit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents a certain statement of financial position liability caption which represents a class of liabilities, or which may include an individual liability, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a false 57 Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Equity Funds [Member] 0 na true na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false false false http://bakerhughes.com/role/fairvalueofcertainfinancialassetsandliabilitiesdetails false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false false 29 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember false false Equity Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_EquityFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ false 30 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember false false Equity Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_EquityFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ na No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 58 Fair value of the qualified defined contribution plan assets and liabilities 2 us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 59 Fair Value Measurement Assets 2 us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInvestments us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a false 61 Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Cash Funds [Member] 0 na true na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false false false http://bakerhughes.com/role/fairvalueofcertainfinancialassetsandliabilitiesdetails false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false false 31 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember false false Cash Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_CashFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ false 32 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember false false Cash Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_CashFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ na No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 62 Fair value of the qualified defined contribution plan assets and liabilities 2 us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 63 Fair Value Measurement Assets 2 us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInvestments us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a false 65 Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Bond Mutual Funds [Member] 0 na true na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false false false http://bakerhughes.com/role/fairvalueofcertainfinancialassetsandliabilitiesdetails false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false false 33 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember false false Bond Mutual Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_BondMutualFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ false 34 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember false false Bond Mutual Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_BondMutualFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ na No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 66 Fair value of the qualified defined contribution plan assets and liabilities 2 us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 67 Fair Value Measurement Assets 2 us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInvestments us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a false 69 Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Balanced Funds [Member] 0 na true na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false false false http://bakerhughes.com/role/fairvalueofcertainfinancialassetsandliabilitiesdetails false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false false 35 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember false false Balanced Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_BalancedFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ false 36 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember false false Balanced Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_BalancedFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ na No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 70 Fair value of the qualified defined contribution plan assets and liabilities 2 us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 71 Fair Value Measurement Assets 2 us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInvestments us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a false 73 Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] 0 na true na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false false false http://bakerhughes.com/role/fairvalueofcertainfinancialassetsandliabilitiesdetails false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false false 37 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember false false Equity Securities [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ false 38 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanFairValueOfPlanAssetsByMeasurementAxis explicitMember false false Equity Securities [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ na No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 74 Fair value of the qualified defined contribution plan assets and liabilities 2 us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 75 Fair Value Measurement Assets 2 us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInvestments us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 0 0 false false false 2 false true false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a false 77 Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] | Equity Funds [Member] 0 na true na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false false false http://bakerhughes.com/role/fairvalueofcertainfinancialassetsandliabilitiesdetails false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false false 39 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Equity Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_EquityFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ false 40 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Equity Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_EquityFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ na No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 78 Fair value of the qualified defined contribution plan assets and liabilities 2 us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 79 Fair Value Measurement Assets 2 us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInvestments us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 78000000 78 false false false 2 false true false false 82000000 82 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a false 81 Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] | Cash Funds [Member] 0 na true na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false false false http://bakerhughes.com/role/fairvalueofcertainfinancialassetsandliabilitiesdetails false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false false 41 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Cash Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_CashFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ false 42 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Cash Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_CashFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ na No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 82 Fair value of the qualified defined contribution plan assets and liabilities 2 us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 83 Fair Value Measurement Assets 2 us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInvestments us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 37000000 37 false false false 2 false true false false 35000000 35 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a false 85 Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] | Bond Mutual Funds [Member] 0 na true na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false false false http://bakerhughes.com/role/fairvalueofcertainfinancialassetsandliabilitiesdetails false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false false 43 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Bond Mutual Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_BondMutualFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ false 44 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Bond Mutual Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_BondMutualFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ na No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 86 Fair value of the qualified defined contribution plan assets and liabilities 2 us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 87 Fair Value Measurement Assets 2 us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInvestments us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 28000000 28 false false false 2 false true false false 22000000 22 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a false 89 Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] | Balanced Funds [Member] 0 na true na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false false false http://bakerhughes.com/role/fairvalueofcertainfinancialassetsandliabilitiesdetails false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false false 45 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Balanced Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_BalancedFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ false 46 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Balanced Funds [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_BalancedFundsMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ na No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 90 Fair value of the qualified defined contribution plan assets and liabilities 2 us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 91 Fair Value Measurement Assets 2 us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInvestments us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false true false false 5000000 5 false false false 2 false true false false 5000000 5 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a false 93 Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] 0 na true na na No definition available. false true false false false false false false false false false http://bakerhughes.com/role/fairvalueofcertainfinancialassetsandliabilitiesdetails false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false false 47 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Equity Securities [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ false 48 USD true false false false Non-qualified defined contribution plan [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi bhi_NonQualifiedDefinedContributionPlanMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlansDisclosuresDefinedBenefitPlansAxis explicitMember false false Equity Securities [Member] us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis xbrldi http://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldi us-gaap_EquitySecuritiesMember us-gaap_DefinedBenefitPlanByPlanAssetCategoriesAxis explicitMember USD Standard http://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217 USD iso4217 0 $ na No definition available. No authoritative reference available. false 94 Fair value of the qualified defined contribution plan assets and liabilities 2 us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisAbstract us-gaap true na duration No definition available. false false false false false true false false false false false verboselabel false 1 false false false false 0 0 false false false 2 false false false false 0 0 false false false xbrli:stringItemType string No definition available. false 95 Fair Value Measurement Assets 2 us-gaap_FairValueMeasuredOnRecurringBasisInvestments us-gaap true debit instant No definition available. false false false false false false false false false false false verboselabel false 1 true true false false 2000000 2 false false false 2 true true false false 2000000 2 false false false xbrli:monetaryItemType monetary This element represents a certain statement of financial position asset caption which represents a class of assets, or which may include an individual asset, measured at fair value on a recurring basis. Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32 -Subparagraph a false 2 75 false Millions UnKnown UnKnown false true