Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Schedule of Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Table] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] UNITED STATES UNITED STATES Middle East and North Africa [Member] Middle East and North Africa [Member] Middle East and North Africa Latin America [Member] Latin America [Member] Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia [Member] Europe, Sub-Sahara Africa, Russia [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Asia Pacific [Member] Asia Pacific [Member] CANADA CANADA Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items] Revenue, Net Revenue, Net Long-lived Assets Long-Lived Assets Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract] Supplemental Cash Flow Information Related Text Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Class of Warrant or Right [Table] Class of Warrant or Right [Table] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] 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] Common Shares, Par Value (in USD per share) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract] 2016 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Next Twelve Months 2017 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Two 2018 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Three 2019 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Four 2020 Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal in Year Five Thereafter Long-term Debt, Maturities, Repayments of Principal after Year Five Total Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract] Quarterly Financial Data Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block] Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Axis] Restructuring Plan [Domain] Restructuring Plan [Domain] 2015 Plan [Member] 2015 Plan [Member] 2015 Plan [Member] 2014 Plan [Member] 2014 Plan [Member] 2014 Plan [Member] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Employee Severance [Member] Employee Severance [Member] Other Restructuring [Member] Other Restructuring [Member] Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segments [Domain] Segments [Domain] Core Regional Segments [Member] Core Regional Segments [Member] Core Regional Segments [Member] Drilling Rigs [Member] Drilling Rigs [Member] Drilling Rigs [Member] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Corporate and Research and Development [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] North America [Member] North America [Member] Middle East/North Africa/Asia [Member] Middle East, North Africa, and Asia [Member] Middle East, North Africa, and Asia Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Severance and Restructuring Charges Restructuring Charges Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost Restructuring and Related Cost, Incurred Cost Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Accrued balance at beginning of period Restructuring Reserve Cash Payments Payments for Restructuring Other Restructuring Reserve, Translation and Other Adjustment Accrued balance at end of period Contractors [Abstract] Percentage of Completion Contracts Long-term Contracts or Programs Disclosure [Text Block] Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Contribution Plan Type [Axis] Defined Contribution Plan Type [Axis] Defined Contribution Plan Type [Domain] Defined Contribution Plan Type [Domain] Pension Plan [Member] Pension Plan [Member] 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] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items] Contribution expenses related to the defined contribution plans which cover certain employees Defined Contribution Plan, Cost Recognized Net periodic benefit cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Projected benefit obligation Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation Actuarial Losses Actuarial Losses Actuarial Losses Foreign currency exchange rate gain (loss) Defined Benefit Plan, Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Gain (Loss) Fair value of plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Fair Value of Plan Assets Accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit pension plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Prior Service Cost (Credit), before Tax Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net gains (losses), before tax Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Gains (Losses), before Tax Employer contributions Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Amount expected to be contributed to the next fiscal year to the pension and postretirement benefit plans (in hundredths) Defined Benefit Plans, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Next Fiscal Year Accounting Policies [Abstract] Number of Countries in which Entity Operates Number of Countries in which Entity Operates Years in operation Number of Years in Operation Number of Years in Operation Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] Freedman v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. [Member] [Member] Freedman v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. [Member] [Member] Freedman v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. [Member] Wandel v. Duroc-Danner, et al. [Member] Wandel v. Duroc-Danner, et al. [Member] Wandel v. Duroc-Danner, et al. [Member] Dobina v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. [Member] Dobina v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. [Member] Dobina v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. [Member] U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas v. Weatherford International Ltd. [Member] U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas v. Weatherford International Ltd. [Member] U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas v. Weatherford International Ltd. [Member] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Oil-for-Food Program and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act [Member] Oil-for-Food Program and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act [Member] Oil-for-Food Program and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Material Weakness in Internal Controls [Member] Material Weakness in Internal Controls [Member] Material Weakness in Internal Controls [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Litigation Settlement, Amount Litigation Settlement, Amount Payments for legal settlements Payments for Legal Settlements Insurance Recoveries Insurance Recoveries Period of time for monitor activities for assessment of company's compliance Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Compliance Monitoring Period Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Compliance Monitoring Period 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 Shares, Conditionally Authorized (in shares) Common Shares, Shares, Conditionally Authorized Common Shares, Shares, Conditionally Authorized Common Shares, Issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common Shares, Outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Treasury Shares, at cost (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares YEMEN YEMEN Other Countries [Member] Other Countries [Member] All other geographic areas that are not individually considered as principal markets. 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] Increase in expected positions eliminated, percentage Restructuring and Related Cost, Percent Increase of Expected Number of Positions Eliminated Restructuring and Related Cost, Percent Increase of Expected Number of Positions Eliminated Severance Costs Severance Costs Asset Impairment Charges Asset Impairment Charges Payments for Restructuring Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Receivable [Abstract] Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Receivable [Abstract] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves Type [Axis] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Domain] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Balance Expense Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Charged to Cost and Expense Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Recoveries Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Recoveries Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions Valuation Allowances and Reserves, Deductions Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Basic weighted average shares outstanding Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) Quarterly Financial Information [Text Block] Schedule of weighted average assumption rates Schedule of Assumptions Used [Table Text Block] Components of short-term borrowings Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table Text Block] Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Eliminations [Member] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Weatherford Ireland Parent Company [Member] Weatherford Ireland Parent Company [Member] The registrant that controls, directly or indirectly, another entity (or entities). The usual condition for control is ownership of a majority (over 50%) of the outstanding voting stock. The power to control may also exist with a lesser percentage of ownership, for example, by contract, lease, agreement with other stockholders or by court decree. Weatherford Bermuda [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Bermuda [Member] Refers to Subsidiaries Of the Parent in Other Countries In this Case it is in Bermuda. 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. Other Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Operating Income (Loss) Operating Income (Loss) Costs and Expenses Costs and Expenses Other Income (Expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest Expense, Net Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net Intercompany Charges, Net Intercompany Charges, Net Net amount of intercompany charges, other than from external customers. Amounts are eliminated in consolidation. Equity in Subsidiary Income (Loss) Income (Loss) from Subsidiary This item represents the portion of the entity's net income (loss) from its subsidiaries Other, Net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Including Foreign Currency Devaluation Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Including Foreign Currency Devaluation Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest (Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Loss Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent 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] Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), before Tax Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Share-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] 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 Assets, Net Deferred Tax Assets, Net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Table] Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets [Member] Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward] of Period Additions Reductions (a) Period 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 Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [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] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Foreign currency forward contracts [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Cross-currency swap contracts [Member] Currency Swap [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Current Assets [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative asset, fair value, gross Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative liability, fair value, gross Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Loss, Net of Tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Foreign Currency Translation Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Defined Benefit Pension Activity Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Other Other Comprehensive Income, Other, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive 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 Business Combinations [Abstract] Schedule of Information Segregated from Financial Statements Schedule of Information Segregated from Financial Statements [Table Text Block] Schedule of Information Segregated from Financial Statements [Table Text Block] Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Held-for-Sale Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table Text Block] Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Table] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Disposal Group Name [Domain] Proserv Group Business [Domain] Proserv Group Business [Domain] Proserv Group Business [Domain] Borets [Member] Borets [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items] Equity Investments Equity Method Investments Net Income (Loss) from equity investments Equity Method Investment, Summarized Financial Information, Net Income (Loss) Impairment of equity investments Equity Method Investment, Other than Temporary Impairment Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Inventories, Net Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-term Debt Short-term Debt [Text Block] Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [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] 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] Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures [Table Text Block] Total current provision Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Total deferred benefit Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit) (Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Schedule of Business Acquisitions, by Acquisition [Table] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition [Axis] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Business Acquisition, Acquiree [Domain] Joint Venture in China [Member] Joint Venture in China [Member] Joint Venture in China [Member] Company that Designs and Produces Well Completion Tools [Member] Company that Designs and Produces Well Completion Tools [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business acquisition, percentage of voting interests acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Ownership percentage before acquisition of additional ownership interest Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Ownership percentage of joint venture after acquisition Noncontrolling Interest, Ownership Percentage by Parent Business combination, remeasurement gain Business Combination, Step Acquisition, Equity Interest in Acquiree, Remeasurement Gain Goodwill Acquired Goodwill, Acquired During Period Cash acquired from acquisition Cash Acquired from Acquisition Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability Other Intangible Assets Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of long-term debt Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of maturities of long-term debt Schedule of Maturities of Long-term Debt [Table Text Block] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Currency [Axis] Currency [Axis] All Currencies [Domain] All Currencies [Domain] Venezuelan Bolivar Venezuelan bolívar