Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Performance units Performance Shares [Member] Restricted Stock Restricted Stock [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Weighted-average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Fair value, risk-free rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Fair value, volatility rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Fair value, dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Unrecognized compensation expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options Unrecognized compensation expense, recognition period Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] A&R Credit Agreement A&R Credit Agreement [Member] A&R Credit Agreement [Member] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Revolving credit facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Other short-term bank loans Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Short-term Debt [Line Items] Short-term Debt [Line Items] Credit agreement, maximum capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Short-term debt Short-term Debt Current portion of long-term debt and term loan agreement Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt Debt, Current Accounting Policies [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Neff v. Brady, et al. Neff v. Brady, et al. [Member] Neff v. Brady, et al. [Member] Freedman v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. Freedman v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. [Member] [Member] Freedman v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. [Member] U.S. SEC and DOJ Investigation U.S. SEC and DOJ Investigation [Domain] U.S. SEC and DOJ Investigation [Domain] SEC Settlement SEC Settlement [Member] SEC Settlement [Member] Spitzer Spitzer [Member] Spitzer [Member] Settlement Payments Due [Axis] Settlement Payments Due [Axis] Settlement Payments Due [Axis] Settlement Payments Due [Domain] Settlement Payments Due [Domain] [Domain] for Settlement Payments Due [Axis] Settlement payments due 21 days from settlement Settlement payments due 21 days from settlement [Domain] Settlement payments due 21 days from settlement [Domain] Settlement payments due in 120 days Settlement payments due in 120 days [Domain] Settlement payments due in 120 days [Domain] Settlement payments due in 240 days Settlement payments due in 240 days [Domain] Settlement payments due in 240 days [Domain] Settlement payments due in 360 days Settlement payments due in 360 days [Domain] Settlement payments due in 360 days [Domain] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Fair Value Guarantee Fair Value Guarantee [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Current Liabilities Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Liabilities Held for Sale Liabilities Held for Sale [Member] Liabilities Held for Sale [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Number of actions filed (in lawsuits) Loss Contingency, Number of Lawsuits Filed Loss Contingency, Number of Lawsuits Filed Litigation settlement, amount Litigation Settlement, Amount Payments for legal settlements Payments for Legal Settlements Insurance settlements receivable Insurance Recoveries Loss contingency accrual Loss Contingency Accrual Period of time in which reports and certifications are delivered regarding tax internal controls Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Internal Control Reporting, Tax, Period of Time Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Internal Control Reporting, Tax, Period of Time Estimated litigation liability Estimated Litigation Liability Leveraged leases, net investment in leveraged leases disclosure, residual value of leased assets Leveraged Leases, Net Investment in Leveraged Leases Disclosure, Residual Value of Leased Assets Recorded unconditional purchase obligation Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Derivatives Instruments in Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Components of Inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Eliminations Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Weatherford Ireland Weatherford Ireland Parent Company [Member] The registrant that controls, directly or indirectly, another entity (or entities). The usual condition for control is ownership of a majority (over 50%) of the outstanding voting stock. The power to control may also exist with a lesser percentage of ownership, for example, by contract, lease, agreement with other stockholders or by court decree. Weatherford Bermuda Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Bermuda [Member] Refers to Subsidiaries Of the Parent in Other Countries In this Case it is in Bermuda. Weatherford Delaware Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Delaware [Member] Refers To Subsidiaries Of the Parent in Other Countries In this Case it is in Delaware. Other Subsidiaries Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Other Current Assets Other Assets, Current, Consolidating Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of current assets not separately presented elsewhere in the balance sheet. Current assets are expected to be realized or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Amount used on consolidating schedule. Total Current Assets Assets, Current Equity Investments in Affiliates Equity Method Investments In Affiliates This item represents the carrying amount on the entity's balance sheet of its equity investment in the entity's affiliates. Intercompany Receivables, Net Intercompany Receivables, Net Net carrying amount of intercompany receivables, other than from customers, as of balance sheet date. Amounts are eliminated in consolidation. Other Assets Other Assets, Noncurrent, Consolidating Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent assets are expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Amount used on consolidating schedule. Total Assets Assets LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities, Current Aggregate carrying value as of the balance sheet date of liabilities incurred (and for which invoices have typically been received) and payable to vendors for goods and services received and other liabilities not separately disclosed in balance sheet that are used in an entity's business. