Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Retirement and Employee Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] 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 Accounting Policies [Abstract] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment and Estimated Useful Lives Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares [Table Text Block] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Foreign currency forward contracts [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues 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 Warrants and Rights Outstanding Warrants and Rights Outstanding Fair Value Adjustment of Warrants Fair Value Adjustment of Warrants Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium Deferred (Gain) Loss on Discontinuation of Fair Value Hedge Deferred (Gain) Loss on Discontinuation of Fair Value Hedge Notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Drilling Rigs [Member] Drilling Rigs [Member] Drilling Rigs [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Delaware [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Delaware [Member] Refers To Subsidiaries Of the Parent in Other Countries In this Case it is in Delaware. Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] 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. -- Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Senior Notes, 5.50% due 2016 [Member] Senior Notes, 5.50 Percent due 2016 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 5.50 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2016. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 6.35% due 2017 [Member] Senior Notes, 6.35 Percent due 2017 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 6.35 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2017. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 6.00% 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. 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. 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, 4.50% due 2022 [Member] Senior Notes, 4.50 Percent due 2022 [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Senior Notes, 9.875% due 2024 [Member] Senior Notes, 9.875 Percent due 2024 [Member] Senior Notes, 9.875 Percent due 2024 [Member] [Axis] 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, 6.50% due 2036 [Member] Senior Notes, 6.50 Percent due 2036 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 6.50 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2036. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 6.80% 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, 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, 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, 5.95% due 2042 [Member] Senior Notes, 5.95 Percent due 2042 [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Term Loan Agreement [Member] Term Loan Agreement [Member] Term Loan Agreement [Member] Secured Borrowing, 4.82% [Member] Secured Borrowing, 4.82 Percent [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Total Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Less amounts due in one year Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Domestic Pension Plan of Foreign Entity [Member] Domestic Pension Plan of Foreign Entity [Member] Foreign Pension Plan [Member] Foreign Pension Plan [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [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 Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] Business Combinations and Dispositions Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] 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] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] UNITED STATES UNITED STATES Middle East and North Africa [Member] Middle East and North Africa [Member] Middle East and North Africa Latin America [Member] Latin America [Member] Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia [Member] Europe, Sub-Sahara Africa, Russia [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Asia Pacific [Member] Asia Pacific [Member] CANADA CANADA Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Revenue, Net Revenue, Net Long-lived Assets Long-Lived Assets Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value and Carrying Value of Long-term debt [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Value [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value of Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Fair Value Common Shares, Par Value (in USD per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Shares Issued, Price Per Share Shares Issued, Price Per Share Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Restructuring Plan [Domain] 2016 Plan [Member] 2016 Plan [Member] 2016 Plan [Member] 2015 Plan [Member] 2015 Plan [Member] 2015 Plan [Member] 2014 Plan [Member] 2014 Plan [Member] 2014 Plan [Member] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Employee Severance [Member] Employee Severance [Member] Other Restructuring [Member] Other Restructuring [Member] Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] Core Regional Segments [Member] Core Regional Segments [Member] Core Regional Segments [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Corporate and Research and Development [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] 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 Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Severance Costs Severance Costs Other Restructuring Costs Other Restructuring Costs Restructuring Charges Restructuring Charges Restructuring Reserve Restructuring Reserve Goodwill Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Eliminations [Member] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Weatherford Ireland Parent Company [Member] Weatherford Ireland Parent Company [Member] The registrant that controls, directly or indirectly, another entity (or entities). The usual condition for control is ownership of a majority (over 50%) of the outstanding voting stock. The power to control may also exist with a lesser percentage of ownership, for example, by contract, lease, agreement with other stockholders or by court decree. Weatherford Bermuda [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Bermuda [Member] Refers to Subsidiaries Of the Parent in Other Countries In this Case it is in Bermuda. Other Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] 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 Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest (Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Loss Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Components of short-term borrowings Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table Text Block] Receivables [Abstract] Accounts Receivable Factoring Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [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] 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 120 days [Domain] Settlement payments due in 120 days [Domain] Settlement payments due in 120 days [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 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] Freedman v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. [Member] [Member] Freedman v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. [Member] [Member] Freedman v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. [Member] Wandel v. Duroc-Danner, et al. [Member] Wandel v. Duroc-Danner, et al. [Member] Wandel v. Duroc-Danner, et al. [Member] Dobina v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. [Member] Dobina v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. [Member] Dobina v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. [Member] U.S. SEC and DOJ Investigation [Domain] U.S. SEC and DOJ Investigation [Domain] U.S. SEC and DOJ Investigation [Domain] SEC Settlement [Member] SEC Settlement [Member] SEC Settlement [Member] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Fair Value Guarantee [Member] Fair Value Guarantee [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Litigation Settlement, Amount Litigation Settlement, Amount Payments for legal settlements Payments for Legal Settlements Insurance Recoveries Insurance Recoveries Loss Contingency Accrual Loss Contingency Accrual Litigation Charges, Net Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Period of Time Portion of Settlement is Due Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Period of Time Portion of Settlement is Due Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Period of Time Portion of Settlement is Due 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 Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Number of Equal Payments Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Number of Equal Payments Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Number of Equal Payments Estimated litigation liability Estimated Litigation Liability Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Other short-term bank loans [Member] Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Short-term Debt [Line Items] Short-term Debt [Line Items] Short-term Debt Short-term Debt Current portion of long-term debt Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt Debt, Current Weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings outstanding at end of year Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Share-based compensation Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Related tax benefit Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Net Operating Revenues Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Research and Development Expense Research and Development Expense Long-Lived Asset Impairments, Write-Downs and Other Charges Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of Equity Investment Impairment Goodwill, Impairment Loss Equity Investment Impairment Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment Severance and Restructuring Charges Loss Contingency Accrual, Provision Loss Contingency Accrual, Provision 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 Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Other Nonoperating Expense Other Nonoperating Expense Total Assets Assets Inventory Write-down Inventory Write-down Fair value and carrying value of Long-term Debt Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Long-lived and Other Asset Impairments Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Allowances Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets [Member] Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] of Period Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Expense Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Cost and Expense Additions Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Recoveries Reductions (a) (b) Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions Period Disputes, Litigation and Contingencies Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block] 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 Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] 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, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of 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 Share-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Joint Venture in China [Member] Joint Venture in China [Member] Joint Venture in China [Member] Company that Designs and Produces Well Completion Tools [Member] Company that Designs and Produces Well Completion Tools [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business acquisition, percentage of voting interests acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Ownership percentage before acquisition of additional ownership interest Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Ownership percentage of joint venture after acquisition Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Business combination, remeasurement gain Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Remeasurement Gain Goodwill Acquired Goodwill, Acquired During Period Cash acquired from acquisition Cash Acquired from Acquisition Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Contribution Plan Type [Axis] Defined Contribution Plan Type [Axis] Defined Contribution Plan Type [Domain] Defined Contribution 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 Recognized Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit pension plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Employer contributions Defined Benefit Plan, 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 Estimated future employer contributions in next fiscal year, shares Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year, Shares Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year, Shares Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements Defined Benefit Plan, Recognized Net Gain (Loss) Due to Settlements Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] IRAQ IRAQ Other Nonrecurring (Income) Expense Other Nonrecurring (Income) Expense Impairment, Restructuring Charges, Supply Contracts & Inventory Write Down Impairment, Restructuring Charges, Supply Contracts & Inventory Write Down Impairment, Restructuring Charges, Supply Contracts & Inventory Write Down Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Amount Inventory Write-down Loss on Contracts Loss on Contracts Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Disputes, Litigation and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies, 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] 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] Long-Lived Assets Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Research and Development Expenditures Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Environmental Expenditures Environmental Costs, 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] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Percentage- of- Completion Revenue Recognition, Percentage-of-Completion Method [Policy Text Block] Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Lender Name [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Non-Extending Lenders [Member] Non-Extending Lenders [Member] Non-Extending Lenders [Member] Extending Lenders [Member] Extending Lenders [Member] Extending Lenders [Member] Tranche [Axis] Tranche [Axis] Tranche Tranche [Domain] Tranche [Domain] [Domain] for Tranche Tranche One [Member] Tranche One [Member] Tranche One Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Base Rate [Member] Base Rate [Member] A&R Credit Agreement [Member] A&R Credit Agreement [Member] A&R Credit Agreement [Member] Bi-Lateral Revolver Debt [Member] Bi-Lateral Revolver Debt [Member] Bi-Lateral Revolver Debt [Member] Committed letters of credit [Member] Committed Letters of Credit [Member] Committed Letters of Credit [Member] 364-day term loan facility [Member] Notes Payable to Banks [Member] Domestic and Foreign Facility [Member] Domestic and Foreign Facility [Member] Domestic and Foreign Facility [Member] Uncommitted letters of credit [Member] Uncommitted Letters of Credit [Member] Uncommitted Letters of Credit [Member] Credit agreement, maximum capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Commitments Not Electing to Extend Maturity Commitments Not Electing to Extend Maturity Commitments Not Electing to Extend Maturity Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt Instrument, Covenant, Senior Leverage Ratio, Period One Debt Instrument, Covenant, Senior Leverage Ratio, Period One Debt Instrument, Covenant, Senior Leverage Ratio, Period One 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 Letters of Credit Ratio, Period One Debt Instrument, Covenant, Specified Leverage and Letters of Credit Ratio, Period One Debt Instrument, Covenant, Specified Leverage and Letters of Credit Ratio, Period One 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 Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Letters of credit outstanding, amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Debt instrument, term Debt Instrument, Term Short term borrowings Short-term Bank Loans and Notes Payable Interest rate at period end Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End Performance bonds Performance Bonds Performance bonds with various domestic and international institutions. Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Senior Notes, 9.87 Percent due 2024 [Member] Senior Notes, 9.87 Percent due 2024 [Member] Senior Notes, 9.875 Percent due 2024 Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Stated interest rate on debt Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Land Drilling and Workover Rig Operations [Member] Land Drilling and Workover Rig Operations [Member] Land Drilling and Workover Rig Operations [Member] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill impairment (classified as assets held for sale) Goodwill Impairment (classified as Assets Held For Sale) Goodwill Impairment (classified as Assets Held For Sale) Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Amortization expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Equity [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Defined Benefit Pension [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Deferred Loss on Derivatives [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Beginning balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax 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 Impact of Foreign Currency Devaluation [Table] Impact of Foreign Currency Devaluation [Table] Impact of Foreign Currency Devaluation [Table] Currency Exchange Rate Type [Axis] Currency Exchange Rate Valuation Method [Axis] Currency Exchange Rate Valuation Method [Axis] Currency Exchange Rate Type [Domain] Currency Exchange Rate Valuation Method [Domain] Currency Exchange Rate Valuation Method SICAD II [Member] SICAD II [Member] SICAD II [Member] Currency [Axis] Currency [Axis] All Currencies [Domain] All Currencies [Domain] Angola, Kwanza Angola, Kwanza Egypt, Pounds Egypt, Pounds Venezuelan Bolivar Venezuelan bolívar fuerte Argentina, Pesos Argentina, Pesos Kazakhstan, Tenge Kazakhstan, Tenge Impact of Foreign Currency Devaluation [Line Items] Impact of Foreign Currency Devaluation [Line Items] [Line Items] for Impact of Foreign Currency Devaluation [Table] Currency Devaluation and Related Charges Foreign Currency Devaluation Loss, before Tax Foreign Currency Devaluation Loss, before Tax Net Monetary Asset Position Net Monetary Asset Position Net Monetary Asset Position Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Translation Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Translation Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Table] 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 VENEZUELA VENEZUELA Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Examination, Year under Examination Income Tax Examination, Year under Examination Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events [Text Block] 2014 & 2015 Plan [Member] 2014 & 2015 Plan [Member] 2014 & 2015 Plan Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Accrued balance at beginning of period Cash Payments Payments for Restructuring Other Restructuring Reserve, Translation and Other Adjustment Accrued balance at end of period Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Acquired technology [Member] Developed Technology Rights [Member] Licenses [Member] Licensing Agreements [Member] Patents [Member] Patents [Member] Customer relationships and contracts [Member] Customer Relationships and Contracts [Member] Customer Relationships and Contracts [Member] Other [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Assets Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Charges from Parent or Subsidiary Adjustments Noncash Items Intercompany Charges To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Intercompany charges that are eliminated in consolidation. Equity in (Earnings) Loss of Affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Deferred Income Tax Provision (Benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Other Adjustments Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Operating Activities, Consolidating Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Operating Activities, Consolidating Net Cash Provided by (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] Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment Acquisition of Intellectual Property Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Investing Activities Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Investing Activities Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Proceeds (payments) from sale of businesses and equity investment, net Proceeds (payments) from sale of businesses and equity investment, net Proceeds (payments) from sale of businesses and equity investment, net Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Cash Flows From Financing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Borrowings (Repayments) of Short-term Debt, Net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Borrowings (Repayments) Long-term Debt, Net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Long-term Debt and Capital Securities Borrowings (Repayments) Between Subsidiaries, Net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt from Subsidiaries, Net The cash inflow (outflow) from borrowings between subsidiaries of a common parent. Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Proceeds from Sale of EDC Shares Proceeds from Sale of EDC Shares Proceeds from Sale of EDC Shares Other, Net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities, Consolidating The net cash inflow or outflow from other financing activities, including the exercise of warrants. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element in the taxonomy. Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities 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 Related Text Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Commitments Commitments Disclosure [Text Block] 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 Tax on divestitures gains subject to different tax rate Tax on Divestitures Tax on Divestitures Non-cash tax expense on distribution of subsidiary earnings Change in valuation allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Change in uncertain tax positions Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingency, Amount (Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes 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) Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs 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 YEMEN YEMEN Other Countries [Member] Other Countries [Member] All other geographic areas that are not individually considered as principal markets. 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] Asset Impairment Charges Asset Impairment Charges Payments for Restructuring Other Intangible Assets Intangible Assets 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] Treasury Shares [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Other Comprehensive Loss Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Joint Venture Partners, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Joint Venture Partners, Redeemable 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 Change in Common Shares Associated with Redomestication Change in Common Shares Associated with Redomestication Change in Common Shares Associated with Redomestication Equity Awards Granted, Vested and Exercised Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Excess Tax Benefit of Share-Based Compensation Plans Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Other Stockholders' Equity, Other Balance, ending balance Cash Devaluation [Axis] Cash Devaluation [Axis] Cash Devaluation [Axis] Cash Devaluation [Domain] Cash Devaluation [Domain] [Domain] for Cash Devaluation [Axis] Interest paid, net of capitalized interest Interest Paid Income taxes paid, net of refunds Income Taxes Paid, Net Asset, Reporting Currency Denominated, Value Asset, Reporting Currency Denominated, Value Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [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 Fair Values of Outstanding Derivative Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Engineered Chemistry and Integrity Dilling Fluids Business [Domain] Engineered Chemistry and Integrity Dilling Fluids Business [Domain] Engineered Chemistry and Integrity Dilling Fluids Business [Domain] Proserv Group Business [Domain] Proserv Group Business [Domain] Proserv Group Business [Domain] Pipeline and Specialty Services Business [Member] Pipeline and Specialty Services Business [Member] Pipeline and Specialty Services Business [Member] Borets [Member] Borets [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- 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, Operating Income (Loss) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current Sale Price Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Estimated working capital adjustment Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Estimated Working Capital Adjustment Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Estimated Working Capital Adjustment Transaction costs on disposition Transaction costs on disposition Transaction costs on disposition Loss (Gain) on Sale of Businesses and Investments, Net Cash disposed to sell disposal group Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Expenses to Dispose Group Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Expenses to Dispose Group Goodwill, Impairment Loss Equity method investment, ownership percentage Equity Method Investment, Amount Sold