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) 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 Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used by Type [Axis] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used by Type [Axis] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used, Asset Name [Domain] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used, Asset Name [Domain] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Restructuring Plan [Domain] 2016-17 Plan [Member] 2016-17 Plan [Member] 2016-17 Plan [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Operating Segments Operating Segments [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Land Drilling Rigs Drilling Rigs [Member] Drilling Rigs [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges Restructuring Charges Asset Impairment Charges Asset Impairment Charges Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Eliminations Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Weatherford Ireland Weatherford Ireland Parent Company [Member] The registrant that controls, directly or indirectly, another entity (or entities). The usual condition for control is ownership of a majority (over 50%) of the outstanding voting stock. The power to control may also exist with a lesser percentage of ownership, for example, by contract, lease, agreement with other stockholders or by court decree. Weatherford Bermuda Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Bermuda [Member] Refers to Subsidiaries Of the Parent in Other Countries In this Case it is in Bermuda. Weatherford Delaware Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Delaware [Member] Refers To Subsidiaries Of the Parent in Other Countries In this Case it is in Delaware. Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Other Subsidiaries 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. Income (Loss) from Subsidiary Income (Loss) from Subsidiary This item represents the portion of the entity's net income (loss) from its subsidiaries Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Including Foreign Currency Devaluation Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Including Foreign Currency Devaluation Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Including Foreign Currency Devaluation Loss Before Income Taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest (Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Loss Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Noncontrolling Interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Reconciling Items Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Axis] Western Hemisphere Western Hemisphere [Member] Western Hemisphere [Member] Eastern Hemisphere Eastern Hemisphere [Member] Eastern Hemisphere [Member] Revenues Operating Income (Loss) Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Corporate General and Administrative Research and Development Expense Restructuring Charges Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Other Related Charges Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Other Related Charges Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Other Related Charges Overstatement (reduction) of revenues Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Disaggregation of Revenue [Table] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum Minimum [Member] Maximum Maximum [Member] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items] Product warranty period Revenue, Performance Obligation, Product Warranty, Period Revenue, Performance Obligation, Product Warranty, Period Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Currency Translation Adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Defined Benefit Pension Activity Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive Loss Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Loss Attributable to Weatherford Revenues Revenue from Contract with Customer [Text Block] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Currency [Axis] Currency [Axis] All Currencies [Domain] All Currencies [Domain] Angola, Kwanza Angola, Kwanza Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Foreign exchange related charges Foreign Currency Devaluation Loss, before Tax Foreign Currency Devaluation Loss, before Tax Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Disputes, Litigation and Contingencies Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block] Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue Disaggregation of Revenue [Table Text Block] Schedule of Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability [Table Text Block] Schedule of Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table Text Block] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Table] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Service revenue Service Revenue [Member] Service Revenue [Member] Product revenue Product Revenue [Member] Product Revenue [Member] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items] Total Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Schedule of Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Table] Schedule of Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Table] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale [Member] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items] Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of Impairment Charge on Reclassified Assets Impairment Charge on Reclassified Assets Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Forecast Scenario, Forecast [Member] Uncertain tax positions, estimated for next twelve months Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] 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 Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Receivables for Product and Services in Accounts Receivable, Net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Revolving Credit Facility Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Other short-term bank loans Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Short-term Debt [Line Items] Short-term Debt [Line Items] Short-term debt Short-term Debt Current Portion of Long-term Debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Asset Impairments and Write-Downs Property, Plant and Equipment 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 Performance Shares [Member] Restricted Stock Restricted Stock [Member] Valuation Technique [Axis] Valuation Technique [Axis] Valuation Technique [Domain] Valuation Technique [Domain] Monte Carlo simulation method Monte Carlo Simulation Method [Member] Monte Carlo Simulation Method [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 Borrowing Availability Disclosure [Abstract] Borrowing Availability Disclosure [Abstract] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [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] Committed Letters of Credit [Member] Committed Letters of Credit [Member] Committed Letters of Credit [Member] Lender Name [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Credit agreement, maximum capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Debt and Capital Lease Obligations 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 Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Other Current Assets Other Assets, Current, Consolidating Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of current assets not separately presented elsewhere in the balance sheet. Current assets are expected to be realized or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Amount used on consolidating schedule. Total Current Assets Assets, Current Equity Investments in Affiliates Equity Method Investments In Affiliates This item represents the carrying amount on the entity's balance sheet of its equity investment in the entity's affiliates. Intercompany Receivables, Net Intercompany Receivables, Net Net carrying amount of intercompany receivables, other than from customers, as of balance sheet date. Amounts are eliminated in consolidation. Other Assets Other Assets, Noncurrent, Consolidating Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent assets are expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Amount used on consolidating schedule. Total Assets Assets LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt 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’ Deficiency Liabilities and Equity Business Combinations [Abstract] Business Combinations and Divestitures Business Combination Disclosure [Text Block] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Table] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Axis] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Domain] Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 Calculated under Revenue Guidance in Effect before Topic 606 [Member] Adjustments Due to Topic 606 Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] Revenue, Initial Application Period Cumulative Effect Transition [Line Items] Other Current Assets Other Assets, Current Other Liabilities, Current Other Liabilities, Current Retained Deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Increase (Decrease) in Obligation, Pension Benefits Increase (Decrease) in Obligation, Pension Benefits Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net Loss Adjustments to Reconcile Net Loss to Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Share-based compensation Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Inventory Write-down Inventory Write-down Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges Provision for Doubtful Accounts Provision for Doubtful Accounts Bond Tender and Call Premium Bond Tender Premium, Net Bond Tender Premium, Net Deferred Income Tax Provision (Benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Currency Devaluation Charges Warrant Fair Value Adjustment Fair Value Adjustment of Warrants Other, Net Other Noncash Income (Expense) Change in Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net of Effect of Businesses Acquired: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts Receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Other Current Assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Accounts Payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade Accrued Litigation and Settlements Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Litigation and Settlements Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Litigation and Settlements Other Current Liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Liabilities Other, Net Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Net Cash Used in Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash Flows From Investing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Capital Expenditures for and Acquisition of Assets Held for Sale Increase (Decrease) in Assets Held-for-sale Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Acquisition of Intellectual Property Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Proceeds from Sale of Assets Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment 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 Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net Cash Used in Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash Flows From Financing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Borrowings of Long-term Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Repayments of Long-term Debt, Long-term Capital Lease Obligations, and Capital Securities Borrowings (Repayments) of Short-term Debt, Net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Bond Tender Premium Payments for Bond Tender Premium Payments for Bond Tender Premium Other Financing Activities Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net Decrease in Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period Supplemental Cash Flow Information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest Paid Interest Paid Income Taxes Paid, Net of Refunds Income Taxes Paid, Net Share-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Transformation Plan [Member] Transformation Plan [Member] Transformation Plan [Member] 2016-17 and Prior Plan [Member] 2016-17 and Prior Plan [Member] 2016-17 and Prior Plan [Member] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Employee Severance Employee Severance [Member] Other Restructuring Other Restructuring [Member] Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Accrued balance at beginning of period Restructuring Reserve Restructuring Charges Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost Cash Payments Payments for Restructuring Other Restructuring Reserve, Translation and Other Adjustment Accrued balance at end of period 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] 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] 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 Senior Notes [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 2 Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Value Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair value of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Fair Value Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Foreign currency forward contracts Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Warrant Warrant [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Other, Net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Gain (loss) on derivative Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Inventories, Net Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Receivables [Abstract] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Axis] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Axis] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Domain] Financing Receivable Portfolio Segment [Domain] Class of Financing Receivable, Type [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable, Type [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable, Type [Domain] Class of Financing Receivable, Type [Domain] Collateral [Axis] Collateral [Axis] Collateral [Domain] Collateral [Domain] Geographic Distribution [Axis] Geographic Distribution [Axis] Geographic Distribution [Domain] Geographic Distribution [Domain] Class of Financing Receivable, Type of Borrower [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable, Type of Borrower [Axis] Class of Financing Receivable, Type of Borrower [Domain] Class of Financing Receivable, Type of Borrower [Domain] Industry of Counterparty, Type [Axis] Industry of Counterparty, Type [Axis] Industry of Counterparty [Domain] Industry of Counterparty [Domain] Legal Entity of Counterparty, Type [Axis] Legal Entity of Counterparty, Type [Axis] Legal Entity Type of Counterparty [Domain] Legal Entity Type of Counterparty [Domain] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Axis] Counterparty Name [Domain] Counterparty Name [Domain] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Domain] Subsegments [Domain] Billing Status, Type [Axis] Billing Status, Type [Axis] Receivables Billing Status [Domain] Receivables Billing Status [Domain] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable [Domain] Receivable [Domain] Industry Sector [Axis] Industry Sector [Axis] Industry Sector [Domain] Industry Sector [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Proceeds from Sale of Notes Receivable Proceeds from Sale of Notes Receivable Proceeds from sale of accounts receivable Proceeds from Sale of Accounts Receivable Proceeds from Sale of Accounts Receivable Gain (loss) on sale of accounts receivable Gain (Loss) on Sale of Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable sold, carrying value Transfer of Accounts Receivable, Accounted for as Sales, Carrying Value Amount of receivables sold under an accounts receivable sales program. Trade receivables held-for-sale, reconciliation to cash flow, deductions from held-for-sale Trade Receivables Held-for-sale, Reconciliation to Cash Flow, Deductions from Held-for-sale Receivable with imputed interest, face amount Receivable with Imputed Interest, Face Amount Receivable with imputed interest, term Receivable With Imputed Interest, Term Receivable With Imputed Interest, Term Receivable with imputed interest, effective yield (interest rate) Receivable with Imputed Interest, Effective Yield (Interest Rate) Notes receivable, fair value disclosure Notes Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure Equity [Abstract] 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] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale Discontinued Operations, Disposed of by Sale [Member] Conventional Continuous Sucker Rod Business [Member] Conventional Continuous Sucker Rod Business [Member] Conventional Continuous Sucker Rod Business [Member] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Noncurrent Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill Inventory Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory, Current 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 Long-Lived Asset Impairments, Asset Write-Downs and Other Asset Write Down and Other Asset Write Down and Other Restructuring and Transformation Charges Total Costs and Expenses Warrant Fair Value Adjustment Bond Tender and Call Premium Currency Devaluation Charges Other Income (Expense), Net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income Tax Provision Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Loss Per Share Attributable to Weatherford: Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [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] Schedule of Issued and Treasury Shares [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Par Value of Issued Shares Common Stock [Member] Capital in Excess of Par Value Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Schedule of Issued and Treasury Shares [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Capital in Excess of Par Value Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock 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 Income 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 Balance, ending balance New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets New Accounting Pronouncement or Change in Accounting Principle, Cumulative Effect of Change on Equity or Net Assets Stock issued during period, shares, new issues Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Stockholders' Equity, Other Stockholders' Equity, Other 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] Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts of $141 in 2018 and $156 in 2017 Receivables, Net, Current Inventories, Net Inventory, Net Prepaid Expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Assets Held for Sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Property, Plant and Equipment, Net of Accumulated Depreciation of $6,965 in 2018 and $7,462 in 2017 Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Goodwill Other Intangible Assets, Net of Accumulated Amortization of $887 in 2018 and $870 in 2017 Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) 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 Non-Current Liabilities Shareholders’ (Deficiency) Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Shares - Par Value $0.001; Authorized 1,356 shares, Issued and Outstanding 997 shares at June 30, 2018 and 993 shares at December 31, 2017 Common Stock, Value, Issued Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Weatherford Shareholders’ Deficiency Total Shareholders’ Deficiency Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Currency Translation Adjustment Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Defined Benefit Pension Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Deferred Loss on Derivatives Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward] AOCI Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest, Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Other Comprehensive Income before Reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Reclassifications Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Ending balance Related tax benefit Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Axis] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Aggregate purchase price Escrow deposit Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Escrow