Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted 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] Employee Stock Option [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] This element represents the subtotal of restricted share awards and restricted share units. Performance units [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Domain] Sale of Stock [Domain] Employee Stock [Member] Employee Stock [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Maximum term (in years) that awards will be granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Number of shares available for grant under Incentive Plans Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Award vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Award vesting Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Weighted-average grant date fair value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Total fair value of awards vested during the period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value 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 Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Volatility rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Shares issued for share-based compensation awards (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Number of shares authorized (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Offering period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Offering Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Offering Period Purchase price percent Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Gross Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Gross Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] 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 Total Inventory Inventory, Net Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net Loss Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Adjustments to Reconcile Net Loss to Net Cash Used in Operating Activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Goodwill, Impairment Loss Goodwill, Impairment Loss Long-Lived Asset Impairments Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Write-offs Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Write-offs Inventory Write-down Inventory Write-down Asset Write-Downs and Other Charges Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges Increase (Decrease) in Obligation, Pension Benefits Increase (Decrease) in Obligation, Pension Benefits Currency Devaluation Charges Foreign Currency Devaluation Loss, before Tax Foreign Currency Devaluation Loss, before Tax Litigation Settlement, Expense Litigation Settlement, Expense Bond Tender and Call Premium Bond Tender Premium, Net Bond Tender Premium, Net Share-based compensation Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Bad Debt Expense Provision for Doubtful Accounts Gain on Sale of Assets and Businesses, Net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Deferred Income Tax Provision (Benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Warrant Fair Value Adjustment Fair Value Adjustment of Warrants Other, Net Other Noncash Income (Expense) Change in Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net: 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 Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Litigation and Settlements Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Litigation and Settlements Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Litigation and Settlements Other Current Liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Liabilities Other, Net Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net 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 Increase (Decrease) in Assets Held-for-sale Increase (Decrease) in Assets Held-for-sale Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Acquisition of Intangible Assets Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Investing Activities Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Investing Activities Proceeds (Payment) from Disposition of Businesses and Investments Payments for (Proceeds from) Businesses and Interest in Affiliates Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (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 of Long-term Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Repayments of Long-term Debt, Long-term Capital Lease Obligations, and Capital Securities Borrowings (Repayments) of Short-term Debt, Net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Payments for Bond Tender Premium Payments for Bond Tender Premium Payments for Bond Tender Premium Payments to Acquire Equipment on Lease Payments to Acquire Equipment on Lease Other Financing Activities, Net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities 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 (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest Paid, Including Capitalized Interest, Operating and Investing Activities Interest Paid, Including Capitalized Interest, Operating and Investing Activities Income Taxes Paid, Net Income Taxes Paid, Net Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Segment Reporting [Abstract] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Changes in Issued and Treasury shares Schedule of Common Stock Outstanding Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Fair Values of Outstanding Derivative Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Settlement Payments Due [Axis] Settlement Payments Due [Axis] Settlement Payments Due [Axis] Settlement payments due 21 days from settlement [Domain] Settlement payments due 21 days from settlement [Domain] Settlement payments due 21 days from settlement [Domain] Settlement payments due in 240 days [Domain] Settlement payments due in 240 days [Domain] Settlement payments due in 240 days [Domain] Settlement payments due in 120 days [Domain] Settlement payments due in 120 days [Domain] Settlement payments due in 120 days [Domain] Settlement payments due in 360 days [Domain] Settlement payments due in 360 days [Domain] Settlement payments due in 360 days [Domain] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] U.S. SEC and DOJ Investigation [Domain] U.S. SEC and DOJ Investigation [Domain] U.S. SEC and DOJ Investigation [Domain] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Shareholder derivative actions filed Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Payments for legal settlements Payments for Legal Settlements Loss Contingency Accrual Loss Contingency Accrual Loss Contingency, Patents Allegedly Infringed, Number Loss Contingency, Patents Allegedly Infringed, Number Litigation Charges, Net Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Internal Control Reporting, Tax, Period of Time 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 Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] 