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer) Total Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term Debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Intercompany Payables, Net Intercompany Payables Net Net carrying amount of intercompany payables, other than from external vendors, as of balance sheet date. Amounts are eliminated in consolidation. Other Long-term Liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total Liabilities Liabilities Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling Interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Liabilities and Equity Business Combinations [Abstract] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] OneStim OneStim [Member] OneStim [Member] Partner Type [Axis] Partner Type [Axis] Partner Type of Partners' Capital Account, Name [Domain] Partner Type of Partners' Capital Account, Name [Domain] Weatherford Weatherford [Member] Weatherford [Member] Schlumberger Schlumberger [Member] Schlumberger [Member] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale [Member] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, 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] Percentage of voting interests acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Consideration Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Increase (decrease) in assets held-for-sale Increase (Decrease) in Assets Held-for-sale Property, plant and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Restructuring Plan [Domain] 2016 Plan 2016 Plan [Member] 2016 Plan [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] North America North America [Member] MENA/ Asia Pacific Middle East, North Africa, and Asia [Member] Middle East, North Africa, and Asia Europe/ SSA/ Russia Europe, Sub-Sahara Africa, Russia [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Latin America Latin America [Member] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Corporate and Research and Development Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Segment Reconciling Items Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Core Regional Segments Core Regional Segments [Member] Core Regional Segments [Member] Drilling Rigs Drilling Rigs [Member] Drilling Rigs [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Net Operating Revenues Revenue, Net Operating Income (Loss) Operating Income (Loss) Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Corporate and Research and Development Research and Development Expense Restructuring Charges Restructuring Charges Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Other Related Charges Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Other Related Charges Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Other Related Charges Litigation Charges, Net Loss Contingency Accrual, Provision New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Current Assets: Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts of $117 in 2017 and $129 in 2016 Receivables, Net, Current Inventories, Net Inventory, Net Prepaid Expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Other Current Assets Other Assets, Current Assets Held for Sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Property, Plant and Equipment, Net of Accumulated Depreciation of $7,424 in 2017 and $7,362 in 2016 Goodwill Goodwill Other Intangible Assets, Net of Accumulated Amortization of $818 in 2017 and $801 in 2016 Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Equity Investments Equity Method Investments Other Non-Current Assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Current Liabilities: Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-term Debt Accounts Payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued Salaries and Benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Income Taxes Payable Taxes Payable, Current Other Current Liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Liabilities Held for Sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current Other Non-Current Liabilities Shareholders’ Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Shares - Par Value $0.001; Authorized 1,356 shares, Issued and Outstanding 985 shares at March 31, 2017 and 983 shares at December 31, 2016 Common Stock, Value, Issued Capital in Excess of Par Value Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Retained Deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity Total Shareholders’ Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Financial information by segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Axis] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Axis] New Accounting Principles, Early Adoption [Domain] New Accounting Principles, Early Adoption [Domain] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, Statutory Tax Withholding Component Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, Statutory Tax Withholding Component [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, Statutory Tax Withholding Component [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Net cash used in operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Short-term Borrowings and Other Debt Obligations Short-term Debt [Text Block] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key 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 Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Noncurrent Assets: Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Accumulated Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated Amortization of Other Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Shareholders’ Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] Common Shares, Par Value (in USD) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common Shares, Authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Shares, Conditionally Authorized (in shares) Common Shares, Shares, Conditionally Authorized Common Shares, Shares, Conditionally Authorized Common Shares, Issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common Stock, Outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Treasury Shares, at cost (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Components of Short-Term Borrowings Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table Text Block] Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Revenues Costs and Expenses Costs and Expenses Operating Income (Loss) Other Income (Expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest Expense, Net Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net Intercompany Charges, Net Intercompany Charges, Net Net amount of intercompany charges, other than from external customers. Amounts are eliminated in consolidation. Equity in Subsidiary Income (Loss) Income (Loss) from Subsidiary This item represents the portion of the entity's net income (loss) from its subsidiaries Other, Net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Including Foreign Currency Devaluation Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Including Foreign Currency Devaluation Loss Before Income Taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest (Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Loss Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring Charges Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Currency Translation Adjustment Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Defined Benefit Pension Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Deferred Loss on Derivatives Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Other Comprehensive Income before Reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Reclassifications Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Ending balance Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Other Current Assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, Current Inventory, Net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory, Current Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Current Goodwill Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill, Current Total Assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Other Current Liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities, Current Long-term Debt Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Deferred Tax Liabilities Other Non-Current Liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accrued Liabilities, Current Total Liabilities Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Currency Translation Adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Defined Benefit Pension Activity Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Other Other Comprehensive Income, Other, Net of Tax Comprehensive Loss 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 Loss Attributable to Weatherford Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations Condensed Income Statement [Table Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet Condensed Balance Sheet [Table Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table Text Block] Europe, Sub-Sahara Africa, Russia Middle East, North Africa, and Asia Segments [Axis] Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges Pressure Pumping Related Charges Pressure Pumping Related Charges Pressure Pumping Related Charges Other Asset Impairment Charges Other Asset Impairment Charges Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Charges from Parent or Subsidiary Adjustments Noncash Items Intercompany Charges To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Intercompany charges that are eliminated in consolidation. Equity in (Earnings) Loss of Affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Deferred Income Tax Provision (Benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Other Adjustments Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Operating Activities, Consolidating Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Operating Activities, Consolidating Net Cash Used in Operating Activities Cash Flows From Investing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Acquisition of Assets Held for Sale Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Acquisition of Intellectual Property Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Insurance Proceeds Related to Asset Casualty Loss Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Investing Activities Proceeds from Sale of Assets Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net Cash 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] Repayments of Short-term Debt, Net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Borrowings (Repayments) Long-term Debt, Net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Long-term Debt and Capital Securities Borrowings (Repayments) Between Subsidiaries, Net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt from Subsidiaries, Net The cash inflow (outflow) from borrowings between subsidiaries of a common parent. Proceeds from Capital Contributions Proceeds from Capital Contributions Proceeds from Capital Contributions Other, Net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities, Consolidating The net cash inflow or outflow from other financing activities, including the exercise of warrants. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element in the taxonomy. Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Receivables [Abstract] Accounts Receivable Factoring and Other Receivables Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Share-based compensation Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Related tax benefit Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Schedule of Issued and Treasury Shares [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Par Value of Issued Shares Common Stock [Member] Capital in Excess of Par Value Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Sale of Stock Sale of Stock [Domain] Schedule of Issued and Treasury Shares [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning balance Net Income (Loss) Other Comprehensive Income Dividends Paid to Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Issuance of Common Shares Common Stocks, Including Additional Paid in Capital Equity Awards Granted, Vested and Exercised Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Balance, ending balance Stock issued during period, shares, new issues Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Additional paid in capital Additional Paid in Capital Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] 2014 & 2015 Plan 2014 & 2015 Plan [Member] 2014 & 2015 Plan Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Employee Severance Employee Severance [Member] Other Restructuring Other Restructuring [Member] Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] Land Drilling Rigs Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Accrued balance at beginning of period Restructuring Reserve Restructuring Charges Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost Cash Payments Payments for Restructuring Other Restructuring Reserve, Translation and Other Adjustment Accrued balance at end of period Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill by Segment [Axis] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Balance at December 31, 2016 Reclassification to assets held for sale Goodwill, Reclassification to Assets Held for Sale Goodwill, Reclassification to Assets Held for Sale Foreign currency translation adjustments Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Balance at March 31, 2017 Sale of accounts receivable Transfer Of Accounts Receivable, Accounted For As Sale Of AR Transfer Of Accounts Receivable, Accounted For As Sale Of AR Quarterly amount transfer of accounts receivable, accounted for as sales, carrying value Quarterly Amount Transfer of Accounts Receivable, Accounted for as Sales, Carrying Value Quarterly Amount Transfer of Accounts Receivable, Accounted for as Sales, Carrying Value Proceeds from sale of accounts receivable Proceeds from Sale of Accounts