Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Eliminations [Member] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Weatherford Ireland [Member] Weatherford Ireland Parent Company [Member] The registrant that controls, directly or indirectly, another entity (or entities). The usual condition for control is ownership of a majority (over 50%) of the outstanding voting stock. The power to control may also exist with a lesser percentage of ownership, for example, by contract, lease, agreement with other stockholders or by court decree. Weatherford Switzerland [Member] Weatherford Switzerland Parent Company [Member] The registrant that controls, directly or indirectly, another entity (or entities). The usual condition for control is ownership of a majority (over 50%) of the outstanding voting stock. The power to control may also exist with a lesser percentage of ownership, for example, by contract, lease, agreement with other stockholders or by court decree. Weatherford Bermuda [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Bermuda [Member] Refers to Subsidiaries Of the Parent in Other Countries In this Case it is in Bermuda. Weatherford Delaware [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Delaware [Member] Refers To Subsidiaries Of the Parent in Other Countries In this Case it is in Delaware. Other Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Revenues Revenue, Net Costs and Expenses Costs and Expenses Operating Income (Loss) Operating Income (Loss) Other Income (Expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest Expense, Net Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net Intercompany Charges, Net Intercompany Charges, Net Net amount of intercompany charges, other than from external customers. Amounts are eliminated in consolidation. Equity in Subsidiary Income Income (Loss) from Subsidiary This item represents the portion of the entity's net income (loss) from its subsidiaries Other, Net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Including Foreign Currency Devaluation Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Including Foreign Currency Devaluation Loss Before Income Taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, 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 Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Foreign currency forward contracts [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Cross-currency swap contracts [Member] Currency Swap [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Current Assets [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative asset, fair value, gross Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative liability, fair value, gross Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Basis of Accounting Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas v. Weatherford International Ltd. [Member] U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas v. Weatherford International Ltd. [Member] U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas v. Weatherford International Ltd. [Member] Dobina v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. [Member] Dobina v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. [Member] Dobina v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. [Member] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Oil-for-Food Program and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act [Member] Oil-for-Food Program and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act [Member] Oil-for-Food Program and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Material Weakness in Internal Controls [Member] Material Weakness in Internal Controls [Member] Material Weakness in Internal Controls [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Payments for legal settlements Payments for Legal Settlements Period of time expected to be monitored for assessing company's compliance upon settlement Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Compliance Monitoring Period Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Compliance Monitoring Period Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring Charges Restructuring and Related Costs [Table Text Block] Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost [Table Text Block] Income 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 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 Restructuring Charges Restructuring Charges Gain on Sale of Businesses Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Total Costs and Expenses Devaluation of Venezuelan Bolivar Foreign Currency Devaluation Loss, before Tax Foreign Currency Devaluation Loss, before Tax Other, Net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Provision for Income Taxes Loss Per Share Attributable to Weatherford: Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Weighted Average Shares Outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Contractors [Abstract] Percentage of Completion Contracts Long-term Contracts or Programs Disclosure [Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Performance units [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Weighted-average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Fair value, risk-free rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Fair value, volatility rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Fair value, dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Unrecognized compensation expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options Unrecognized compensation expense, recognition period Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Equity [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Currency Translation Adjustment [Member] Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Defined Benefit Pension [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member] Deferred Loss on Derivatives [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other comprehensive loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Reclassifications Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Ending balance Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Components of Inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Net Loss Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Charges from Parent or Subsidiary Adjustments Noncash Items Intercompany Charges To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Intercompany charges that are eliminated in consolidation. Equity in (Earnings) Loss of Affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Deferred Income Tax Provision (Benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Other Adjustments Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Operating Activities, Consolidating Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Operating Activities, Consolidating Net Cash Used in Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Acquisition of Intellectual Property Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Businesses, Net Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Divestitures of Businesses Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Divestitures of Businesses Capital Contribution to Subsidiary Capital Contribution To Subsidiary Contributions made to a party that is affiliated with the reporting entity by means of direct or indirect ownership. Net Cash Used in Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash Flows From Financing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Borrowings 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. Other, Net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities, Consolidating The net cash inflow or outflow from other financing activities, including the exercise of warrants. This element is used when there is not a more specific and appropriate element in the taxonomy. Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Table] Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Table] Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Iraq [Member] IRAQ Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Line Items] Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Line Items] [Line Items] for Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Table] Estimated loss on long term construction contract Provision for Loss on Contracts Accounts Receivable, Unapproved Contract Claims Accounts Receivable, Unapproved Contract Claims Deductions (Back Charges) Deductions (Charges) Unapproved Change Orders, Amount Unapproved Change Orders, Amount ChangeOrdersApprovedbyCustomer ChangeOrdersApprovedbyCustomer ChangeOrdersApprovedbyCustomer Costs in Excess of Billings, Current Costs in Excess of Billings, Current Loss on Contracts Loss on Contracts Gain on Project Gain on Project Gain on Project Accrued Fees and Other Revenue Receivable Accrued Fees and Other Revenue Receivable Share-based compensation Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Related tax benefit Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense 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] 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] One-time Termination Benefits [Member] One-time Termination Benefits [Member] Other Restructuring [Member] Other Restructuring [Member] Employee Severance [Member] Employee Severance [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges General Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Components of Short-Term Borrowings Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] Business Combinations Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [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] 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] Contingent consideration arrangement Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] North America [Member] North America [Member] MENA/ Asia Pacific [Member] Middle East, North Africa, and Asia [Member] Middle East, North Africa, and Asia Europe/ SSA/ Russia [Member] Europe, Sub-Sahara Africa, Russia [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Latin America [Member] Latin America [Member] Core Regional Segments [Member] Core Regional Segments [Member] Core Regional Segments [Member] Land Drilling Rigs [Member] Drilling Rigs [Member] Drilling Rigs [Member] Corporate and Research and Development [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Restructuring Reserve Restructuring Reserve Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-term Debt Short-term Debt [Text Block] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Interest rate swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Interest Expense, Net [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Other, Net [Member] Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Fair Value and Carrying Value of Long-term Debt [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] 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] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Value [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair value of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Fair Value Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Deferred (gain) loss on discontinuation of fair value hedge Deferred (Gain) Loss on Discontinuation of Fair Value Hedge Notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Gain (loss) on derivative Proceeds from Derivative Instrument, Financing Activities Proceeds from Derivative Instrument, Financing Activities Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] Drilling Rigs [Member] 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 Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Current Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Noncurrent Assets: Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Accumulated Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated Amortization of Other Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Shareholders’ Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] Common Shares, Par Value (in USD and CHF per share, respectively) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common Shares, Authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Shares, Conditionally Authorized (in shares) Common Shares, Shares, Conditionally Authorized Common Shares, Shares, Conditionally Authorized Common Shares, Issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common Stock, Outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Treasury Shares, at cost (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Restructuring Charges Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Stockholders Equity Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [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] Share-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Schedule of Derivatives Instruments in Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Tax provision Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes Devaluation of Venezuelan Bolivar Discrete income before tax Discrete Income (Loss) Before Tax Discrete Income (Loss) Before Tax Uncertain tax positions, estimated for next twelve months Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] UNITED STATES [Member] UNITED STATES North America, Excluding the United States [Member] North America, Excluding the United States [Member] North America, Excluding the United States [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Divestiture, professional and other fees portion Divestiture, Professional and Other Fees Portion Divestiture, Professional and Other Fees Portion Other nonrecurring (income) expense Other Nonrecurring (Income) Expense Assets Assets Investment Geographic Region [Axis] Investment Geographic Region [Axis] Investment Geographic Region [Domain] Investment Geographic Region [Domain] VENEZUELA VENEZUELA Devaluation of Venezuelan Bolivar Net Monetary Asset Position Net Monetary Asset Position Net Monetary Asset Position 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 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. Equity Held in Parent Equity Held in Parent Company Number of common and preferred shares that were previously issued and that were repurchased by the issuing entity and held in treasury on the financial statement date. This stock has no voting rights and receives no dividends. 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 Debt, Current Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities, Current Aggregate carrying value as of the balance sheet date of liabilities incurred (and for which invoices have typically been received) and payable to vendors for goods and services received and other liabilities not separately disclosed in balance sheet that are used in an entity's business. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer) Total Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term Debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Intercompany Payables, Net Intercompany Payables Net Net carrying amount of intercompany payables, other than from external vendors, as of balance sheet date. Amounts are eliminated in consolidation. Other Long-term Liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total Liabilities Liabilities Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling Interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Liabilities and Equity 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] 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 Schedule of Issued and Treasury Shares [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Par Value of Issued Shares [Member] Common Stock [Member] Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Treasury Shares [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Noncontrolling Interests [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Schedule of Issued and Treasury Shares [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] 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 Net Income (Loss) Other Comprehensive Loss Dividends Paid to Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Equity Awards Granted, Vested and Exercised Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Other Stockholders' Equity, Other Balance, ending balance New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Inventories, Net Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Axis] Net Operating Revenues Income