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] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Senior Notes, 9.875% due 2024 [Member] Senior Notes, 9.875 Percent due 2024 [Member] Senior Notes, 9.875 Percent due 2024 [Member] [Axis] A&R Credit Agreement [Member] 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] 364 Day Secured RCF [Member] 364 Day Secured RCF [Member] 364 Day Secured RCF [Member] Other short-term bank loans [Member] Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Short-term Debt [Line Items] Short-term Debt [Line Items] Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Short-term Debt Short-term Debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Current Portion of Long-term Debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-term Debt Debt, Current Long-term Debt Long-term Debt Revenue Recognition on Long Term Contracts [Abstract] Revenue Recognition on Long Term Contracts [Abstract] Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method [Table] Revenue Recognition, Milestone Method [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] IRAQ IRAQ Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items] Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items] Loss on Contracts Loss on Contracts Billings in Excess of Cost Billings in Excess of Cost Total Estimated Loss on Contracts Total Estimated Loss on Contracts Total Estimated Loss on Contracts Accounting Policies [Abstract] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract] Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract] Revenues Revenues Gross profit Gross Profit Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Net Loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign Currency Translation Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Defined Benefit Pension Activity Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax Other Other Comprehensive Income, Other, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax 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 Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Eastern Hemisphere [Member] Eastern Hemisphere [Member] Eastern Hemisphere [Member] Western Hemisphere [Member] Western Hemisphere [Member] Western Hemisphere [Member] UNITED STATES UNITED STATES Latin America [Member] Latin America [Member] CANADA CANADA Middle East and North Africa [Member] Middle East and North Africa [Member] Middle East and North Africa Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia [Member] Europe, Sub-Sahara Africa, Russia [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Asia [Member] Asia [Member] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Assets Assets Deferred tax assets for long-lived assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Long-lived Assets Long-Lived Assets 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 Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Public Float 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 Entity Small Business Entity Small Business Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Emerging Growth Company Entity Shell Company Entity Shell Company 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] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Table] SEC Settlement [Member] SEC Settlement [Member] SEC Settlement [Member] Goodwill Impairment including Held for Sale Items [Axis] Goodwill Impairment including Held for Sale Items [Axis] Goodwill Impairment including Held for Sale Items [Axis] Goodwill Impairment including Held for Sale Items [Domain] Goodwill Impairment including Held for Sale Items [Domain] [Domain] for Goodwill Impairment including Held for Sale Items [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] Foreign Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Foreign Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Foreign Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] VENEZUELA VENEZUELA Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Asset Write Down and Other Other Write-downs Charges and Credits Other Write-downs Charges and Credits Pressure Pumping Related Charges Pressure Pumping Related Charges Pressure Pumping Related Charges Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest Tax Benefit Recognized From Goodwill Impairment Tax Benefit Recognized From Goodwill Impairment Tax Benefit Recognized From Goodwill Impairment Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense Asset Impairment Charges Asset Impairment Charges Restructuring and Transformation Charges Restructuring Charges Loss Contingency Accrual, Provision Loss Contingency Accrual, Provision Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Amount Goodwill, Impairment Loss Asset Write Down and Other Asset Write Down and Other Asset Write Down and Other Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Production Related Impairments or Charges Production Related Impairments or Charges Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries Operating Loss Carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Number of Countries in which Entity Operates Number of Countries in which Entity Operates Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible Bond Tender and Call Premium Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs AR bad debt expense with no significant tax benefit AR bad debt expense with no significant tax benefit AR bad debt expense with no significant tax benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Valuation Adjustment Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Valuation Adjustment Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Valuation Adjustment Amount Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure Lessee, Operating Lease, Disclosure [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] Schedule of Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity [Table Text Block] Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory Deferred Tax Assets, Other Deferred Tax Assets, Other Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill and Intangible Assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill and Intangible Assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Net Deferred Tax Asset Deferred Tax Assets, Net Net Deferred Tax Liability Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Total Product and Service Revenue before Rental Revenues Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax Rental Revenues Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue Total Revenues Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] 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] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Buildings and leasehold improvements [Member] Buildings and leasehold improvements [Member] Buildings and leasehold improvements Rental and service equipment [Member] Rental and service equipment [Member] Rental and service equipment Machinery and other [Member] Machinery and other [Member] Machinery and other Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Depreciation Depreciation Receivables [Abstract] Accounts Receivable Factoring Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts of $123 in 2018 and $156 in 2017 Receivables, Net, Current Inventories, Net Other Current Assets Other Assets, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Total Current Assets Assets, Current Rental and Service Equipment Rental and Service Equipment, Gross Gross carrying amount, before depreciation, as of the balance sheet date of long-lived, depreciable asset used in the process of rental goods and services. Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less: Accumulated Depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Goodwill Other Non-current Assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total Assets LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] 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 Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current Total Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Other Non-current Liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total Liabilities Liabilities Shareholders’ Deficiency: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Shares - Par Value $0.001; Authorized 1,356 shares, Issued and Outstanding 1,002 shares and 993 shares at December 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively 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’ Deficiency Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling Interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Shareholders’ Deficiency Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Deficiency Liabilities and Equity Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used by Type [Axis] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used by Type [Axis] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used, Asset Name [Domain] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used, Asset Name [Domain] Assets, Total [Member] Assets, Total [Member] Drilling Rigs [Member] Drilling Rights [Member] Business Operations Held for Sale [Member] Business Operations Held for Sale [Member] Business Operations Held for Sale [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Restructuring Plan [Domain] 2016 Plan [Member] 2016 Plan [Member] 2016 Plan [Member] Change in Accounting Estimate by Type [Axis] Change in Accounting Estimate by Type [Axis] Change in Accounting Estimate, Type [Domain] Change in Accounting Estimate, Type [Domain] Revenue Recognition [Member] Revenue Recognition [Member] Revenue Recognition [Member] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] Employee Severance [Member] Employee Severance [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Number of Reportable Segments Number of Reportable Segments Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Buildings and Improvements, Gross Buildings and Improvements, Gross Machinery and Equipment, Gross Machinery and Equipment, Gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less: Accumulated Depreciation Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Line of Credit Facility [Abstract] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Lender Name [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block] Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring Charges Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Class of Warrant or Right [Table] Class of Warrant or Right [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Warrant [Member] Warrant [Member] Exchangeable Debt [Member] Exchangeable Debt [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items] Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items] Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Additional Paid in Capital Additional Paid in Capital Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Shares Issued, Price Per Share Shares Issued, Price Per Share Class of Warrant or Right, Unissued Class of Warrant or Right, Unissued Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] 2016-17 Plan [Member] 2016-17 Plan [Member] 2016-17 Plan [Member] Transformation Plan [Member] Transformation Plan [Member] Transformation Plan [Member] Other Restructuring [Member] Other Restructuring [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Severance Costs Severance Costs Other Restructuring Costs Other Restructuring Costs Restructuring Reserve Restructuring Reserve Business Combinations [Abstract] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale [Member] Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale [Member] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Land Drilling Rig [Member] Land Drilling Rig [Member] Land Drilling Rig [Member] U.S. Pressure Pumping and Pump-Down [Member] U.S. Pressure Pumping and Pump-Down [Member] U.S. Pressure Pumping and Pump-Down [Member] Conventional Continuous Sucker Rod Business [Member] Conventional Continuous Sucker Rod Business [Member] Conventional Continuous Sucker Rod Business [Member] sale of equity investment [Member] sale of equity investment [Member] sale of equity investment [Member] 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] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Noncurrent Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Noncurrent Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Noncurrent Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Noncurrent Escrow Deposit Liability Escrow Deposit Liability Escrow Deposit Liability Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Axis] Product and Service [Domain] Product and Service [Domain] Production [Member] Production [Member] Production [Member] Completion [Member] Completion [Member] Completion [Member] Drilling and Evaluation [Member] Drilling and Evaluation [Member] Drilling and Evaluation [Member] Well Construction [Member] Well Construction [Member] Well Construction [Member] 606 revenue [Member] 606 revenue [Member] 606 revenue [Member] Total Excluding Rental Revenues Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] Major Customers and Credit Risk Major Customers, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventories Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Assets Held for Sale Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangibles Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Indefinite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block] Intangible Assets Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block] Research and Development Expenditures Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives Financial Instruments