Receivable Proceeds from Sale of Accounts Receivable Gain (loss) on sale of accounts receivable Gain (Loss) on Sale of Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable sold, carrying value Transfer of Accounts Receivable, Accounted for as Sales, Carrying Value Amount of receivables sold under an accounts receivable sales program. Trade receivables held-for-sale, reconciliation to cash flow, deductions from held-for-sale Trade Receivables Held-for-sale, Reconciliation to Cash Flow, Deductions from Held-for-sale Receivable with imputed interest, face amount Receivable with Imputed Interest, Face Amount Receivable with imputed interest, term Receivable With Imputed Interest, Term Receivable With Imputed Interest, Term Receivable with imputed interest, effective yield (interest rate) Receivable with Imputed Interest, Effective Yield (Interest Rate) Notes receivable, fair value disclosure Notes Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure Anti-dilutive potential shares due to net loss Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings-per-Share Due to Net Loss, Amount Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings-per-Share Due to Net Loss, Amount Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Currency [Axis] Currency [Axis] All Currencies [Domain] All Currencies [Domain] Foreign exchange related charges Foreign Currency Devaluation Loss, before Tax Foreign Currency Devaluation Loss, before Tax Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Foreign currency forward contracts Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Warrant Warrant [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Other Current Assets Other Current Assets [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative asset, fair value, gross Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative liability, fair value, gross Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Lender Name [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Extending Lenders Extending Lenders [Member] Extending Lenders [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Senior Notes Senior Notes [Member] Term Loan Agreement Term Loan Agreement [Member] Term Loan Agreement [Member] Term Loan Borrowings before Debt Issuance Cost Term Loan Borrowings before Debt Issuance Cost [Member] Term Loan Borrowings before Debt Issuance Cost [Member] Senior Notes, 6.35% due 2017 Senior Notes, 6.35 Percent due 2017 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 6.35 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2017. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 6.00% due 2018 Senior Notes, 6.00 Percent due 2018 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 6.00 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2018. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Committed letters of credit Committed Letters of Credit [Member] Committed Letters of Credit [Member] Domestic and foreign facility Domestic and Foreign Facility [Member] Domestic and Foreign Facility [Member] Uncommitted letters of credit Uncommitted Letters of Credit [Member] Uncommitted Letters of Credit [Member] Cash Collateralized [Member] Cash Collateralized [Member] Cash Collateralized [Member] Debt and capital lease obligations Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Commitments not electing to extend maturity Commitments Not Electing to Extend Maturity Commitments Not Electing to Extend Maturity Remaining borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Letters of credit outstanding, amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt instrument, covenant, senior leverage ratio, period two Debt Instrument, Covenant, Senior Leverage Ratio, Period Two Debt Instrument, Covenant, Senior Leverage Ratio, Period Two Debt instrument, covenant, specified leverage and letter of credit ratio, period two Debt Instrument, Covenant, Specified Leverage and Letter of Credit Ratio, Period Two Debt Instrument, Covenant, Specified Leverage and Letter of Credit Ratio, Period Two Debt instrument, covenant, asset coverage ratio Debt Instrument, Covenant, Asset Coverage Ratio Debt Instrument, Covenant, Asset Coverage Ratio Short term borrowings Short-term Bank Loans and Notes Payable Performance bonds Performance Bonds Performance bonds with various domestic and international institutions. Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Stated interest rate on debt Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Schedule of Stockholders Equity Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Contractors [Abstract] Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Table] Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Table] Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Table] Iraq IRAQ Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Line Items] Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Line Items] [Line Items] for Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Table] Proceeds from Contract Settlements Proceeds from Contract Settlements Proceeds from Contract Settlements Total estimated loss on contracts Total Estimated Loss on Contracts Total Estimated Loss on Contracts Accounts receivable, unapproved contract claims Accounts Receivable, Unapproved Contract Claims Deductions (back charges) Deductions (Charges) Billings in excess of cost Billings in Excess of Cost ContractSettlementAmount ContractSettlementAmount ContractSettlementAmount Loss on contracts Loss on Contracts Costs in excess of billings, current Costs in Excess of Billings, Current Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Table] Schedule of Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Table] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items] Long-lived asset impairment charges Asset Impairment Charges Asset Write-Downs and Other Charges Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Severance costs Severance Costs Other restructuring costs Other Restructuring Costs Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Other, Net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Fair Value Hedging Fair Value Hedging [Member] Interest rate swap Interest Rate Swap [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Number of securities called by each warrant or right Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right Exercise price of warrants or rights Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights Warrants and rights outstanding Warrants and Rights Outstanding Fair Value Adjustment of Warrants Fair Value Adjustment of Warrants Debt instrument, unamortized premium Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium Deferred (gain) loss on discontinuation of fair value hedge Deferred (Gain) Loss on Discontinuation of Fair Value Hedge Notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount General Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Adjustments to Reconcile Net Loss to Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Employee Share-Based Compensation Expense Share-based Compensation Litigation Charges Litigation Settlement, Expense Currency Devaluation Charges Warrant Fair Value Adjustment Other, Net Other Noncash Income (Expense) Change in Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net of Effect of Businesses Acquired: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts Receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Other Current Assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Accounts Payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade Accrued Litigation and Settlements Other Current Liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Liabilities Other, Net Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Acquisition of Intellectual Property Proceeds Related to Sale of Businesses, Net Proceeds (payments) from sale of businesses and equity investment, net Proceeds (payments) from sale of businesses and equity investment, net Net Cash Used in Investing Activities Repayments of Long-term Debt Repayments of Long-term Debt, Long-term Capital Lease Obligations, and Capital Securities Proceeds from Issuance of Ordinary Common Shares Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Other Financing Activities, Net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Supplemental Cash Flow Information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest Paid Interest Paid Income Taxes Paid, Net of Refunds Income Taxes Paid, Net Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Schedule of Restructuring Charges Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Income (loss) before income taxes Uncertain tax positions, estimated for next twelve months Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit Gain (loss) related to litigation settlement Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement Foreign exchange related charges Goodwill Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value and Carrying Value of Long-term Debt [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Value Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair value of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Fair Value 2015 Plan 2015 Plan [Member] 2015 Plan [Member] Other Restructuring Less Asset Write-Offs [Member] Other Restructuring Less Asset Write-Offs [Member] Other Restructuring Less Asset Write-Offs Asset impairment charges Inventories, Net Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Raw materials, components and supplies Inventory, Raw Materials and Supplies, Net of Reserves Work in process Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Inventories, Net Share-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Gain (loss) on derivative Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Senior Notes, 6.80% due 2037 Senior Notes, 6.80 Percent due 2037 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 6.80 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2037. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 6.50% due 2036 Senior Notes, 6.50 Percent due 2036 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 6.50 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2036. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 7.00% due 2038 Senior Notes, 7.00 Percent due 2038 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 7.00 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2038. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 9.625% due 2019 Senior Notes, 9.625 Percent due 2019 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 9.625 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2019. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 9.875% due 2039 Senior Notes, 9.875 Percent due 2039 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 9.875 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2039. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 5.125% due 2020 Senior Notes, 5.125 Percent due 2020 [Member] Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion due in the year 2020. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 6.75% due 2040 Senior Notes, 6.75 Percent due 2040 [Member] Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion due in the year 2040. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 4.50% due 2022 Senior Notes, 4.50 Percent due 2022 [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Senior Notes, 5.95% due 2042 Senior Notes, 5.95 Percent due 2042 [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Exchangeable Senior Notes, 5.875 Percent due 2021 Exchangeable Senior Notes, 5.875 Percent due 2021 [Member] Exchangeable Senior Notes, 5.875 Percent due 2021 [Member] Senior Notes, 7.75 Percent due 2021 Senior Notes, 7.75 Percent due 2021 [Member] Senior Notes, 7.75 Percent due 2021 [Member] Senior Notes, 8.25 Percent due 2023 Senior Notes, 8.25 Percent due 2023 [Member] Senior Notes, 8.25 Percent due 2023 [Member] Senior Notes, 9.875 Percent due 2024 Senior Notes, 9.875 Percent due 2024 [Member] Senior Notes, 9.875 Percent due 2024 [Member] [Axis] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Percentage of Completion Contracts Long-term Contracts or Programs Disclosure [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Products Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Services Sales Revenue, Services, Net Total Revenues Costs and Expenses: Cost of Revenue [Abstract] Cost of Products Cost of Goods Sold Cost of Services Cost of Services Research and Development Selling, General and Administrative Attributable to Segments Selling, General and Administrative Expense, Portion Attributable to Segments Selling, General and Administrative Expense, Portion Attributable to Segments Corporate General and Administrative General and Administrative Expense Asset Write-Downs and Other Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of Restructuring Charges Litigation Charges, Net Total Costs and Expenses Fair Value Adjustment of Warrants Currency Devaluation Charges Other Income (Expense), Net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income Tax (Provision) Benefit Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Loss Per Share Attributable to Weatherford: Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Basic Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Diluted Business Combinations and Dvestitures Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Disputes, Litigation and Contingencies Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block] Basis of Accounting Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block]