| Document and Entity Information | Aug. 10, 2020 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Entity Address, Country | GB |
| Local Phone Number | 83 242200 |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001707925 |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Document Period End Date | Aug. 10, 2020 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Linde plc |
| Entity Incorporation State Country Code | L2 |
| Entity File Number | 001-38730 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-1448883 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | The Priestley Centre |
| Entity Address, Address Line Two | 10 Priestley Road |
| Entity Address, Address Line Three | Surrey Research Park |
| Entity Address, City or Town | Guildford |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | GU2 7XY |
| City Area Code | 14 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre Commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Security 12b Title | Ordinary shares (€0.001 nominal value per share) |
| Trading Symbol | LIN |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