Derivatives, Reporting of Derivative Activity [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Share-Based Compensation Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Disputes, Litigation and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] Financial information by segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Composition of consolidated revenues by product line Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block] Financial information by geographic area Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Triggering Events [Axis] Triggering Events [Axis] Triggering Events [Axis] Triggering Events [Domain] Triggering Events [Domain] [Domain] for Triggering Events [Axis] Paid in Accordance with Closing Terms through the Joint Venture [Member] Paid in Accordance with Closing Terms through the Joint Venture [Member] Paid in Accordance with Closing Terms through the Joint Venture [Member] Will be Made Two Years after Closing [Member] Will be Made Two Years after Closing [Member] Will be Made Two Years after Closing [Member] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Joint Venture in Qatar [Member] Joint Venture in Qatar [Member] Joint Venture in Qatar [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Business Acquisition, Period of Additional Payment after Closing Business Acquisition, Period of Additional Payment after Closing Business Acquisition, Period of Additional Payment after Closing Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Remeasurement Gain Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Remeasurement Gain Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other Disputes, Litigation and Contingencies Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] 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] 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] Deferred (Gain) Loss on Discontinuation of Fair Value Hedge Deferred (Gain) Loss on Discontinuation of Fair Value Hedge Beginning balance Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Reclassifications Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Ending balance Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Retirement and Employee Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Tax Period [Axis] Tax Period [Axis] Tax Period [Domain] Tax Period [Domain] Earliest Tax Year [Member] Earliest Tax Year [Member] Latest Tax Year [Member] Latest Tax Year [Member] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] MEXICO MEXICO RUSSIA Russia [Domain] Russia [Domain] SWITZERLAND SWITZERLAND Income Tax Examination, Year under Examination Income Tax Examination, Year under Examination Commitments Commitments Disclosure [Text Block] Components of short-term borrowings Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Intangible asset useful life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Receivables for Product and Services in Accounts Receivable, Net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Share-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Total rent expense incurred under operating leases Operating Leases, Rent Expense Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Quarterly Financial Data Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] Inventories, Net Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Shares Issued [Member] Common Stock [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning balance 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 Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Convertible Debt with Conversion Feature Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Convertible Debt with Conversion Feature Equity Awards Granted, Vested and Exercised Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets Stockholders' Equity, Other Stockholders' Equity, Other Balance, ending balance Schedule of long-term debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of maturities of long-term debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Other Restructuring excluding write-downs [Member] Other Restructuring excluding write-downs [Member] Other Restructuring excluding write-downs [Member] Impaired Assets to be Disposed of by Method Other than Sale, Asset Name [Domain] Impaired Assets to be Disposed of by Method Other than Sale, Asset Name [Domain] Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost Payments for Restructuring Payments for Restructuring Valuation Allowance [Table] Valuation Allowance [Table] Valuation Allowance by Deferred Tax Asset [Axis] Valuation Allowance by Deferred Tax Asset [Axis] Deferred Tax Asset [Domain] Deferred Tax Asset [Domain] Valuation Allowance [Line Items] Valuation Allowance [Line Items] Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Reportable Legal Entities [Member] Reportable Legal Entities [Member] Eliminations [Member] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Weatherford Ireland [Member] Parent Company [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Other Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] 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. Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] 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 Other Adjustments Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Operating Activities, Consolidating Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Operating Activities, Consolidating Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment Acquisition of Intellectual Property Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets 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. 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 Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Line of Credit Facility (Tables) [Abstract] Line of Credit Facility (Tables) [Abstract] Term Loan Borrowings before Debt Issuance Cost [Member] Term Loan Borrowings before Debt Issuance Cost [Member] Term Loan Borrowings before Debt Issuance Cost [Member] Committed Letters of Credit [Member] Committed Letters of Credit [Member] Committed Letters of Credit [Member] Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Total Current Provision Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total Deferred (Provision) Benefit Provision for Income Taxes Related tax benefit Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Product warranty period Revenue, Performance Obligation, Product Warranty, Period Revenue, Performance Obligation, Product Warranty, Period Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member] Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member] Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] Other Liabilities, Current Contract with Customer, Basis of Pricing [Axis] Contract with Customer, Basis of Pricing [Axis] Contract with Customer, Basis of Pricing [Domain] Contract with