Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Components of Short-Term Borrowings Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table Text Block] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event Subsequent Events [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Disputes, Litigation and Contingencies Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block] 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] 2015 Plan 2015 Plan [Member] 2015 Plan [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] North America [Member] North America [Member] MENA/ Asia Pacific [Member] Middle East, North Africa, and Asia [Member] Middle East, North Africa, and Asia Europe/ SSA/ Russia [Member] Europe, Sub-Sahara Africa, Russia [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Latin America [Member] Latin America [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Corporate and Research and Development [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Core Regional Segments [Member] Core Regional Segments [Member] Core Regional Segments [Member] Drilling Rigs [Member] 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 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 Restructuring Charges Restructuring Charges Litigation Charges Loss Contingency Accrual, Provision Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Other Items Other Nonoperating Expense Professional Fees Professional Fees Other Expenses Other Expenses Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Eliminations [Member] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Weatherford Ireland [Member] 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 [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Bermuda [Member] Refers to Subsidiaries Of the Parent in Other Countries In this Case it is in Bermuda. Weatherford Delaware [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Delaware [Member] Refers To Subsidiaries Of the Parent in Other Countries In this Case it is in Delaware. Other Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest 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 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 Net Cash Provided by (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 Intellectual Property Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Insurance Proceeds Related to Rig Loss Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Investing Activities Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Businesses, Net Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Divestitures of Businesses Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Divestitures of Businesses 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] Borrowings (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 Financing Activities 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 Increase 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 Carrying Value Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period 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] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill by Segment [Axis] Land Drilling Rigs [Member] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Balance at December 31, 2015 Goodwill Foreign currency translation adjustments Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Balance at March 31, 2016 Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] 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 [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Cross-currency swap contracts [Member] Currency Swap [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Current Assets [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other Current Liabilities [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 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 [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] 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 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] Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Net Loss 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 Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), 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 Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Currency [Axis] Currency [Axis] All Currencies [Domain] All Currencies [Domain] Angola, Kwanza Angola, Kwanza Venezuelan bolívar fuerte Venezuelan bolívar fuerte Investment Geographic Region [Axis] Investment Geographic Region [Axis] Investment Geographic Region [Domain] Investment Geographic Region [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Foreign Exchange Related Charges Foreign Currency Devaluation Loss, before Tax Foreign Currency Devaluation Loss, before Tax Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] North America [Member] Middle East, North Africa, and Asia [Member] Europe, Sub-Sahara Africa, Russia [Member] Latin America [Member] 2016 Plan [Member] 2016 Plan [Member] 2016 Plan [Member] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Employee Severance [Member] Employee Severance [Member] Other Restructuring [Member] Other Restructuring [Member] Segments [Axis] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges General Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [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] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts of $108 in 2016 and $113 in 2015 Receivables, Net, Current Inventories, Net Inventory, Net Prepaid Expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Deferred Tax Assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Other Current Assets Other Assets, Current Total Current Assets Assets, Current Property, Plant and Equipment, Net of Accumulated Depreciation of $7,437 in 2016 and $7,235 in 2015 Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Other Intangible Assets, Net of Accumulated Amortization of $802 in 2016 and $783 in 2015 Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Equity Investments Equity Method Investments Other Non-Current Assets Other Assets, Noncurrent 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 Debt, Current 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 Total Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term Debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Other Non-Current Liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total Liabilities Liabilities Shareholders’ Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Shares - Par Value $0.001; Authorized 1,356 shares, Issued and Outstanding 895 shares at March 31, 2016 and 779 shares at December 31, 2015 Common Stock, Value, Issued Capital in Excess of Par Value Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Retained (Deficit) Earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling Interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Shareholders’ Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Liabilities and Equity Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Basic Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted 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 Other Restructuring Less Asset Write-Offs [Member] Other Restructuring Less Asset Write-Offs [Member] Other Restructuring Less Asset Write-Offs Share-based compensation Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Related tax benefit Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Contractors [Abstract] Percentage of Completion Contracts Long-term Contracts or Programs Disclosure [Text Block] Income Statement [Abstract] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] 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 Related Charges Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of Restructuring Charges Litigation Charges, Net (Gain) Loss on Sale of Businesses, Net Total Costs and Expenses Costs and Expenses Operating Income (Loss) Other Income (Expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest Expense, Net Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net Currency Devaluation Charges Other, Net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Loss Before Income Taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for Income Taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent 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] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Schedule of Issued and Treasury Shares [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Par Value of Issued Shares [Member] Common Stock [Member] Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Treasury Shares [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Noncontrolling Interests [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Schedule of Issued and Treasury Shares [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Stockholders' Equity, Other Stockholders' Equity, Other Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning balance Net Income (Loss) Other Comprehensive Loss Dividends Paid to Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Common Stocks, Including Additional Paid in Capital 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 Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Revolving credit facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Other short-term bank loans [Member] Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Short-term Debt [Line Items] Short-term Debt [Line Items] Short-term Debt Short-term Debt Current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Tranche [Axis] Tranche [Axis] Tranche Tranche [Domain] Tranche [Domain] [Domain] for Tranche Tranche One [Member] Tranche One [Member] Tranche One Tranche Two [Member] Tranche Two [Member] [Member] Tranche Two [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Bi-Lateral Revolver Debt [Member] Bi-Lateral Revolver Debt [Member] Bi-Lateral Revolver Debt [Member] Senior Notes, 5.50% due 2016 [Member] Senior Notes, 5.50 Percent due 2016 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 5.50 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2016. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Committed letters of credit [Member] Committed Letters of Credit [Member] Committed Letters of Credit [Member] Domestic and foreign facility [Member] Domestic and Foreign Facility [Member] Domestic and Foreign Facility [Member] Uncommitted letters of credit [Member] Uncommitted Letters of Credit [Member] Uncommitted Letters of Credit [Member] Credit agreement, maximum capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Ratio of indebtedness to net capital percent required Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Letters of credit outstanding, amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Short term borrowings Short-term Bank Loans and Notes Payable Interest rate at period end Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End Performance bonds Performance Bonds Performance bonds with various domestic and international institutions. Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Inventories, Net Inventory Disclosure [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 Revenues Pressure Pumping Related Charges Pressure Pumping Related Charges Pressure Pumping Related Charges Supply Agreement Charges related to Non-Core Business Divestiture Supply Agreement Charges related to Non-Core Business Divestiture Supply Agreement Charges related to Non-Core Business Divestiture Loss from Catastrophes Loss from Catastrophes Other nonrecurring (income) expense Other Nonrecurring (Income) Expense Other Nonoperating Expense Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] A&R Credit Agreement [Member] A&R Credit Agreement [Member] A&R Credit Agreement [Member] Term Loan Agreement [Member] Term Loan Agreement [Member] Term Loan Agreement [Member] Lender Name [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Non-Extending Lenders [Member] Non-Extending Lenders [Member] Non-Extending Lenders [Member] Extending Lenders [Member] Extending Lenders [Member] Extending Lenders [Member] Base Rate [Member] Base Rate [Member] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Percentage of commitments electing to extend maturity Percentage of Commitments Electing to Extend Maturity Percentage of Commitments Electing to Extend Maturity Threshold of Repayments required by original maturity (at least) Debt Instrument, Extended Maturity, Threshold of Repayments Required by Original Maturity Debt Instrument, Extended Maturity, Threshold of Repayments Required by Original Maturity Percentage of commitments not electing to extend maturity Percentage of Commitments Not Electing to Extend Maturity Percentage of Commitments Not Electing to Extend Maturity Basis spread on variable rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Senior leverage ratio, period one Debt Instrument, Covenant, Senior Leverage Ratio, Period One Debt Instrument, Covenant, Senior Leverage Ratio, Period One Senior leverage ratio, period two Debt Instrument, Covenant, Senior Leverage Ratio, Period Two Debt Instrument, Covenant, Senior Leverage Ratio, Period Two Asset coverage ratio (at least) Debt Instrument, Covenant, Asset Coverage Ratio Debt Instrument, Covenant, Asset Coverage Ratio Specified leverage and letters of credit ratio, period one Debt Instrument, Covenant, Specified Leverage and Letters of Credit Ratio, Period One Debt Instrument, Covenant, Specified Leverage and Letters of Credit Ratio, Period One 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 Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Senior Notes, 6.35% due 2017 [Member] 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, 6.80% due 2037 [Member] 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 [Member] 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, 6.00% due 2018 [Member] 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. Senior Notes, 7.00% due 2038 [Member] 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 [Member] 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 [Member] 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 [Member] 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 [Member] 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 [Member] Senior Notes, 4.50 Percent due 2022 [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Senior Notes, 5.95% due 2042 [Member] Senior Notes, 5.95 Percent due 2042 [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Stated interest rate on debt 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 Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Other, Net [Member] Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Interest rate swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] 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 Gain (loss) on derivative Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net 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 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] Basis of Accounting Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [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 [Member] 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 [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Value [Member] 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 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] 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] Loss on Contracts Loss on Contracts 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) Costs in Excess of Billings, Current Costs in Excess of Billings, Current Contracts Revenue Contracts Revenue Unapproved Change Orders, Amount Unapproved Change Orders, Amount Share-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Current Assets 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. 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. Current Liabilities 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) 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 Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity Scenario, Forecast [Member] Scenario, Forecast [Member] (Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement Uncertain tax positions, estimated for next twelve months Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Adjustments to Reconcile Net Loss to Net Cash Provided by 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 Asset Write-Downs and Other Related Charges Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges Litigation Charges Litigation Settlement, Expense Currency Devaluation Charges 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 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 Acquisition of Intellectual Property Net Cash Used in Investing Activities Repayments of Long-term Debt, Net Repayments of Long-term Debt, Long-term Capital Lease Obligations, and Capital Securities Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock 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 Restructuring Charges Restructuring and Related Activities 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] Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Long-term Debt [Member] Long-term Debt [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standard Update 2015-03 [Member] Accounting Standard Update 2015-03 [Member] Accounting Standard Update 2015-03 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Deferred Finance Costs, Net Deferred Finance Costs, Net Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Currency Translation Adjustment [Member] Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Defined Benefit Pension [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Deferred Loss on Derivatives [Member] 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 (Loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Reclassifications Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Ending balance Goodwill Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Costs and Expenses 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 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 Noncontrolling Interests Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value and Carrying Value of Long-Term Debt Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-term Debt Short-term Debt [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) Recognized in Income Accounting Policies [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] 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] 2014 & 2015 Plan [Member] 2014 & 2015 Plan [Member] 2014 & 2015 Plan Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] 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 Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Oil-for-Food Program and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act [Member] Oil-for-Food Program and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act [Member] Oil-for-Food Program and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Fair Value Guarantee [Member] Fair Value Guarantee [Member] Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Freedman v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. [Member] [Member] Freedman v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. [Member] [Member] Freedman v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. [Member] U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas v. Weatherford International Ltd. [Member] U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas v. Weatherford International Ltd. [Member] U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas v. Weatherford International Ltd. [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] 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 Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Components of Inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block]