Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 107	$ 90
Accounts receivable - net	1,934	1,795
Inventories	482	456
Prepaid and other current assets	239	266
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS	2,762	2,607
Property, plant and equipment (less accumulated depreciation of $10,855 in 2012 and $10,497 in 2011)	10,523	10,131
Goodwill	2,413	2,372
Other intangible assets - net	165	167
Other long-term assets	1,124	1,079
TOTAL ASSETS	16,987	16,356
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Accounts payable	919	896
Short-term debt	256	337
Current portion of long-term debt	180	387
Other current liabilities	799	915
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES	2,154	2,535
Long-term debt	6,420	5,838
Other long-term obligations	1,914	1,966
TOTAL LIABILITIES	10,488	10,339
Commitments And Contingencies
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest, Carrying Amount, Ending Balance	232	220
Praxair, Inc Shareholders Equity
Common stock $0.01 par value, authorized - 800,000,000 shares, issued 2012 - 382,911,932 shares and 2011 - 382,854,272 shares	4	4
Additional paid-in capital	3,808	3,809
Retained earnings	8,762	8,510
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,472)	(1,746)
Treasury stock, at cost (2012 - 84,222,591 shares and 2011 - 84,324,255 shares)	(5,162)	(5,089)
Total Praxair, Inc. Shareholders Equity	5,940	5,488
Noncontrolling interests	327	309
TOTAL EQUITY	6,267	5,797
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$ 16,987	$ 16,356