Customer, Basis of Pricing [Domain] Contract with Customer, Duration [Axis] Contract with Customer, Duration [Axis] Contract with Customer, Duration [Domain] Contract with Customer, Duration [Domain] Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Axis] Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Axis] Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Domain] Timing of Transfer of Good or Service [Domain] Contract with Customer, Sales Channel [Axis] Contract with Customer, Sales Channel [Axis] Contract with Customer, Sales Channel [Domain] Contract with Customer, Sales Channel [Domain] Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Schedule of Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table Text Block] Consolidating Financial Statements Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair value and carrying value of Long-term Debt Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue [Abstract] Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Long-term Debt Long-term Debt [Text Block] Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Shareholders' Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] Common Shares, Par Value (in USD per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common Shares, Authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Shares, Issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common Shares, Outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Allowances SEC Schedule, 12-09, Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [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. LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities 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 Revenue Recognition [Abstract] Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Table] Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Table] Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Estimate Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Estimate Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Estimate Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Operating Income (Loss) Operating Income (Loss) Costs and Expenses Costs and Expenses 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 Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes (Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford Business Combinations and Divestitures [Abstract] Business Combinations and Divestitures [Abstract] Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale [Member] Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale [Member] Laboratory Service Business [Member] Laboratory Service Business [Member] Laboratory Service Business [Member] Surface Data Logging Business [Member] Surface Data Logging Business [Member] Surface Data Logging Business [Member] Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] 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, 9.875 Percent due 2025 [Member] Senior Notes, 9.875 Percent due 2025 [Member] Senior Notes, 9.875 Percent due 2025 [Member] 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, 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, 9.875% 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. -- Exchangeable Senior Notes, 5.875 Percent due 2021 [Member] 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 [Member] Senior Notes, 7.75 Percent due 2021 [Member] Senior Notes, 7.75 Percent due 2021 [Member] Senior Notes, 8.25 Percent due 2023 [Member] Senior Notes, 8.25 Percent due 2023 [Member] Senior Notes, 8.25 Percent due 2023 [Member] 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, 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. Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Stated interest rate on debt Restricted share awards [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted share units [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Non-vested equity instruments other than options [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Non-vested, beginning balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Non-vested, ending balance Weighted-average grant date fair value of other-than-options additional disclosures [Rollforward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Non-vested, beginning balance Granted Vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested, ending balance Schedule of Issued and Treasury Shares [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Issued [Member] Schedule of Issued and Treasury Shares [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Beginning Balance Shares, Issued Equity Awards Granted, Vested and Exercised Ending Balance 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Service revenue Service Revenue [Member] Service Revenue [Member] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Total Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Amount Other Nonrecurring (Income) Expense Other Nonrecurring (Income) Expense Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2017 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2018 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2021 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Total Income Statement [Abstract] Product Product [Member] Service Service [Member] Revenue from Contract with Customer, Including Assessed Tax Revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Costs and Expenses: Cost of Revenue [Abstract] Cost, Direct Material Cost, Direct Material Cost of Services, Oil and Gas Cost of Services, Oil and Gas Research and Development Research and Development Expense 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 Litigation Charges, Net Gain from Disposition of U.S. Pressure Pumping Assets Total Costs and Expenses Operating Loss Warrant Fair Value Adjustment Currency Devaluation Charges Other Income (Expense), Net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Loss Before Income Taxes Income Tax Provision Net Loss Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Net Loss Attributable to Weatherford Loss Per Share Attributable to Weatherford: Weighted Average Shares Outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic & Diluted (in shares) Goodwill Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-term Debt Short-term Debt [Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Reclassification of income Reclassification of income Prepaid Taxes Prepaid Taxes Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Operating Lease, Right-of-Use Asset Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Foreign currency forward contracts [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] 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 Warrants and Rights Outstanding Warrants and Rights Outstanding Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Accounts Receivable [Member] Accounts