Financial Instruments (Textual) [Abstract] Financial instruments. Debt, fair value Debt Instrument, Fair Value Disclosure Debt, carrying amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Accounting Policies [Abstract] SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] EARNINGS PER SHARE Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign currency translation adjustments Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Pensions and other postretirement benefits Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Net of Tax Net gain on hedge transactions Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Cumulative Changes in Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges, Effect Net of Tax Total accumulated other comprehensive loss attributable to Baker Hughes Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax 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 Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, by 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 Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] 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 Disclosures [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 Plans [Member] U.S. Pension Plans [Member] Non-U.S. Pension Plans [Member] Non-U.S Pension Plans [Member] Non-U.S Pension Plans [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 loss Defined Benefit Plan, Amortization of Gains (Losses) Benefit settlement Defined Benefit Plan, Benefits Paid Net periodic cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Components of net periodic cost Schedule of Net Benefit Costs [Table Text Block] Changes in the fair value of assets using level 3 inputs Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Level Three RollForward [Table Text Block] Defined Benefit Plan Fair Value Level Three RollForward [Table Text Block] 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] Statement, 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] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] INCOME TAX Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS [Abstract] DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS [Abstract] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Axis] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Axis] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation Disclosures [Abstract] Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation Disclosures [Abstract] Revenue Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Revenue Income before income taxes Discontinued Operation, Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax Income taxes Discontinued Operation, Tax Effect of Discontinued Operation Income from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract] Assets [Abstract] Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract] Total current assets Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Current Property, plant and equipment, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net Goodwill Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill Other assets Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Noncurrent Assets of discontinued operations Assets of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation Liabilities [Abstract] Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation [Abstract] Accounts payable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable Other Liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities Liabilities of discontinued operations Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Off-balance sheet arrangements related to letters of credit and other bank issued guarantees, total Off Balance Sheet Arrangements Off-balance sheet arrangements related to letters of credit and other bank issued guarantees, total. Income Statement Additional Disclosures by Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Income Statement Additional Disclosures by Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Schedule addressing individual disposal groups, including those classified as components of the entity (discontinued operations). May include the facts and circumstances leading to the expected or completed disposal or to changes in the plan of sale, manner and timing of disposal, the gain (loss) recognized in the income statement and the income statement caption that includes that gain (loss), amounts of revenues and pretax profit or loss reported as a discontinued operation. Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Schedule addressing individual disposal groups, including those classified as components of the entity (discontinued operations). Includes the classification and carrying value of the assets and liabilities comprising the disposal group, and the segment in which the disposal group was reported. INTANGIBLE ASSETS Textual [Abstract] INTANGIBLE ASSETS Textual [Abstract] Minimum estimated useful lives of intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Minimum Maximum estimated useful lives of intangible assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Useful Life, Maximum Amortization expense for intangible assets included in net income Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense Estimated amortization expense for the remainder of fiscal year Future Amortization Expense, Remainder of Fiscal Year Estimated amortization expense for the year 2013 Future Amortization Expense, Year One Estimated amortization expense for the year 2014 Future Amortization Expense, Year Two Estimated amortization expense for the year 2015 Future Amortization Expense, Year Three Estimated amortization expense for the year 2016 Future Amortization Expense, Year Four Estimated amortization expense for the year 2017 Future Amortization Expense, Year Five COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] inventory,NetOfReserves [Table] inventory,NetOfReserves [Table] inventory,NetOfReserves [Table] Inventory,NetOfReserves [Axis] Inventory,NetOfReserves [Axis] Inventory,NetOfReserves [Axis] Inventory,NetOfReserves [Domain] Inventory,NetOfReserves [Domain] Inventory,NetOfReserves [Domain] inventory,Netof Reserves [Line Items] inventory,Netof 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 Segment Reporting [Abstract] SEGMENT INFORMATION Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Statement, Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Cash dividends per share Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Cash Paid 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. Segment Reporting Information, Additional Information [Abstract] Segment Reclassification [Table] Segment Reclassification [Table] Segment Reclassification [Table] Segment Reclassification [Axis] Segment Reclassification [Axis] Segment Reclassification [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segment [Domain] Impact on Revenue [Member] Impact on Revenue [Member] revenue impact [Member] Impact on Profit Before Tax [Member] Impact on Profit Before Tax [Member] Impact on Profit Before Tax [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Number Of Reportable Segment Number Of Reportable Segment Number of reportable segment. Decrease in segment revenue due to segment reclassification Revenue, Net Increase in profit due to segment reclassification Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest INTAGIBLE ASSETS Intangible Assets Disclosure [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 [Member] Technology [Member] Technology. Contract-based [Member] Contract-based [Member] Contract based. Trade names [Member] Trade Name [Member] Trade Name. Customer relationships [Member] 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 [Member] 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 Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Finite and Indefinite lived intangible assets [Abstract] Total Intangible Assets Gross Carrying Amount Intangible assets gross carrying amount total. Intangible assets, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) 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 INVENTORIES Inventory Disclosure [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 Loss on early extinguishment of debt Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt Income from continuing operations before income taxes Income taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Income from discontinued operations, net of tax Net income Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to Baker Hughes Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Amounts attributable to Baker Hughes: Income Amounts Attributable to Parent, Disclosures [Abstract] Income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations Attributable to Parent Income from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Basic earnings per share: Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Basic Share Income from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Basic Share Basic earnings per share attributable to Baker Hughes Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted earnings per share: Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract] Income from continuing operations Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Per Diluted Share Income from discontinued operations Income (Loss) from Discontinued Operations, Net of Tax, Per Diluted Share Diluted earnings per share attributable to Baker Hughes Earnings Per Share, Diluted Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Income from continuing operations Adjustments to reconcile income from continuing operations 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 Benefit for deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Gain on disposal of assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Stock-based compensation cost Share-based Compensation Loss on early extinguishment of debt Provision for doubtful accounts Provision for Doubtful Accounts Loss on impairment of assets Asset Impairment Charges 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 Accrued employee compensation and other accrued liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Deferred Compensation Income taxes payable Increase (Decrease) in Income Taxes Payable Other operating items, net Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Net cash flows from continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash flows from discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash flows from 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 maturities of short-term investments Proceeds from Maturities, Prepayments and Calls of Short-term Investments Proceeds from disposal of assets Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Other investing items, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash flows from continuing operations Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Continuing Operations Net cash flows from discontinued operations Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities, Discontinued Operations Net cash flows from 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 (payments) of commercial paper and other short-term debt Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Net proceeds of long-term debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Repayment of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Proceeds from termination of interest rate swap agreements Proceeds from Hedge, Financing Activities Proceeds from issuance of common stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Dividends paid Payments of Dividends, Common Stock Purchase of noncontrolling interest Payments to Acquire Additional Interest in Subsidiaries Other financing items, net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net cash flows from 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 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 Nature of Operations Nature Of Operations [Policy Text Block] Nature of Operations. Basis of Presentation Basis Of Presentation [Policy Text Block] Basis of Presentation Policy. New Accounting Standards Updates New Accounting Standards Updates [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Standards Updates. Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Disclosure [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome [Abstract] ConsolidatedStatementsOfComprehensiveIncome [Abstract] Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net income Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: 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 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Net gain on hedge transactions Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Net of Tax Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Baker Hughes Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Statement, Geographical [Axis] Statement, Geographical [Axis] Segment, Geographical [Domain] Segment, Geographical [Domain] North America [Member] North America [Member] North America. Latin America [Member] Latin America [Member] Latin America. Europe / Africa / Russia Caspian [Member] Segment, Geographical, Groups of Countries, Group One [Member] Middle East / Asia Pacific [Member] Segment, Geographical, Groups of Countries, Group Two [Member] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Statement, Business Segments [Axis] Industrial Services [Member] Industrial Services and Other [Member] Industrial Services and Other. Total Operations [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Corporate and Other [Member] Corporate and Other [Member] Corporate and other. Interest Expense, net [Member] Interest Expense, net [Member] Interest Expense, net [Member] Loss On early extinguishment of debt [Member] Loss On Early Extinguishment Of Debt [Member] Loss On Early Extinguishment Of Debt [Member] Summarized financial information [Abstract] Segment Reporting Information, Income (Loss) before Income Taxes [Abstract] Revenue Profit (Loss) Before Taxes EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Accounts receivable - less allowance for doubtful accounts (2012 - $255; 2011 - $226) Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Inventories, net Deferred income taxes Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Other current assets Other Assets, Current Assets of discontinued operations Total current assets Assets, Current Property, plant and equipment - less accumulated depreciation (2012 - $5,961; 2011 - $5,192) Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Goodwill Intangible assets, net 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 Liabilities of Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation 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 Baker Hughes stockholder's 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 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 Activity related to stock plans Stock Issued During Period, Value, New Issues Stock-based compensation cost Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Share-based Compensation, Requisite Service Period Recognition Cash dividends ($0.45 per share) Dividends, Common Stock, Cash Net activity related to noncontrolling interests Noncontrolling Interest, Period Increase (Decrease) Balance Inventories, net of reserves Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate Number of shares used for calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Summarized financial information Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS [Abstract] EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets by Measurement [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets by Measurement [Axis] Fair Value Plan Asset Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Plan Asset Measurement [Domain] U.S. Private Equity Fund [Member] Private Equity Funds, Domestic [Member] U.S. Property Fund [Member] U S Property Fund [Member] U.S. Property Fund. U.S. Hedge Funds [Member] U.S. Hedge Funds [Member] U.S. Hedge Funds [Member] Non-U.S. Property Fund [Member] Non U S Property Fund [Member] Non-U.S. Property Fund. Non-U.S. Insurance Contracts [Member] Non U S Insurance Contracts [Member] Non-U.S. Insurance Contracts. Changes in the fair value of assets using level 3 inputs [Abstract] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward] Fair value of plan assets at beginning of period Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value Unrealized gains Unrealized Gains in Fair Value Rollforward Unrealized gains in fair value roll forward that are not included in earnings but for disclosure purposes only Unrealized losses Unrealized Loss in Fair Value Rollforward Unrealized loss in fair value roll forward that are not included in earnings but for disclosure purposes only. Purchases Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases Fair value of plan assets at end of period