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 Profit (Loss) Before Taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest 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 before income taxes 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