Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Allowance for doubtful accounts
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current
Accumulated depreciation
Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment
Statement [Table]
Statement [Table]
Statement, Scenario [Axis]
Scenario [Axis]
Scenario, Unspecified [Domain]
Scenario, Unspecified [Domain]
Class of Stock [Axis]
Class of Stock [Axis]
Class of Stock [Domain]
Class of Stock [Domain]
Statement [Line Items]
Statement [Line Items]
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of net periodic cost
Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block]
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Number of shares used for calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block]
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION
Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block]
Foreign Currency [Abstract]
Venezuelan Currency Devaluation
Foreign Currency Disclosure [Text Block]
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective Income Tax Rate
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations
U.S. Statutory Income Tax Rate
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate
Employee Benefit Plans [Text Block]
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block]
EARNINGS PER SHARE
Earnings Per Share [Text Block]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table]
Statement, Geographical [Axis]
Geographical [Axis]
Segment, Geographical [Domain]
Segment, Geographical [Domain]
North America
North America [Member]
North America.
Latin America
Latin America [Member]
Latin America.
Europe/Africa/Russia Caspian
Europe/Africa/Russia Caspin [Member]
Europe/Africa/Russia Caspin [Member]
Middle East/Asia Pacific
Middle East Asia Pacific [Member]
Middle East/Asia Pacific [Member]
Statement, Business Segments [Axis]
Business Segments [Axis]
Segment [Domain]
Segment [Domain]
Industrial Services and Other
Industrial Services and Other [Member]
Industrial Services and Other.
Total Operations
Operating Segments [Member]
Corporate and Other
Corporate and Other [Member]
Interest Expense, net
Interest Expense, net [Member]
Interest Expense, net [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Summarized financial information [Abstract]
Segment Reporting Information, Income (Loss) before Income Taxes [Abstract]
Revenue
Revenue, Net
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block]
INCOME TAXES
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block]
Income Statement [Abstract]
Revenue:
Revenues [Abstract]
Sales
Sales Revenue, Goods, Net
Services
Sales Revenue, Services, Net
Total revenue
Costs and expenses:
Costs and Expenses [Abstract]
Cost of sales
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of services
Cost of Services
Research and engineering
Research and Development Expense
Marketing, general and administrative
Selling, General and Administrative Expense
Total costs and expenses
Costs and Expenses
Operating income
Operating Income (Loss)
Interest expense, net
Interest Expense
Income taxes
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)
Net income
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Net income attributable to Baker Hughes
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent
Basic earnings per share attributable to Baker Hughes
Earnings Per Share, Basic
Diluted earnings per share attributable to Baker Hughes
Earnings Per Share, Diluted
Cash dividends per share
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
inventory,NetOfReserves [Table]
Inventory Net Of Reserves [Table]
inventory,NetOfReserves [Table]
Inventory,NetOfReserves [Axis]
Inventory Net Of Reserves [Axis]
Inventory,NetOfReserves [Axis]
Inventory,NetOfReserves [Domain]
Inventory Net Of Reserves [Domain]
Inventory,NetOfReserves [Domain]
inventory,Netof Reserves [Line Items]
Inventory Net of Reserves [Line Items]
inventory,Netof Reserves [Line Items]
Inventories, net of reserves [Abstract]
Inventory, Net, Items Net of Reserve Alternative [Abstract]
Finished goods
Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves
Work in process
Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves
Raw materials
Inventory, Raw Materials, Net of Reserves
Total
Inventory, Net
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Net Income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization
Other noncash items
Other Noncash Income (Expense)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract]
Accounts receivable
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable
Inventories
Increase (Decrease) in Inventories
Accounts payable
Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade
Other operating items, net
Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net
Net cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities
Cash flows from investing activities:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]
Expenditures for capital assets
Payments to Acquire Productive Assets
Proceeds from disposal of assets
Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment
Net cash flows used in investing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract]
Net proceeds of commercial paper borrowings and other debt with three months or less original maturity
Proceeds from Short-term Debt, Maturing in Three Months or Less
Net repayments of short-term debt
Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt
Dividends paid
Payments of Ordinary Dividends, Common Stock
Other financing items, net
Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities
Net cash flows provided by financing activities
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash
Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
Supplemental cash flows disclosures:
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Income taxes paid, net of refunds
Income Taxes Paid, Net
Interest paid
Interest Paid
Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing activities:
Cash Flow, Noncash Investing and Financing Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Capital expenditures included in accounts payable
Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid
ASSETS
Assets [Abstract]
Current Assets:
Assets, Current [Abstract]
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable - less allowance for doubtful accounts (2013 - $279; 2012 - $308)