Receivable [Member] Sales Revenue, Net [Member] Sales Revenue, Net [Member] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage Concentration Risk, Customer Concentration Risk, Customer Contract Assets Change in Contract with Customer, Asset [Roll Forward] Change in Contract with Customer, Asset [Roll Forward] Balance at January 1, 2018 Contract with Customer, Asset, Net Increase due to revenue recognized during the period but contingent on future performance Contract with Customer, Asset, Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment to Revenue, Change in Measure of Progress Transferred to receivables from contract assets recognized at the beginning of the period Contract with Customer, Asset, Reclassified to Receivable Contract with Customer, Asset, Credit Loss Expense Contract with Customer, Asset, Credit Loss Expense Reclassified to asset held for sale Reclassified to asset held for sale Reclassified to asset held for sale Balance at September 30, 2018 Contract Liabilities Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Roll Forward] Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Roll Forward] Balance at January 1, 2018 Contract with Customer, Liability Revenue recognized that was included in the deferred revenue balance at the beginning of the period Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Increase due to cash received, excluding amount recognized as revenue during the period Contract with Customer, Liability, Increase (Decrease) for Contract Acquired in Business Combination Contract with Customer, Liability, Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment to Revenue, Modification of Contract Contract with Customer, Liability, Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment to Revenue, Modification of Contract Reclassified to held for sale Reclassified to liabilities held for sale Reclassified to liabilities held for sale Balance at September 30, 2018 Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] North America [Member] North America [Member] Middle East/North Africa/Asia [Member] Middle East, North Africa, and Asia [Member] Middle East, North Africa, and Asia Goodwill by Segment [Axis] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill, Acquired During Period Goodwill, Acquired During Period Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit Goodwill, Reclassification to Assets Held for Sale Goodwill, Reclassification to Assets Held for Sale Goodwill, Reclassification to Assets Held for Sale Foreign currency translation Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Ending Balance Equity Investment Impairment Loss Contingency Accrual, Provision Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Other Related Charges Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Other Related Charges Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Severance and Restructuring Charges Total Assets Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Base Rate [Member] Base Rate [Member] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Term Loan Agreement [Member] Term Loan Agreement [Member] Term Loan Agreement [Member] 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, 9.87 Percent due 2024 [Member] Senior Notes, 9.87 Percent due 2024 [Member] Senior Notes, 9.875 Percent due 2024 Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument, Increase, Accrued Interest Debt Instrument, Increase, Accrued Interest Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Repayments of Long-term Debt, Long-term Capital Lease Obligations, and Capital Securities Repayments of Debt Repayments of Debt Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount Interest Payable Interest Payable Debt Instrument, Convertible, Shares Debt Instrument, Convertible, Shares Debt Instrument, Convertible, Shares Debt Issuance Costs, Net Debt Issuance Costs, Net Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Interest Expense, Debt Interest Expense, Debt Interest Expense, Debt, Excluding Amortization Interest Expense, Debt, Excluding Amortization Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Revenue Recognition for Venezuela [Abstract] Revenue Recognition for Venezuela [Abstract] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Recoveries Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Recoveries Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Long-lived and Other Asset Impairments Asset Impairment Charges [Text Block] Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Impact of Foreign Currency Devaluation [Table] Impact of Foreign Currency Devaluation [Table] Impact of Foreign Currency Devaluation [Table] Currency [Axis] Currency [Axis] All Currencies [Domain] All Currencies [Domain] Angola, Kwanza Angola, Kwanza Impact of Foreign Currency Devaluation [Line Items] Impact of Foreign Currency Devaluation [Line Items] [Line Items] for Impact of Foreign Currency Devaluation [Table] Net Monetary Asset Position Net Monetary Asset Position Net Monetary Asset Position 2016 - 2017 and 2016 Plans [Member] 2016-17 and Prior Plan [Member] 2016-17 and Prior Plan [Member] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Accrued balance at beginning of period Cash Payments Other Restructuring Reserve, Translation and Other Adjustment Accrued balance at end of period Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Noncurrent Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Noncurrent Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities Fair Value and Carrying Value of Long-term debt [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy and NAV [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] Carrying Value [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity Debt Securities, Held-to-maturity Fair Value of Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Fair Value Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract] Intangible Assets, Net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Amortization of Intangible Assets Amortization of Intangible Assets Schedule of weighted average assumption rates Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable [Domain] Receivable [Domain] Short [Member] Short [Member] Long [Member] Long [Member] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Credit Loss [Member] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Allowance, Credit Loss [Member] Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets [Member] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowance, Deferred Tax Asset [Member] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Reserve, Inventory [Member] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Reserve, Inventory [Member] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Inventory Valuation Reserves Inventory Valuation Reserves SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] of