Equity Method Investment, Amount Sold Proceeds from sale of equity method investments Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments Net sales proceeds, promissory note term Equity Method Investment, Net Sales Proceeds, Promissory Note Term Equity Method Investment, Net Sales Proceeds, Promissory Note Term Amount of consideration received Noncash or Part Noncash Divestiture, Amount of Consideration Received Schedule of weighted average assumption rates Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Total Current Provision Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total Deferred (Provision) Benefit 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] 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 Award vesting Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Intrinsic value of stock options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value 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 Purchase price percent Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Inventories, Net Inventory 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] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Assets, Current [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents Other Current Assets Other Assets, Current, Consolidating Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of current assets not separately presented elsewhere in the balance sheet. Current assets are expected to be realized or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Amount used on consolidating schedule. Total Current Assets Assets, Current Equity Investments in Affiliates Equity Method Investments In Affiliates This item represents the carrying amount on the entity's balance sheet of its equity investment in the entity's affiliates. Intercompany Receivables, Net Intercompany Receivables, Net Net carrying amount of intercompany receivables, other than from customers, as of balance sheet date. Amounts are eliminated in consolidation. Other Assets Other Assets, Noncurrent, Consolidating Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent assets are expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Amount used on consolidating schedule. Total Assets LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities, Current Aggregate carrying value as of the balance sheet date of liabilities incurred (and for which invoices have typically been received) and payable to vendors for goods and services received and other liabilities not separately disclosed in balance sheet that are used in an entity's business. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer) Total Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term Debt Intercompany Payables, Net Intercompany Payables Net Net carrying amount of intercompany payables, other than from external vendors, as of balance sheet date. Amounts are eliminated in consolidation. Other Long-term Liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total Liabilities Liabilities Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling Interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Liabilities and Equity 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] 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] 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 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value 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 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] 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, 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, Tax Deferred Income Deferred Tax Liabilities, Tax Deferred Income Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Deferred Tax Assets, Net Deferred Tax Assets, Net 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] 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] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] North America, Excluding the United States [Member] North America, Excluding the United States [Member] North America, Excluding the United States [Member] Number of Reportable Segments Number of Reportable Segments Long-Lived Asset Impairments and Other Charges Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Production Related Impairments or Charges Production Related Impairments or Charges Pressure Pumping Related Charges Pressure Pumping Related Charges Pressure Pumping Related Charges Supply Agreement Charges related to Non-Core Business Divestiture Supply Agreement Charges related to Non-Core Business Divestiture Supply Agreement Charges related to Non-Core Business Divestiture Professional Fees Professional Fees Facility Closure Fees Facility Closure Fees Facility Closure Fees Bad Debt Expense Provision for Doubtful Accounts Increase (decrease) in accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Assets Deferred tax assets for long-lived assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Write-offs Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Write-offs Consolidating Financial Statements Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill by Segment [Axis] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Goodwill Purchase price and other adjustments Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Foreign currency translation Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Ending Balance Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Sales Revenue, Net [Member] Sales Revenue, Net [Member] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Product Concentration Risk [Member] Product Concentration Risk [Member] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Formation Evaluation and Well Construction [Member] Formation Evaluation and Well Construction [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Completion and Production [Member] Completion and Production [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Consolidated revenues by product line Concentration Risk, Percentage Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Table Text Block] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Equity Investments Equity Method Investments Net Income (Loss) from equity investments Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Impairment of equity investments Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] 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] 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] Pressure Pumping [Member] Pressure Pumping [Member] [Member] Pressure Pumping [Member] [Member] Drilling Tools, Pressure Pumping and Wireline [Member] Drilling Tools, Pressure Pumping and Wireline [Member] Drilling Tools, Pressure Pumping and Wireline [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] Tangible Asset Impairment Charges Tangible Asset Impairment Charges Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Schedule of Issued and Treasury Shares [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Issued [Member] Treasury [Member] Schedule of Issued and Treasury Shares [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Beginning Balance Shares, Issued Equity Awards Granted, Vested and Exercised Shares Cancelled due to Redomestication Shares Cancelled due to Redomestication Shares Cancelled due to Redomestication Shares Issued due to Redomestication Shares Issued due to Redomestication Shares Issued due to Redomestication Ending Balance Number of Countries in which Entity Operates Number of Countries in which Entity Operates Years in operation Number of Years in Operation Number of Years in Operation Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Current Assets: 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, Authorized (in shares) Common Shares, Conditionally Authorized (in shares) Common Shares, Shares, Conditionally Authorized Common Shares, Shares, Conditionally Authorized Common Shares, Issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common Shares, Outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Treasury Shares, at cost (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Class of Warrant or Right [Table] Class of Warrant or Right [Table] Exchangeable Debt [Member] Exchangeable Debt [Member] Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items] Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items] Additional Paid in Capital Additional Paid in Capital Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Capital in Excess of Par Value Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Class of Warrant or Right, Unissued Components of Inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Long-term Debt Long-term Debt [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 Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period 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 Income Statement [Abstract] Revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Products Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Services Sales Revenue, Services, Net Total Revenues Costs and Expenses: Cost of Revenue [Abstract] Cost of Products Cost of Goods Sold Cost of Services Cost of Services Research and Development Selling, General and Administrative Attributable to Segments Selling, General and Administrative Expense, Portion Attributable to Segments Selling, General and Administrative Expense, Portion Attributable to Segments Corporate General and Administrative General and Administrative Expense Goodwill and Equity Investment Impairment Goodwill and Equity Method Investments, Impairment Loss Loss recognized during the period that results from the write-down of goodwill and equity investments. Goodwill was deemed impaired after comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment. As part of the goodwill testing it was noted that the fair value attributable to certain equity investments was significantly below our book value for these investments and an other than temporary decline in fair value was recognized. Total Costs and Expenses Operating Income (Loss) Bond Tender Premium, Net Bond Tender Premium, Net Bond Tender Premium, Net Currency Devaluation Charges Other Income (Expense), Net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Loss Before Income Taxes Income Tax (Provision) Benefit Net Loss Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Net Loss Attributable to Weatherford Loss Per Share Attributable to Weatherford: Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Term Loan Borrowings before Debt Issuance Cost [Member] Term Loan Borrowings before Debt Issuance Cost [Member] Term Loan Borrowings before Debt Issuance Cost [Member] Debt Instrument, Increase, Accrued Interest Debt Instrument, Increase, Accrued Interest 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) Book Value of Debt Buybacks Book Value of Debt Buybacks Book Value of Debt Repurchase Gain on repurchase of debt Gain (Loss) on Repurchase of Debt Instrument Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract] Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract] Gross profit Gross Profit Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share (in dollars per share) Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share (in dollars per share) 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 rent expense incurred under operating leases Operating Leases, Rent Expense Leveraged Leases, Net Investment in Leveraged Leases Disclosure, Residual Value of Leased Assets Leveraged Leases, Net Investment in Leveraged Leases Disclosure, Residual Value of Leased Assets Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-term Debt Short-term Debt [Text Block] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Capital Expenditures Incurred but Not yet Paid Intangible asset useful life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Quarterly Financial Data Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] 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] Goodwill [Member] Goodwill [Member] 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] Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis] Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis] Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain] Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain] Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Loss Contingency Accrual, Provision Currency devaluation expense Amount Recognized in Income Due to Inflationary Accounting Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use 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 Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible 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] Warrant [Member] Warrant [Member] Currency Swap [Member] Currency Swap [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] 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 Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Contractors [Abstract] Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Table] Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Table] Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Table] Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Line Items] Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Line Items] [Line Items] for Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Table] Total Estimated Loss on Contracts Total Estimated Loss on Contracts Total Estimated Loss on Contracts Contract Settlement, Amount ContractSettlementAmount ContractSettlementAmount Proceeds from Contract Settlements Proceeds from Contract Settlements Proceeds from Contract Settlements Contracts Receivable, Claims and Uncertain Amounts Contracts Receivable, Claims and Uncertain Amounts Accounts Receivable, Unapproved Contract Claims Accounts Receivable, Unapproved Contract Claims Deductions (Charges) Deductions (Charges) Billings in Excess of Cost Billings in Excess of Cost Unapproved Change Orders, Amount Unapproved Change Orders, Amount ChangeOrdersApprovedbyCustomer ChangeOrdersApprovedbyCustomer ChangeOrdersApprovedbyCustomer Costs in Excess of Billings, Current Costs in Excess of Billings, Current New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Long-term Debt [Member] Long-term Debt [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2015-17 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2015-17 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Deferred Tax Assets, Net, Current Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Current Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Current 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 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 Schedule of 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] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Accounts Receivable [Member] Accounts Receivable [Member] Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] Venezuela Customer [Member] Venezuela Customer [Member] Venezuela Customer [Member] Ecuador Customer [Member] Ecuador Customer [Member] Ecuador Customer [Member] Mexico Customer [Member] Mexico Customer [Member] Mexico Customer [Member] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration percentage Concentration Risk, Customer Concentration Risk, Customer 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 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Restructuring Charges Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Percentage of Completion Contracts Long-term Contracts or Programs Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts of $129 in 2016 and $113 in 2015 Receivables, Net, Current Inventories, Net Prepaid Expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Deferred Tax Assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Other Current Assets Other Assets, Current Land, Buildings and Leasehold Improvements Land, Buildings, and Leasehold Improvements, Gross Gross carrying amount, before depreciation, as of the balance sheet date of real estate held for productive use (excluding land held for sale), long-lived, depreciable assets that include building structures held for productive use including any addition, improvement, or renovation to the structure, such as interior masonry, interior flooring, electrical, and plumbing. 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. Machinery and Other Machinery and Other, Gross Gross carrying amount, before depreciation, as of the balance sheet date of long-lived, depreciable asset used in production of machinery and capitalized assets not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. 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 Intangible Assets, Net Other Non-current Assets Other Assets, Noncurrent LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY Current Liabilities: Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-term Debt Accounts Payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued Salaries and Benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Income Taxes Payable Taxes Payable, Current Other Current Liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Other Non-current Liabilities Shareholders’ Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Shares - Par Value $0.001; Authorized 1,356 shares, Issued and Outstanding 983 shares and 779 shares at December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Retained (Deficit) Earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity Total Shareholders’ Equity Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Net Loss Adjustments to Reconcile Net Loss to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Non-cash inventory charges Non-cash inventory charges Non-cash inventory charges Restructuring and Other Asset Charges Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges Divestiture Related and Other Charges Other Noncash Expense Litigation Settlement, Expense Litigation Settlement, Expense Bond Tender Premium, Net Employee Share-Based Compensation Expense Share-based Compensation Loss (Gain) on Sale of Businesses, Net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Excess Tax Benefits from Share-Based Compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Other, Net Other Noncash Income (Expense) Change in Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net of Effect of Businesses Acquired: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Other Current Assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Accounts Payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade Billings in Excess of Costs and Estimated Earnings Increase (Decrease) in Billing in Excess of Cost of Earnings Other Current Liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Liabilities Other, Net Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Net monetary asset position Acquisition of Intellectual Property Acquisition of Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates 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 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 Excess Tax Benefits from Share-Based Compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Proceeds from Sale of Treasury Stock Proceeds from Sale of Treasury Stock Other Financing Activities, Net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents 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 Basic weighted average shares outstanding Equity Investments Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block]