Business Combination and Divestitures - Discontinued Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	$ 4	$ 109	$ 117
Noncontrolling interests	0	(7)	(9)
Income from continuing operations, net of tax and noncontrolling interests	4	102	108
Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale \| Linde AG Merger-Related Divestitures
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Net sales	7	449	388
Cost of sales	3	251	173
Other operating costs	1	43	90
Operating profit	3	155	125
Income from equity investments	1	8	1
Income taxes	0	54	9
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	4	109	117
Noncontrolling interests	0	(7)	(9)
Income from continuing operations, net of tax and noncontrolling interests	$ 4	$ 102	$ 108

Discontinued Operation, Equity Method Income (Loss) From Discontinued Operation, Before Income Tax

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