from Operations Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Research and Development Expense Restructuring Charges Other Items Other Nonoperating Expense Anti-dilutive potential shares due to net loss Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share Due to Net Loss, Amount Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share Due to Net Loss, Amount Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill by Segment [Axis] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Balance at December 31, 2014 Goodwill Foreign currency translation adjustments Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Balance at March 31, 2015 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] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Currency Translation Adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Defined Benefit Pension Activity Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax 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 Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Common Stock [Member] Accumulated Translation Adjustment [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] Reclassifications from AOCI Fair Value and Carrying Value of Long-Term Debt Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] 364-day term loan facility [Member] Notes Payable to Banks [Member] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Commercial paper program [Member] Commercial Paper [Member] 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] Total short-term borrowings Short-term Debt Letters of credit outstanding, amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount 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 instrument, term Debt Instrument, Term Performance bonds Performance Bonds Performance bonds with various domestic and international institutions. Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Disputes, Litigation and Contingencies Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] 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] Employee Share-Based Compensation Expense Share-based Compensation Other, Net Other Noncash Income (Expense) Change in Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net of Effect of Businesses Acquired: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts Receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Other Current Assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Accounts Payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade 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 Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment Acquisition of Intellectual Property Repayments of Long-term Debt, Net Repayments of Long-term Debt, Long-term Capital Lease Obligations, and Capital Securities Other Financing Activities, Net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Supplemental Cash Flow Information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest Paid Interest Paid Income Taxes Paid, Net of Refunds Income Taxes Paid, Net Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Notes Payable to Banks [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Senior Notes, 6.35% due 2017 [Member] Senior Notes, 6.35 Percent due 2017 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 6.35 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2017. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 6.80% due 2037 [Member] Senior Notes, 6.80 Percent due 2037 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 6.80 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2037. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 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, 6.50% due 2036 [Member] Senior Notes, 6.50 Percent due 2036 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 6.50 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2036. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 6.00% due 2018 [Member] Senior Notes, 6.00 Percent due 2018 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 6.00 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2018. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 7.00% due 2038 [Member] Senior Notes, 7.00 Percent due 2038 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 7.00 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2038. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 9.625% due 2019 [Member] Senior Notes, 9.625 Percent due 2019 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 9.625 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2019. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 9.875% due 2039 [Member] Senior Notes, 9.875 Percent due 2039 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 9.875 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2039. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 5.125% due 2020 [Member] Senior Notes, 5.125 Percent due 2020 [Member] Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion due in the year 2020. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 6.75% due 2040 [Member] Senior Notes, 6.75 Percent due 2040 [Member] Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion due in the year 2040. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 4.50% due 2022 [Member] Senior Notes, 4.50 Percent due 2022 [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Senior Notes, 5.95% due 2042 [Member] Senior Notes, 5.95 Percent due 2042 [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Stated interest rate on debt Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Financial information by segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts of $111 and $108 Receivables, Net, Current Inventories, Net Deferred Tax Assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Other Current Assets Other Assets, Current Property, Plant and Equipment, Net of Accumulated Depreciation of $6,976 and $6,895 Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Other Intangible Assets, Net of Accumulated Amortization of $746 and $744 Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Equity Investments Equity Method Investments Other Non-Current Assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Current Liabilities: Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-term Debt Accounts Payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued Salaries and Benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Income Taxes Payable Taxes Payable, Current Other Current Liabilities Other Liabilities, Current 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 774 shares at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 Common Stock, Value, Issued Capital in Excess of Par Value Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Retained Earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity Total Shareholders’ Equity Extinguishment of Debt Senior Notes [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Bi-Lateral Revolver Debt [Member] Bi-Lateral Revolver Debt [Member] Bi-Lateral Revolver Debt [Member] Senior Notes, 5.95 Percent due 2012 [Member] Senior Notes, 5.95 Percent due 2012 [Member] Senior Notes, 5.95 Percent due 2012 [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Commercial paper program and letters of credit [Member] Commercial Paper Program and Letters of Credit [Member] Commercial Paper Program and Letters of Credit [Member] Committed letters of credit [Member] Committed Letters of Credit [Member] Committed Letters of Credit [Member] Domestic and foreign facility [Member] Domestic and Foreign Facility [Member] Domestic and Foreign Facility [Member] Uncommitted letters of credit [Member] Uncommitted Letters of Credit [Member] Uncommitted Letters of Credit [Member] Credit agreement, maximum capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Ratio of indebtedness to net capital percent required Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital Short term borrowings Short-term Bank Loans and Notes Payable Interest rate at period end Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Long-term Debt Long-term Debt Gain (Loss) on Repurchase of Debt Instrument Gain (Loss) on Repurchase of Debt Instrument Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block]