Period SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Amount Expense (a) SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions, Charge to Cost and Expense Recoveries (b) SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Addition, Recovery Other (c) (d) SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deduction Period Receivables, Net, Current SEC Schedule, 12-09, Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Amount Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Recoveries Secured Borrowings [Member] Secured Debt [Member] Capital and Other Lease Obligations [Member] Capital and Other Lease Obligations [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Other Long-term Debt [Member] Other long-term debt [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Secured Borrowing, 4.82% [Member] Secured Borrowing, 4.82 Percent [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Less: Amounts Due in One Year Long-term Debt Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Pension Plan [Member] Pension Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Contribution expenses related to the defined contribution plans which cover certain employees Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Amount Accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit pension plans Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Employer contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer Estimated future employer contributions in next fiscal year, cash Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year, Cash Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year, Cash Revenues Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Years in operation Number of Years in Operation Number of Years in Operation Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Product Concentration Risk [Member] Product Concentration Risk [Member] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Consolidated revenues by product line Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Swiss Federal Income Tax Rate at 7.83% Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount Tax on Operating Earnings Subject to Rates Different than the Swiss Federal Income Tax Rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount U.S. Tax Reform - Remeasure of U.S. Deferred Tax Assets Non-cash Tax Expense on Distribution of Subsidiary Earnings Change in Valuation Allowance Attributed to U.S. Tax Reform Change in Valuation Allowance Change in Uncertain Tax Positions Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingency, Amount Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Components of Inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Class of Warrant or Right, Unissued Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium Notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] United States plans Domestic Plan [Member] International plans Foreign Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Rate of compensation increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase 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] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] 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. 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 Receivable with Imputed Interest, Face Amount Receivable with Imputed Interest, Face Amount 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, 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 Proceeds from Sale of Notes Receivable Proceeds from Sale of Notes Receivable Gain (Loss) on Sale of Notes Receivable Gain (Loss) on Sale of Notes Receivable Extending Lenders [Member] Extending Lenders [Member] Extending Lenders [Member] Nonextending Lenders [Member] Nonextending Lenders [Member] Nonextending Lenders [Member] 364-day credit agreement [Member] 364-day credit agreement [Member] 364-day credit agreement [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [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] Line of Credit Facility Reduction in Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility Reduction in Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility Reduction in Borrowing Capacity 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 Debt Instrument, Covenant, Initial Current Asset Coverage Ratio Debt Instrument, Covenant, Initial Current Asset Coverage Ratio Debt Instrument, Covenant, Initial Current Asset Coverage Ratio Debt Instrument, Covenant, Secondary Current Asset Coverage Ratio Debt Instrument, Covenant, Secondary Current Asset Coverage Ratio Debt Instrument, Covenant, Secondary Current Asset Coverage Ratio Cash collateralized Letters of Credit Outstanding, Cash Collateral Letters of Credit Outstanding, Cash Collateral Short term borrowings Short-term Bank Loans and Notes Payable Business Combinations and Dispositions Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] A summary of option activity for the period [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Number of options outstanding, beginning of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Number of options, exercised Number of options, forfeitures Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Number of options outstanding, end of period Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options Share based payment award, options, additional disclosures [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Weighted-average exercise price, outstanding at beginning of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, forfeitures Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, outstanding at end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average remaining contractual term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Long-Lived Asset Impairment [Abstract] Long-Lived Asset Impairment [Abstract] Schedule of Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Table] Schedule of Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Table] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Corporate and Other [Member] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Domain] Subsegments [Domain] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items] Impairment Charge on Reclassified Assets Impairment Charge on Reclassified Assets Tangible Asset Impairment Charges Tangible Asset Impairment Charges Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase (Decrease) Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase (Decrease) Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase (Decrease) Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Axis] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Axis] New Accounting Principles, Early Adoption [Domain] New Accounting Principles, Early Adoption [Domain] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities