Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Drilling Rigs [Member] Drilling Rigs [Member] Drilling Rigs [Member] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Restructuring Plan [Domain] 2016-17 Plan [Member] 2016-17 Plan [Member] 2016-17 Plan [Member] 2016 Plan [Member] 2016 Plan [Member] 2016 Plan [Member] 2015 Plan [Member] 2015 Plan [Member] 2015 Plan [Member] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] Employee Severance [Member] Employee Severance [Member] Other Restructuring [Member] Other Restructuring [Member] Other Restructuring excluding write-downs [Member] Other Restructuring excluding write-downs [Member] Other Restructuring excluding write-downs [Member] Impaired Assets to be Disposed of by Method Other than Sale, Asset Name [Domain] Impaired Assets to be Disposed of by Method Other than Sale, Asset Name [Domain] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Charges Restructuring Charges Severance Costs Severance Costs Other Restructuring Costs Other Restructuring Costs Asset Impairment Charges Asset Impairment Charges Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost Payments for Restructuring Payments for Restructuring Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Capital and Other Lease Obligations [Member] Capital and Other Lease Obligations [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Term Loan Agreement [Member] Term Loan Agreement [Member] Term Loan Agreement [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Lender Name [Axis] Lender Name [Axis] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Line of Credit Facility, Lender [Domain] Extending Lenders [Member] Extending Lenders [Member] Extending Lenders [Member] Tranche [Axis] Tranche [Axis] Tranche Tranche [Domain] Tranche [Domain] [Domain] for Tranche Tranche One [Member] Tranche One [Member] Tranche One Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Base Rate [Member] Base Rate [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] A&R Credit Agreement [Member] A&R Credit Agreement [Member] A&R Credit Agreement [Member] Senior Notes, 9.875% due 2024 [Member] Senior Notes, 9.875 Percent due 2024 [Member] Senior Notes, 9.875 Percent due 2024 [Member] [Axis] Bi-Lateral Revolver Debt [Member] Bi-Lateral Revolver Debt [Member] Bi-Lateral Revolver Debt [Member] Senior Notes, 6.00% due 2018 [Member] Senior Notes, 6.00 Percent due 2018 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 6.00 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2018. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 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, 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. Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Weatherford Bermuda [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Bermuda [Member] Refers to Subsidiaries Of the Parent in Other Countries In this Case it is in Bermuda. Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Delaware [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Delaware [Member] Refers To Subsidiaries Of the Parent in Other Countries In this Case it is in Delaware. Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] 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] Short-term Debt [Line Items] Short-term Debt [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Long-term Debt Long-term Debt Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Debt Instrument, Periodic Payment, Principal Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt Instrument, Basis Spread on Variable Rate Debt Instrument, Covenant, Senior Leverage Ratio, Period 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 Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Cash collateralized Letters of Credit Outstanding, Cash Collateral Letters of Credit Outstanding, Cash Collateral Short-term Debt Short-term Debt Short term borrowings Short-term Bank Loans and Notes Payable Interest rate at period end Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End Performance bonds Performance Bonds Performance bonds with various domestic and international institutions. Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Current Portion of Long-term Debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair value and carrying value of Long-term Debt Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Class of Warrant or Right [Table] Class of Warrant or Right [Table] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Warrant [Member] Warrant [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Exchangeable Debt [Member] Exchangeable Debt [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Accumulated Foreign Currency Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items] Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items] Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Stock Issued During Period, Shares, New Issues Additional Paid in Capital Additional Paid in Capital Debt Instrument, Face Amount Debt Instrument, Face Amount Capital in Excess of Par Value Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Shares Issued, Price Per Share Shares Issued, Price Per Share Class of Warrant or Right, Unissued Class of Warrant or Right, Unissued Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right Class of Warrant or Right, Number of Securities Called by Each Warrant or Right Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights Class of Warrant or Right, Exercise Price of Warrants or Rights Warrants and Rights Outstanding Warrants and Rights Outstanding Common Shares, Par Value (in USD per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Long-term Debt Long-term Debt [Text Block] Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Total rent expense incurred under operating leases Operating Leases, Rent Expense Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Fair Value Guarantee [Member] Fair Value Guarantee [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Leveraged Leases, Net Investment in Leveraged Leases Disclosure, Residual Value of Leased Assets Leveraged Leases, Net Investment in Leveraged Leases Disclosure, Residual Value of Leased Assets Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Accounting Policies [Abstract] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Accounts Receivable [Member] Accounts Receivable [Member] Sales Revenue, Net [Member] Sales Revenue, Net [Member] Eastern Hemisphere [Member] Eastern Hemisphere [Member] Eastern Hemisphere [Member] Western Hemisphere [Member] Western Hemisphere [Member] Western Hemisphere [Member] UNITED STATES UNITED STATES KUWAIT KUWAIT Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage Receivable with Imputed Interest, Face Amount Receivable with Imputed Interest, Face Amount Trade Receivables Held-for-sale, Reconciliation to Cash Flow, Deductions from Held-for-sale Trade Receivables Held-for-sale, Reconciliation to Cash Flow, Deductions from Held-for-sale Receivable With Imputed Interest, Term Receivable With Imputed Interest, Term Receivable With Imputed Interest, Term Receivable with Imputed Interest, Effective Yield (Interest Rate) Receivable with Imputed Interest, Effective Yield (Interest Rate) Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Losses, Write-downs Proceeds from Sale of Notes Receivable Proceeds from Sale of Notes Receivable Gain (Loss) on Sale of Notes Receivable Gain (Loss) on Sale of Notes Receivable Concentration Risk, Customer Concentration Risk, Customer Segment Reporting [Abstract] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table] Product Concentration Risk [Member] Product Concentration Risk [Member] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Production [Member] Production [Member] Production [Member] Completion [Member] Completion [Member] Completion [Member] Drilling and Evaluation [Member] Drilling and Evaluation [Member] Drilling and Evaluation [Member] Well Construction [Member] Well Construction [Member] Well Construction [Member] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Consolidated revenues by product line Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Weatherford Ireland Parent Company [Member] Weatherford Ireland Parent Company [Member] The registrant that controls, directly or indirectly, another entity (or entities). The usual condition for control is ownership of a majority (over 50%) of the outstanding voting stock. The power to control may also exist with a lesser percentage of ownership, for example, by contract, lease, agreement with other stockholders or by court decree. Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Axis] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Consolidated Entities [Domain] Other Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Eliminations [Member] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Proceeds (payments) from sale of businesses and equity investment, net Proceeds (payments) from sale of businesses and equity investment, net Proceeds (payments) from sale of businesses and equity investment, net Net Loss Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Charges from Parent or Subsidiary Adjustments Noncash Items Intercompany Charges To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Intercompany charges that are eliminated in consolidation. Equity in (Earnings) Loss of Affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Deferred Income Tax Provision (Benefit) Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Other Adjustments Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Operating Activities, Consolidating Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Operating Activities, Consolidating Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash Flows From Investing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Increase (Decrease) in Assets Held-for-sale Increase (Decrease) in Assets Held-for-sale Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Acquisition of Intellectual Property Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Investing Activities Proceeds from Insurance Settlement, Investing Activities Net Cash Used in Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Proceeds from Sale of Productive Assets Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Cash Flows From Financing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Borrowings (Repayments) of Short-term Debt, Net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Borrowings (Repayments) Long-term Debt, Net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Long-term Debt and Capital Securities Borrowings (Repayments) Between Subsidiaries, Net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt from Subsidiaries, Net The cash inflow (outflow) from borrowings between subsidiaries of a common parent. Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock 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 (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Valuation Allowance [Table] Valuation Allowance [Table] Valuation Allowance by Deferred Tax Asset [Axis] Valuation Allowance by Deferred Tax Asset [Axis] Deferred Tax Asset [Domain] Deferred Tax Asset [Domain] Valuation Allowance [Line Items] Valuation Allowance [Line Items] Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block] 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] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Foreign currency forward contracts [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Currency Swap [Member] Currency Swap [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative asset, fair value, gross Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative liability, fair value, gross Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Fair Value Adjustment of Warrants Fair Value Adjustment of Warrants Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Benefits Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory Deferred Tax Assets, Other Deferred Tax Assets, Other Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill and Intangible Assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill and Intangible Assets Deferred Tax Liabilities, Tax Deferred Income Deferred Tax Liabilities, Tax Deferred Income Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings Deferred Tax Liabilities, Undistributed Foreign Earnings Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net 2014 & 2015 Plan [Member] 2014 & 2015 Plan [Member] 2014 & 2015 Plan Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Accrued balance at beginning of period Restructuring Reserve Cash Payments Other Restructuring Reserve, Translation and Other Adjustment Accrued balance at end of period Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Disputes, Litigation and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies, Policy [Policy Text Block] Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy [Policy Text Block] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivables, Policy [Policy Text Block] Major Customers and Credit Risk Major Customers, Policy [Policy Text Block] Inventories Inventory, Policy [Policy Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy [Policy Text Block] Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangibles Assets Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Indefinite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block] Intangible Assets Intangible Assets, Finite-Lived, Policy [Policy Text Block] Long-Lived Assets Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, Policy [Policy Text Block] Research and Development Expenditures Research and Development Expense, Policy [Policy Text Block] Environmental Expenditures Environmental Costs, Policy [Policy Text Block] Derivatives Financial Instruments Derivatives, Reporting of Derivative Activity [Policy Text Block] Foreign Currency Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy [Policy Text Block] Share-Based Compensation Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy [Policy Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax, Policy [Policy Text Block] Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition, Policy [Policy Text Block] Percentage- of- Completion Revenue Recognition, Percentage-of-Completion Method [Policy Text Block] Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Business Combinations [Abstract] Business Combinations and Dispositions Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Business Combinations and Divestitures [Abstract] Business Combinations and Divestitures [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Axis] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Disposal Group Classification [Domain] Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale [Member] Discontinued Operations, Held-for-sale [Member] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Deferred Tax Liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Deferred Tax Liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Term Loan Borrowings before Debt Issuance Cost [Member] Term Loan Borrowings before Debt Issuance Cost [Member] Term Loan Borrowings before Debt Issuance Cost [Member] Senior Notes, 4.50% due 2022 [Member] Senior Notes, 4.50 Percent due 2022 [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Senior Notes, 5.125% 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, 5.95% due 2042 [Member] Senior Notes, 5.95 Percent due 2042 [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- 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, 6.75% 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, 6.80% due 2037 [Member] Senior Notes, 6.80 Percent due 2037 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 6.80 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2037. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 7.00% due 2038 [Member] Senior Notes, 7.00 Percent due 2038 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 7.00 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2038. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 7.75 Percent due 2021 [Member] Senior Notes, 7.75 Percent due 2021 [Member] Senior Notes, 7.75 Percent due 2021 [Member] Senior Notes, 8.25 Percent due 2023 [Member] Senior Notes, 8.25 Percent due 2023 [Member] Senior Notes, 8.25 Percent due 2023 [Member] Senior Notes, 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, 9.87 Percent due 2024 [Member] Senior Notes, 9.87 Percent due 2024 [Member] Senior Notes, 9.875 Percent due 2024 Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument, Increase, Accrued Interest Debt Instrument, Increase, Accrued Interest Stated interest rate on debt Repayments of Debt Repayments of Debt Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Debt Instrument, Convertible, Conversion Price Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount Debt Instrument, Repurchased Face Amount Interest Payable Interest Payable Debt Instrument, Convertible, Shares Debt Instrument, Convertible, Shares Debt Instrument, Convertible, Shares Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Debt Issuance Costs, Net Debt Issuance Costs, Net Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Interest Expense, Debt Interest Expense, Debt Interest Expense, Debt, Excluding Amortization Interest Expense, Debt, Excluding Amortization Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Amortization of Debt Discount (Premium) Bond Tender Premium, Net Bond Tender Premium, Net Bond Tender Premium, Net Book Value of Debt Buybacks Book Value of Debt Buybacks Book Value of Debt Repurchase Gain on repurchase of debt Gain (Loss) on Repurchase of Debt Instrument Receivables [Abstract] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] MEXICO MEXICO Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Transfer Of Accounts Receivable, Accounted For As Sale Of AR Transfer Of Accounts Receivable, Accounted For As Sale Of AR Transfer Of Accounts Receivable, Accounted For As Sale Of AR Accounts receivable sold, carrying value Transfer of Accounts Receivable, Accounted for as Sales, Carrying Value Amount of receivables sold under an accounts receivable sales program. Proceeds from Sale of Accounts Receivable Proceeds from Sale of Accounts Receivable Proceeds from Sale of Accounts Receivable Gain (loss) on sale of accounts receivable Gain (Loss) on Sale of Accounts Receivable Notes Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure Notes Receivable, Fair Value Disclosure Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Axis] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption [Axis] New Accounting Principles, Early Adoption [Domain] New Accounting Principles, Early Adoption [Domain] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect [Member] New Accounting Pronouncement, Early Adoption, Effect [Member] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncements [Axis] Type of Adoption [Domain] Type of Adoption [Domain] Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, Statutory Tax Withholding Component [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, Statutory Tax Withholding Component [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2016-09, Statutory Tax Withholding Component [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] Accounting Standards Update 2014-09 [Member] Change in Accounting Estimate by Type [Axis] Change in Accounting Estimate by Type [Axis] Change in Accounting Estimate, Type [Domain] Change in Accounting Estimate, Type [Domain] Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member] Difference between Revenue Guidance in Effect before and after Topic 606 [Member] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items] Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Income adjustment of non-service cost components Revenue from Contract with Customer, Excluding Assessed Tax Prepaid Taxes Prepaid Taxes Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] 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. Exchangeable Senior Notes, 5.875 Percent due 2021 [Member] Exchangeable Senior Notes, 5.875 Percent due 2021 [Member] Exchangeable Senior Notes, 5.875 Percent due 2021 [Member] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Changes in Issued and Treasury shares Schedule of Common Stock Outstanding Roll Forward [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Buildings and leasehold improvements [Member] Buildings and leasehold improvements [Member] Buildings and leasehold improvements Rental and service equipment [Member] Rental and service equipment [Member] Rental and service equipment Machinery and other [Member] Machinery and other [Member] Machinery and other Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Depreciation Depreciation Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Inventories, Net Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Other short-term bank loans [Member] Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-term Debt Debt, Current Cash Devaluation [Axis] Cash Devaluation [Axis] Cash Devaluation [Axis] Cash Devaluation [Domain] Cash Devaluation [Domain] [Domain] for Cash Devaluation [Axis] Angola, Kwanza Angola, Kwanza Currency [Axis] Currency [Axis] All Currencies [Domain] All Currencies [Domain] Interest paid Interest Paid Income taxes paid, net of refunds Income Taxes Paid, Net Currency Devaluation Charges Foreign Currency Devaluation Loss, before Tax Foreign Currency Devaluation Loss, before Tax Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Capital Lease Obligations Incurred Held-to-maturity Securities Held-to-maturity Securities 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2020 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2021 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Five Years Thereafter Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due Thereafter Total Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used by Type [Axis] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used by Type [Axis] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used, Asset Name [Domain] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used, Asset Name [Domain] Assets, Total [Member] Assets, Total [Member] Revenue Recognition [Member] Revenue Recognition [Member] Revenue Recognition [Member] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Number of Reportable Segments Number of Reportable Segments Long-Lived Asset Impairments and Other Charges Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Production Related Impairments or Charges Production Related Impairments or Charges Pressure Pumping Related Charges Pressure Pumping Related Charges Pressure Pumping Related Charges Supply Agreement Charges related to Non-Core Business Divestiture Supply Agreement Charges related to Non-Core Business Divestiture Supply Agreement Charges related to Non-Core Business Divestiture Revenue, Net Revenue, Net Professional Fees Professional Fees Facility Closure Fees Facility Closure Fees Facility Closure Fees Other Nonrecurring (Income) Expense Other Nonrecurring (Income) Expense Bad Debt Expense Provision for Doubtful Accounts Increase (decrease) in accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Assets Assets Deferred tax assets for long-lived assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Write-offs Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Write-offs Asset Write Down and Other Asset Write Down and Other Asset Write Down and Other Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Latin America [Member] Latin America [Member] Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia [Member] Europe, Sub-Sahara Africa, Russia [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Middle East and North Africa [Member] Middle East and North Africa [Member] Middle East and North Africa Asia [Member] Asia [Member] CANADA CANADA Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Long-lived Assets Long-Lived Assets Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Class of Warrant or Right, Unissued 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 Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Swiss Federal Income Tax Rate at 7.83% Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount Tax on Operating Earnings Subject to Rates Different than the Swiss Federal Income Tax Rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount U.S. Tax Reform - Remeasure of U.S. Deferred Tax Assets Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Amount Non-cash Tax Expense on Distribution of Subsidiary Earnings Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Amount Change in Valuation Allowance Attributed to U.S. Tax Reform Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Valuation Adjustment Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Valuation Adjustment Amount Change in Valuation Allowance Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Change in Uncertain Tax Positions Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingency, Amount (Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Settlement Payments Due [Axis] Settlement Payments Due [Axis] Settlement Payments Due [Axis] Settlement payments due 21 days from settlement [Domain] Settlement payments due 21 days from settlement [Domain] Settlement payments due 21 days from settlement [Domain] Settlement payments due in 120 days [Domain] Settlement payments due in 120 days [Domain] Settlement payments due in 120 days [Domain] Settlement payments due in 240 days [Domain] Settlement payments due in 240 days [Domain] Settlement payments due in 240 days [Domain] Settlement payments due in 360 days [Domain] Settlement payments due in 360 days [Domain] Settlement payments due in 360 days [Domain] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Freedman v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. [Member] [Member] Freedman v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. [Member] [Member] Freedman v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. [Member] Dobina v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. [Domain] Dobina v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. [Domain] Dobina v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. [Domain] U.S. SEC and DOJ Investigation [Domain] U.S. SEC and DOJ Investigation [Domain] U.S. SEC and DOJ Investigation [Domain] SEC Settlement [Member] SEC Settlement [Member] SEC Settlement [Member] Spitzer [Member] Spitzer [Member] Spitzer [Member] Shareholder derivative actions filed Loss Contingency, Pending Claims, Number Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded to Other Party Litigation Settlement, Amount Awarded to Other Party Payments for legal settlements Payments for Legal Settlements Loss Contingency, Patents Allegedly Infringed, Number Loss Contingency, Patents Allegedly Infringed, Number Insurance Recoveries Insurance Recoveries Loss Contingency Accrual Loss Contingency Accrual Litigation Charges, Net Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Internal Control Reporting, Tax, Period of Time Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Internal Control Reporting, Tax, Period of Time Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Internal Control Reporting, Tax, Period of Time Estimated litigation liability Estimated Litigation Liability Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment and Estimated Useful Lives Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Share-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Schedule of Issued and Treasury Shares [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Issued [Member] Common Stock [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] Beginning Balance Shares, Issued Equity Awards Granted, Vested and Exercised Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Ending Balance Retirement Benefits [Abstract] Schedule of weighted average assumption rates Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Disputes, Litigation and Contingencies Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block] Consolidating Financial Statements Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract] Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract] Gross profit Gross Profit Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2021 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Fair Value and Carrying Value of Long-term debt [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Value [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value of Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Fair Value Income Tax Contingency [Table] Income Tax Contingency [Table] Tax Period [Axis] Tax Period [Axis] Tax Period [Domain] Tax Period [Domain] Earliest Tax Year [Member] Earliest Tax Year [Member] Latest Tax Year [Member] Latest Tax Year [Member] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] RUSSIA Russia [Domain] Russia [Domain] SWITZERLAND SWITZERLAND VENEZUELA VENEZUELA Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Contingency [Line Items] Income Tax Examination, Year under Examination Income Tax Examination, Year under Examination 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] 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 Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Net Operating Revenues Operating Income (Loss) Operating Income (Loss) Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment Research and Development Expense Research and Development Expense Equity Investment Impairment Goodwill, Impairment Loss Equity Investment Impairment Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment Severance and Restructuring Charges Litigation Charges, Net Loss Contingency Accrual, Provision Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Loss Contingency Accrual, Provision Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Other Related Charges Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Other Related Charges Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Other Nonoperating Expense Other Nonoperating Expense Total Assets Inventory Write-down Inventory Write-down Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Current Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Shareholders' Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] Common Shares, Authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Shares, Issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common Shares, Outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding 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] Revenue Recognition [Abstract] Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Table] Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Table] Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Other Noncurrent Assets [Member] Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items] Revenue Recognition, Multiple-deliverable Arrangements [Line Items] Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Estimate Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Estimate Cumulative Effect of Change in Accounting Estimate Other Non-current Assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Interest Income (Expense), Net Interest Income (Expense), Net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts of $156 in 2017 and $129 in 2016 Receivables, Net, Current Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Equity Investments Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Contractors [Abstract] Percentage of Completion Contracts Long-term Contracts or Programs Disclosure [Text Block] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] 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, Assets, Noncurrent Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Noncurrent Sale Price Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration (Gain) Loss from Disposition of U.S. Pressure Pumping Assets and Businesses Goodwill, Impairment Loss Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Fair Values of Outstanding Derivative Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Accounts Receivable Factoring Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Line of Credit Facility [Abstract] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Line of Credit Facility [Table] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Line of Credit Facility [Line Items] Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Line of Credit Facilities [Table Text Block] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Axis] Investment, Name [Domain] Investment, Name [Domain] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Equity Investments Equity Method Investments Net Income (Loss) from equity investments Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Impairment of equity investments Components of short-term borrowings Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table Text Block] Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2017 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2018 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2021 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Total 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] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Components of Inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] North America [Member] North America [Member] Middle East/North Africa/Asia [Member] Middle East, North Africa, and Asia [Member] Middle East, North Africa, and Asia Restructuring Reserve Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Table] Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Table] Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Table] IRAQ IRAQ Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Line Items] Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Line Items] [Line Items] for Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Table] Loss on Contracts Loss on Contracts Total Estimated Loss on Contracts Total Estimated Loss on Contracts Total Estimated Loss on Contracts Contract Settlement, Amount ContractSettlementAmount ContractSettlementAmount Proceeds from Contract Settlements Proceeds from Contract Settlements Proceeds from Contract Settlements Contracts Receivable, Claims and Uncertain Amounts Contracts Receivable, Claims and Uncertain Amounts Accounts Receivable, Unapproved Contract Claims Accounts Receivable, Unapproved Contract Claims Deductions (Charges) Deductions (Charges) Billings in Excess of Cost Billings in Excess of Cost Unapproved Change Orders, Amount Unapproved Change Orders, Amount Costs in Excess of Billings, Current Costs in Excess of Billings, Current Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Acquired technology [Member] Developed Technology Rights [Member] Licenses [Member] Licensing Agreements [Member] Patents [Member] Patents [Member] Customer relationships and contracts [Member] Customer Relationships and Contracts [Member] Customer Relationships and Contracts [Member] Other [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Assets Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Restructuring Charges Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity [Table Text Block] Commitments Commitments Disclosure [Text Block] Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic and Diluted Basic weighted average shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] U.S. Pressure Pumping and Pump-Down [Member] U.S. Pressure Pumping and Pump-Down [Member] U.S. Pressure Pumping and Pump-Down [Member] Share-based compensation Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Net Loss Adjustments to Reconcile Net Loss to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Goodwill and Equity Investment Impairment Goodwill and Equity Method Investments, Impairment Loss Loss recognized during the period that results from the write-down of goodwill and equity investments. Goodwill was deemed impaired after comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment. As part of the goodwill testing it was noted that the fair value attributable to certain equity investments was significantly below our book value for these investments and an other than temporary decline in fair value was recognized. Restructuring and Other Asset Charges Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges Increase (Decrease) in Obligation, Pension Benefits Increase (Decrease) in Obligation, Pension Benefits Litigation Settlement, Expense Litigation Settlement, Expense Bond Tender Premium, Net (Gain) Loss on Sale of Assets and Businesses, Net Other, Net Other Noncash Income (Expense) Change in Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net of Effect of Businesses Acquired: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Other Current Assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Accounts Payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade Billings in Excess of Costs and Estimated Earnings Increase (Decrease) in Billing in Excess of Cost of Earnings Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Litigation and Settlements Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Litigation and Settlements Increase (Decrease) in Accrued Litigation and Settlements Other Current Liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Liabilities Other, Net Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Net monetary asset position Net Monetary Asset Position Net Monetary Asset Position Increase (Decrease) in Assets Held-for-sale Acquisition of Intellectual Property Proceeds from Sale of Other Assets, Investing Activities Proceeds from Sale of Other Assets, Investing Activities Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Borrowings of Long-term Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Repayments of Long-term Debt, Long-term Capital Lease Obligations, and Capital Securities Payments for Bond Tender Premium Payments for Bond Tender Premium Payments for Bond Tender Premium Payments to Acquire Equipment on Lease Payments to Acquire Equipment on Lease Other Financing Activities, Net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Goodwill, Impaired, Accumulated Impairment Loss Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Axis] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] Retirement Plan Sponsor Location [Domain] United States plans Domestic Plan [Member] International plans Foreign Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Discount rate Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Discount Rate Rate of compensation increase Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used Calculating Benefit Obligation, Rate of Compensation Increase Goodwill by Segment [Axis] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Goodwill Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit Goodwill, Written off Related to Sale of Business Unit Foreign currency translation Goodwill, Foreign Currency Translation Gain (Loss) Ending Balance Impact of Foreign Currency Devaluation [Table] Impact of Foreign Currency Devaluation [Table] Impact of Foreign Currency Devaluation [Table] Currency Exchange Rate Type [Axis] Currency Exchange Rate Valuation Method [Axis] Currency Exchange Rate Valuation Method [Axis] Currency Exchange Rate Type [Domain] Currency Exchange Rate Valuation Method [Domain] Currency Exchange Rate Valuation Method Impact of Foreign Currency Devaluation [Line Items] Impact of Foreign Currency Devaluation [Line Items] [Line Items] for Impact of Foreign Currency Devaluation [Table] Net Monetary Asset Position Line of Credit Facility (Tables) [Abstract] Line of Credit Facility (Tables) [Abstract] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Allowances Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-term Debt Short-term Debt [Text Block] 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] Restricted share awards [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted share units [Member] Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Non-vested equity instruments other than options [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward] Non-vested, beginning balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeited in Period Non-vested, ending balance Weighted-average grant date fair value of other-than-options additional disclosures [Rollforward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract] Non-vested, beginning balance Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Vested Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Forfeited Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Forfeitures, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested, ending balance ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents Inventories, Net Prepaid Expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Other Current Assets Other Assets, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Total Current Assets Assets, Current Land, Buildings and Leasehold Improvements Land, Buildings, and Leasehold Improvements, Gross Gross carrying amount, before depreciation, as of the balance sheet date of real estate held for productive use (excluding land held for sale), long-lived, depreciable assets that include building structures held for productive use including any addition, improvement, or renovation to the structure, such as interior masonry, interior flooring, electrical, and plumbing. Rental and Service Equipment Rental and Service Equipment, Gross Gross carrying amount, before depreciation, as of the balance sheet date of long-lived, depreciable asset used in the process of rental goods and services. Machinery and Other Machinery and Other, Gross Gross carrying amount, before depreciation, as of the balance sheet date of long-lived, depreciable asset used in production of machinery and capitalized assets not otherwise defined in the taxonomy. Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less: Accumulated Depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Intangible Assets, Net Total Assets LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDER'S EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities: Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-term Debt Accounts Payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued Salaries and Benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Income Taxes Payable Taxes Payable, Current Other Current Liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Total Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current Other Non-current Liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total Liabilities 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 993 shares and 983 shares at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Retained Deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Weatherford Shareholders’ (Deficiency) Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling Interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Shareholders’ (Deficiency) Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ (Deficiency) Equity Liabilities and Equity Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related Text Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Amount Inventory Write-down Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Costs and Expenses Costs and Expenses Other Income (Expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest Expense, Net Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net Intercompany Charges, Net Intercompany Charges, Net Net amount of intercompany charges, other than from external customers. Amounts are eliminated in consolidation. Equity in Subsidiary Income (Loss) Income (Loss) from Subsidiary This item represents the portion of the entity's net income (loss) from its subsidiaries Other, Net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Including Foreign Currency Devaluation Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Including Foreign Currency Devaluation Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Noncontrolling Interest (Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent 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 Total Costs and Expenses Operating Loss Fair Value Adjustment of Warrants Currency Devaluation Charges Other Income (Expense), Net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Loss Before Income Taxes Income Tax (Provision) Benefit Net Loss Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Net Loss Attributable to Weatherford Loss Per Share Attributable to Weatherford: Weighted Average Shares Outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic & Diluted (in shares) Related tax benefit Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Long-Lived Asset Impairment [Abstract] Long-Lived Asset Impairment [Abstract] Schedule of Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Table] Schedule of Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Table] Pressure Pumping [Member] Pressure Pumping [Member] [Member] Pressure Pumping [Member] [Member] Drilling Tools, Pressure Pumping and Wireline [Member] Drilling Tools, Pressure Pumping and Wireline [Member] Drilling Tools, Pressure Pumping and Wireline [Member] Drilling Rights [Member] Drilling Rights [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Corporate and Other [Member] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Axis] Subsegments [Domain] Subsegments [Domain] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items] Impaired Long-Lived Assets Held and Used [Line Items] Tangible Asset Impairment Charges Tangible Asset Impairment Charges Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill) 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] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired Amortization expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Schedule of long-term debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of maturities of long-term debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure Lessee, Operating Lease, Disclosure [Table Text Block] Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings-per-Share Due to Net Loss, Amount 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 Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Shares Issued [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Balance, beginning balance Other Comprehensive Loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Dividends Paid to Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Common Stocks, Including Additional Paid in Capital Common Stocks, Including Additional Paid in Capital Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Convertible Debt with Conversion Feature Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Convertible Debt with Conversion Feature Equity Awards Granted, Vested and Exercised Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Balance, ending balance Secured Borrowings [Member] Secured Debt [Member] Other Long-term Debt [Member] Other long-term debt [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Secured Borrowing, 4.82% [Member] Secured Borrowing, 4.82 Percent [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Less: Amounts Due in One Year Long-term Debt Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase (Decrease) Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase (Decrease) Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase (Decrease) Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable Type [Axis] Receivable [Domain] Receivable [Domain] Short [Member] Short [Member] Long [Member] Long [Member] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets [Member] Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] of Period Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Expense (a) Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Charges to Cost and Expense Additions Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Additions for Recoveries Reductions (b) (c) Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions Period Document and Entity Information [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Voluntary Filers Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Current Reporting Status Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Public Float Entity Public Float Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Other Intangible Assets Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Long-lived and Other Asset Impairments Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Financial information by segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Composition of consolidated revenues by product line Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services [Table Text Block] Financial information by geographic area Schedule of Revenue from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets, by Geographical Areas [Table Text Block] Performance units [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Defined Benefit Pension [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Attributable to Parent [Member] Deferred Loss on Derivatives [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Cash Flow Hedges Attributable to Parent [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Beginning balance Other comprehensive (loss) income before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Reclassifications Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Ending balance Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Intangible asset useful life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life Number of Countries in which Entity Operates Number of Countries in which Entity Operates Years in operation Number of Years in Operation Number of Years in Operation Allotment of ordinary shares issued to each register share of Weatherford Switzerland Business Combination, Conversion Ratio of Shares Issued Business Combination, Conversion Ratio of Shares Issued Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table Text Block] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense [Table Text Block] Employee Stock Option [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] A summary of option activity for the period [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Number of options outstanding, beginning of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Number of options, exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Number of options, forfeitures Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Number of options outstanding, end of period Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options Share based payment award, options, additional disclosures [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Weighted-average exercise price, outstanding at beginning of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, forfeitures Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, outstanding at end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average remaining contractual term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value Quarterly Financial Data Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign Currency Translation Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Defined Benefit Pension Activity Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Defined Benefit Plan, after Reclassification Adjustment, after Tax Other Other Comprehensive Income, Other, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax 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 Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Axis] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Retirement Plan Type [Domain] Pension Plan [Member] Pension Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Contribution expenses related to the defined contribution plans which cover certain employees Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Credit) Projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Liability, Defined Benefit Plan, Noncurrent Accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit pension plans Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Employer contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Plan Assets, Contributions by Employer Estimated future employer contributions in next fiscal year, cash Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year, Cash Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year, Cash Retirement and Employee Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Current Assets Other Current Assets Other Assets, Current, Consolidating Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of current assets not separately presented elsewhere in the balance sheet. Current assets are expected to be realized or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Amount used on consolidating schedule. Equity Investments in Affiliates Equity Method Investments In Affiliates This item represents the carrying amount on the entity's balance sheet of its equity investment in the entity's affiliates. Intercompany Receivables, Net Intercompany Receivables, Net Net carrying amount of intercompany receivables, other than from customers, as of balance sheet date. Amounts are eliminated in consolidation. Other Assets Other Assets, Noncurrent, Consolidating Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent assets are expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Amount used on consolidating schedule. LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current Liabilities Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities, Current Aggregate carrying value as of the balance sheet date of liabilities incurred (and for which invoices have typically been received) and payable to vendors for goods and services received and other liabilities not separately disclosed in balance sheet that are used in an entity's business. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer) Intercompany Payables, Net Intercompany Payables Net Net carrying amount of intercompany payables, other than from external vendors, as of balance sheet date. Amounts are eliminated in consolidation. Other Long-term Liabilities Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] This element represents the subtotal of restricted share awards and restricted share units. Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Axis] Sale of Stock [Domain] Sale of Stock [Domain] Employee Stock [Member] Employee Stock [Member] Maximum term (in years) that awards will be granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Number of shares available for grant under Incentive Plans Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Award vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Award vesting Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Intrinsic value of stock options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Weighted-average grant date fair value Total fair value of awards vested during the period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Unrecognized compensation expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options Unrecognized compensation expense, recognition period Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Volatility rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Shares issued for share-based compensation awards (in shares) Number of shares authorized (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized Offering period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Offering Period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Offering Period Purchase price percent Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Purchase Price of Common Stock, Percent Shares, Issued Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Gross Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Gross Goodwill Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] Total Current Provision Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total Deferred (Provision) Benefit Goodwill Impairment including Held for Sale Items [Axis] Goodwill Impairment including Held for Sale Items [Axis] Goodwill Impairment including Held for Sale Items [Axis] Goodwill Impairment including Held for Sale Items [Domain] Goodwill Impairment including Held for Sale Items [Domain] [Domain] for Goodwill Impairment including Held for Sale Items [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] Foreign Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Foreign Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Foreign Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Asset Write Down and Other Other Write-downs Charges and Credits Other Write-downs Charges and Credits Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017, Incomplete Accounting, Change In Tax Rate, Deferred Tax Asset, Provisional Income Tax Expense Loss Contingency Accrual, Provision Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Amount Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries Operating Loss Carryforwards Operating Loss Carryforwards Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible AR bad debt expense with no significant tax benefit AR bad debt expense with no significant tax benefit AR bad debt expense with no significant tax benefit Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Amount Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Valuation Adjustment Amount