Accounts Receivable, Net, Current
Inventories, net
Deferred income taxes
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current
Other current assets
Other Assets, Current
Total current assets
Assets, Current
Property, plant and equipment - less accumulated depreciation (2013 - $6,443; 2012 - $6,315)
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net
Goodwill
Goodwill
Intangible assets, net
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)
Other assets
Other Assets, Noncurrent
Total assets
Assets
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Liabilities and Equity [Abstract]
Current Liabilities:
Liabilities, Current [Abstract]
Accounts payable
Accounts Payable, Current
Short-term debt and current portion of long-term debt
Short-term Debt
Accrued employee compensation
Employee-related Liabilities, Current
Income taxes payable
Accrued Income Taxes, Current
Other accrued liabilities
Other Accrued Liabilities, Current
Total current liabilities
Liabilities, Current
Long-term debt
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities
Deferred income taxes and other tax liabilities
Deferred Income Taxes and Other Tax Liabilities, Noncurrent
Liabilities for pensions and other postretirement benefits
Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent
Other liabilities
Other Liabilities, Noncurrent
Commitments and contingencies
Commitments and Contingencies
Equity:
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Common stock
Common Stock, Value, Issued
Capital in excess of par value
Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock
Retained earnings
Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Baker Hughes stockholders’ equity
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent
Noncontrolling interests
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Total equity
Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Total liabilities and equity
Liabilities and Equity
Schedule of Differences between Reported Amount and Reporting Currency Denominated Amount [Table]
Schedule of Differences between Reported Amount and Reporting Currency Denominated Amount [Table]
Currency [Axis]
Currency [Axis]
Currency [Axis]
Currency [Domain]
Currency [Domain]
[Domain] for Currency [Axis]
Venezuela, Bolivars Fuertes
Venezuelan bolívar fuerte
Financial Statement Line Items with Differences in Reported Amount and Reporting Currency Denominated Amounts [Line Items]
Financial Statement Line Items with Differences in Reported Amount and Reporting Currency Denominated Amounts [Line Items]
Prior Exchange Rate
Preexisting Currency Exchange Rate
Preexisting Currency Exchange Rate
New Currency Exchange Rate
New Currency Exchange Rate
New Currency Exchange Rate
Foreign Currency Transaction Loss, before Tax
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax
Statement, Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Components [Axis]
Equity Component [Domain]
Equity Component [Domain]
Common Stock
Common Stock [Member]
Capital in Excess of Par Value
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Retained Earnings
Retained Earnings [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Noncontrolling Interests
Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Stockholders' Equity
Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]
Beginning Balance
Comprehensive income:
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]
Net income
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Activity related to stock plans
Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues
Stock-based compensation
Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition
Cash dividends ($0.15 per share)
Dividends, Common Stock, Cash
Net activity related to noncontrolling interests
Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease)
Ending Balance
INTANGIBLE ASSETS Textual [Abstract]
INTANGIBLE ASSETS Textual [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table]
Range [Axis]
Range [Axis]
Range [Domain]
Range [Domain]
Minimum [Member]
Minimum [Member]
Maximum [Member]
Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Minimum/Maximum estimated useful lives of intangible assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life
Amortization expense for intangible assets included in net income
Amortization of Intangible Assets
Estimated amortization expense for the remainder of fiscal year
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year
Estimated amortization expense for the year 2014
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months
Estimated amortization expense for the year 2015
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two
Estimated amortization expense for the year 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three
Estimated amortization expense for the year 2017
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four
Estimated amortization expense for the year 2018
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five
INVENTORIES
Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]
ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome [Abstract]
ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome [Abstract]
Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income
Other comprehensive income (loss):
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustments during the period
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax
Pension and other postretirement benefits, net of tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax
Other comprehensive (loss) income
Comprehensive income
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest
Comprehensive income attributable to Baker Hughes
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]
Liquidated Damages
Loss Contingency, Damages Sought, Value
Off-balance sheet arrangements related to letters of credit and other bank issued guarantees, total
Fair Value Disclosure, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Face Amount, Liability
Summarized financial information
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block]
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Intangible assets description
Schedule of Definite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible [Table Text Block]
Schedule of Definite Lived and Indefinite Lived Intangible.
Inventories, net of reserves
Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]
Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic EPS
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic
Effect of dilutive securities - stock plans
Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Share-based Payment Arrangements
Adjusted weighted average common shares outstanding for diluted EPS
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table]
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, by Antidilutive Securities [Axis]
Antidilutive Securities [Axis]
Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain]
Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Future potentially dilutive shares excluded from diluted EPS:
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, Other Disclosures [Abstract]
Options with an exercise price greater than the average market price for the period
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Axis]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain]
U.S. Pension Plans [Member]
U.S. Pension Benefits [Member]
U.S. Pension Benefits
Non-U.S. Pension Plans [Member]
Non U.S. Pension Benefits [Member]
Non-U.S. Pension Benefits [Member]
Other Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Service cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost
Interest cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost
Expected return on plan assets
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets
Amortization of prior service benefit
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Prior Service Cost (Credit)
Amortization of net actuarial loss
Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses)
Benefit settlement
Defined Benefit Plan, Settlements, Benefit Obligation
Net periodic cost
Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost
Nature of Operations
Nature of Operations [Text Block]
Basis of Presentation
Basis Of Presentation [Policy Text Block]
Basis of Presentation Policy.
New Accounting Standards Updates
New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block]
Schedule of Finite-Lived and Indefinite Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table]
Schedule of Finite-Lived and Indefinite Intangible Assets by Major Class [Table]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Technology
Technology [Member]
Technology.
Contract-based
Contract-based [Member]
Contract based.
Trade names
Trade Name [Member]
Trade Name.
Customer relationships
Customer Relationships [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain]
In-process research and development
In Process Research And Development [Member]
In-process research and development.
Schedule Of Finite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Schedule Of Finite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items]
Schedule Of Finite Lived Intangible Assets By Major Class.
Finite lived intangible assets description [Abstract]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net [Abstract]
Intangible assets, Gross carrying amount
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross
Intangible assets, Less: Accumulated Amortization
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Abstract]
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]
Intangible assets, Gross carrying amount
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)
Intangible assets, Less: Accumulated Amortization
Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization
Indefinite lived intangible assets accumulated amortization.
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Net
Finite and Indefinite lived intangible assets [Abstract]
Total
Intangible Assets Gross Carrying Amount
Intangible assets gross carrying amount total.
Intangible assets, net
Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Line Items]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance at December 31, 2012
Translation adjustments
Amortization and effect of exchange rate
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Amortization and Effect of Exchange Rate, before Tax
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Amortization and Effect of Exchange Rate, before Tax
Deferred taxes
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax
Balance at March 31, 2013
INTAGIBLE ASSETS
Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block]
Document Information [Table]
Document Information, Document [Axis]
Document Information, Document [Axis]
Document [Domain]
Document [Domain]
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Information [Line Items]
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document and entity information.
Entity Registrant Name
Entity Registrant Name
Entity Central Index Key
Entity Central Index Key
Document Type
Document Type
Document Period End Date
Document Period End Date
Amendment Flag
Amendment Flag
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Document Fiscal Year Focus
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Current Fiscal Year End Date
Entity Filer Category
Entity Filer Category
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Financial Instruments (Textual) [Abstract]
Financial instruments.
Debt, fair value
Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure
Debt, carrying amount
Debt Instrument, Face Amount