Deposit Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Escrow Deposit Drilling rigs Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Drilling Rigs Sold Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Drilling Rigs Sold Basis of Accounting Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications Reclassification, Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Segment Information Segment Reporting 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] Joint Venture in Qatar Joint Venture in Qatar [Member] Joint Venture in Qatar [Member] Triggering Events [Axis] Triggering Events [Axis] Triggering Events [Axis] Triggering Events [Domain] Triggering Events [Domain] [Domain] for Triggering Events [Axis] Paid in Accordance with Closing Terms through the Joint Venture Paid in Accordance with Closing Terms through the Joint Venture [Member] Paid in Accordance with Closing Terms through the Joint Venture [Member] Will be Made Two Years after Closing Will be Made Two Years after Closing [Member] Will be Made Two Years after Closing [Member] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Percentage of voting interests acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Consideration transferred Business Combination, Consideration Transferred Cash Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross Period of additional payment after closing Business Acquisition, Period of Additional Payment after Closing Business Acquisition, Period of Additional Payment after Closing Contingent consideration, liability Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Equity interest in acquiree, remeasurement gain Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Remeasurement Gain Intangible assets Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Intangible Assets, Other than Goodwill Property, plant, and equipment Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Property, Plant, and Equipment Liabilities, other Business Combination, Recognized Identifiable Assets Acquired and Liabilities Assumed, Noncurrent Liabilities, Other Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts Receivable Factoring and Other Receivables Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill by Segment [Axis] Land Drilling Rigs Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill, Acquired During Period Goodwill, Acquired During Period Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit Goodwill, Reclassification to Assets Held for Sale Goodwill, Reclassification to Assets Held for Sale Goodwill, Reclassification to Assets Held for Sale Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Balance at December 31, 2017 Foreign currency translation adjustments Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Balance at June 30, 2018 Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Neff v. Brady, et al. Neff v. Brady, et al. [Member] Neff v. Brady, et al. [Member] U.S. SEC and DOJ Investigation U.S. SEC and DOJ Investigation [Domain] U.S. SEC and DOJ Investigation [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Current Liabilities Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other Noncurrent Liabilities Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Number of actions filed (in lawsuits) Loss Contingency, Number of Lawsuits Filed Loss Contingency, Number of Lawsuits Filed Loss contingency accrual Loss Contingency Accrual Loss Contingency, Patents Allegedly Infringed, Number Loss Contingency, Patents Allegedly Infringed, Number Period of time in which reports and certifications are delivered regarding tax internal controls Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Internal Control Reporting, Tax, Period of Time Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Internal Control Reporting, Tax, Period of Time Estimated litigation liability Estimated Litigation Liability Recorded unconditional purchase obligation Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Restructuring Charges Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Short-term Borrowings and Other Debt Obligations Short-term Debt [Text Block] United States UNITED STATES Latin America Latin America [Member] Canada CANADA Middle East and North Africa Middle East and North Africa [Member] Middle East and North Africa Europe, Sub-Sahara Africa, Russia Europe, Sub-Sahara Africa, Russia [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Asia Asia [Member] Total Product and Service Revenue before Rental Revenues Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Rental Revenues Operating Leases, Income Statement, Lease Revenue Total Revenues Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Senior Notes, 6.80% due 2037 Senior Notes, 6.80 Percent due 2037 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 6.80 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2037. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 6.50% due 2036 Senior Notes, 6.50 Percent due 2036 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 6.50 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2036. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 6.00% due 2018 Senior Notes, 6.00 Percent due 2018 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 6.00 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2018. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 7.00% due 2038 Senior Notes, 7.00 Percent due 2038 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 7.00 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2038. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 9.625% due 2019 Senior Notes, 9.625 Percent due 2019 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 9.625 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2019. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 9.875% due 2039 Senior Notes, 9.875 Percent due 2039 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 9.875 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2039. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 5.125% due 2020 Senior Notes, 5.125 Percent due 2020 [Member] Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion due in the year 2020. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 6.75% due 2040 Senior Notes, 6.75 Percent due 2040 [Member] Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion due in the year 2040. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 4.50% due 2022 Senior Notes, 4.50 Percent due 2022 [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Senior Notes, 5.95% due 2042 Senior Notes, 5.95 Percent due 2042 [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Exchangeable Senior Notes, 5.875 Percent due 2021 Exchangeable Senior Notes, 5.875 Percent due 2021 [Member] Exchangeable Senior Notes, 5.875 Percent due 2021 [Member] Senior Notes, 7.75 Percent due 2021 Senior Notes, 7.75 Percent due 2021 [Member] Senior Notes, 7.75 Percent due 2021 [Member] Senior Notes, 8.25 Percent due 2023 Senior Notes, 8.25 Percent due 2023 [Member] Senior Notes, 8.25 Percent due 2023 [Member] Senior Notes, 9.875 Percent due 2024 Senior Notes, 9.875 Percent due 2024 [Member] Senior Notes, 9.875 Percent due 2024 [Member] [Axis] Senior Notes, 9.875 Percent due 2025 Senior Notes, 9.875 Percent due 2025 [Member] Senior Notes, 9.875 Percent due 2025 [Member] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Stated interest rate on debt Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Property, plant and equipment 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] Raw materials, components and supplies Inventory, Raw Materials and Supplies, Net of Reserves Work in process Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Inventories, Net Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Charges from Parent or Subsidiary Adjustments Noncash Items Intercompany Charges To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Intercompany charges that are eliminated in consolidation. Equity in (Earnings) Loss of Affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Other Adjustments Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Operating Activities, Consolidating Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Operating Activities, Consolidating Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Acquisition of Intellectual Property Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net Cash Used in Investing Activities 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. Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Severance costs Severance Costs Other restructuring costs Other Restructuring Costs New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2017-07 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Impact of adoption (less than) Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption Reclassification of income Reclassification of income Prepaid taxes Prepaid Taxes Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Other Current Assets Other Current Assets [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative asset, fair value, gross Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative liability, fair value, gross Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Extending Lenders Extending Lenders [Member] Extending Lenders [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] A&R Credit Agreement A&R Credit Agreement [Member] A&R Credit Agreement [Member] Term Loan Agreement Term Loan Agreement [Member] Term Loan Agreement [Member] Amended Credit Agreement [Member] Amended Credit Agreement [Member] Amended Credit Agreement [Member] Committed letters of credit Uncommitted Letters of Credit [Member] Uncommitted Letters of Credit [Member] Domestic and foreign facility Domestic and Foreign Facility [Member] Domestic and Foreign Facility [Member] Line of Credit Facility Reduction in Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility Reduction in Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility Reduction in Borrowing Capacity Remaining borrowing capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Collateral Line of Credit Facility, Collateral Basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt instrument, covenant, senior leverage ratio, period two Debt Instrument, Covenant, Senior Leverage Ratio, Period Two Debt Instrument, Covenant, Senior Leverage Ratio, Period Two Debt instrument, covenant, specified leverage and letter of credit ratio, period two Debt Instrument, Covenant, Specified Leverage and Letter of Credit Ratio, Period Two Debt Instrument, Covenant, Specified Leverage and Letter of Credit Ratio, Period Two Debt instrument, covenant, asset coverage ratio Debt Instrument, Covenant, Asset Coverage Ratio Debt Instrument, Covenant, Asset Coverage Ratio Long-term Debt Long-term Debt Interest Payable Interest Payable Short term borrowings Short-term Bank Loans and Notes Payable Performance bonds Performance Bonds Performance bonds with various domestic and international institutions. Repayments of Long-term Debt, Long-term Capital Lease Obligations, and Capital Securities Current portion of long-term debt Financial information by segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Production Production [Member] Production [Member] Completions Completion [Member] Completion [Member] Drilling and Evaluation Drilling and Evaluation [Member] Drilling and Evaluation [Member] Well Construction Well Construction [Member] Well Construction [Member] Total Excluding Rental Revenues Components of Inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Contract Assets Change in Contract with Customer, Asset [Roll Forward] Change in Contract with Customer, Asset [Roll Forward] Balance, as of January 1, 2018 Contract with Customer, Asset, Net Increase due to revenue recognized during the period but contingent on future performance Contract with Customer, Asset, Cumulative Catch-up Adjustment to Revenue, Change in Measure of Progress Transferred to receivables from contract assets recognized at the beginning of the period Contract with Customer, Asset, Reclassified to Receivable Balance, as of June 30, 2018 Contract Liabilities Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Roll Forward] Change in Contract with Customer, Liability [Roll Forward] Balance, as of January 1, 2018 Contract with Customer, Liability Revenue recognized that was included in the deferred revenue balance at the beginning of the period Contract with Customer, Liability, Revenue Recognized Increase due to cash received, excluding amount recognized as revenue during the period Contract with Customer, Liability, Increase (Decrease) for Contract Acquired in Business Combination Balance, as of June 30, 2018 Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Other Restructuring excluding write-downs [Member] Other Restructuring excluding write-downs [Member] Other Restructuring excluding write-downs [Member] Other Restructuring Less Asset Write-Offs [Member] Other Restructuring Less Asset Write-Offs [Member] Other Restructuring Less Asset Write-Offs General Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Cash Flow Hedging [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member] Interest Rate Lock Commitments [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Number of securities called by each warrant or right Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right Exercise price of warrants or rights Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights Warrants and rights outstanding Warrants and Rights Outstanding Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net 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