fuerte Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Interest paid, net of capitalized interest Interest Paid Income taxes paid, net of refunds Income Taxes Paid, Net Currency Devaluation and Related Charges Foreign Currency Devaluation Loss, before Tax Foreign Currency Devaluation Loss, before Tax Asset, Reporting Currency Denominated, Value Asset, Reporting Currency Denominated, Value Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Translation Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Translation 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] 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] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Axis] Products and Services [Domain] Products and Services [Domain] Pressure Pumping [Member] Pressure Pumping [Member] [Member] Pressure Pumping [Member] [Member] Drilling Tools [Member] Drilling Tools [Member] Drilling Tools [Member] Wireline [Member] Wireline [Member] Wireline [Member] Land Drilling and Workover Rig Operations [Member] Land Drilling and Workover Rig Operations [Member] Land Drilling and Workover Rig Operations [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] Long-Lived Asset Impairments Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Long-Lived Asset Impairments and Other Related Charges Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of Fair Value and Carrying Value of Long-term debt [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Senior Notes [Member] Senior Notes [Member] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value, Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying Value [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items] Fair Value of Long-term debt Long-term Debt, Fair Value 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] Other Restructuring Costs Other Restructuring Costs Restructuring Reserve Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] 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] Excessive Quantities and Obsolescence [Member] Excessive Quantities and Obsolescence [Member] Excessive Quantities and Obsolescence [Member] Customer [Axis] Customer [Axis] Customer [Domain] Customer [Domain] Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. [Member] Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. [Member] Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. North America, Excluding the United States [Member] North America, Excluding the United States [Member] North America, Excluding the United States [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Number of Reportable Segments Number of Reportable Segments Pressure Pumping Related Charges Pressure Pumping Related Charges Pressure Pumping Related Charges Supply Agreement Charges related to Non-Core Business Divestiture Supply Agreement Charges related to Non-Core Business Divestiture Supply Agreement Charges related to Non-Core Business Divestiture Professional Fees Professional Fees Facility Closure Fees Facility Closure Fees Facility Closure Fees Other Nonrecurring (Income) Expense Other Nonrecurring (Income) Expense Bad Debt Expense Provision for Doubtful Accounts Inventory write-down Inventory Write-down Increase (decrease) in accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Bond face amount Trading Securities, Debt Gain (loss) on sale of bonds Trading Securities, Realized Gain (Loss) Professional Fees and Expenses for Investigations and Remediation Material Weakness Professional Fees and Expenses for Investigations and Remediation Material Weakness Expenses related to the tax restatement and remediation of material weakness. Severance, exit and other charges Severance Costs And Restructuring Charges Amount charged against earnings in the period for severance and facility closure costs incurred in connection with restructuring activities. Assets Assets Deferred tax assets for long-lived assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Noncurrent Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Cash Flows from Operating Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Charges from Parent or Subsidiary Adjustments Noncash Items Intercompany Charges To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Intercompany charges that are eliminated in consolidation. Equity in (Earnings) Loss of Affiliates Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments Deferred Income Tax Benefit Other Adjustments Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Operating Activities, Consolidating Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Operating Activities, Consolidating Net Cash Provided by 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 Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment Acquisition of Intellectual Property Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Purchase of Equity Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates Payments to Acquire Equity Method Investments Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Businesses, Net Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Divestitures of Businesses Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Divestitures of Businesses Capital Contribution to Subsidiary Capital Contribution To Subsidiary Contributions made to a party that is affiliated with the reporting entity by means of direct or indirect ownership. Net Cash Provided (Used) by 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 (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 Capital Contributions Proceeds from Capital Contributions Proceeds from Capital Contributions 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 (Used) 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 Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Axis] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired Amortization expense Amortization of Intangible Assets Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Long-lived and Other Asset Impairments Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Impact of Foreign Currency Devaluation [Table] Impact of Foreign Currency Devaluation [Table] Impact of Foreign Currency Devaluation [Table] Currency Exchange Rate Type [Axis] Currency Exchange Rate Valuation Method [Axis] Currency Exchange Rate Valuation Method [Axis] Currency Exchange Rate Type [Domain] Currency Exchange Rate Valuation Method [Domain] Currency Exchange Rate Valuation Method SICAD II [Member] SICAD II [Member] SICAD II [Member] Angola, Kwanza Angola, Kwanza Argentina, Pesos Argentina, Pesos Kazakhstan, Tenge Kazakhstan, Tenge Impact of Foreign Currency Devaluation [Line Items] Impact of Foreign Currency Devaluation [Line Items] [Line Items] for Impact of Foreign Currency Devaluation [Table] Net Monetary Asset Position Net Monetary Asset Position Net Monetary Asset Position Currency devaluation expense Amount Recognized in Income Due to Inflationary Accounting Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table Text Block] Schedule of Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity [Table Text Block] 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 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] Fair Values of Outstanding Derivative Instruments Schedule of Derivative Instruments in Statement of Financial Position, Fair Value [Table Text Block] Inventory Write-down Disputes, Litigation and Contingencies Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block] 2016 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due, Next Twelve Months 2017 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Two Years 2018 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Three Years 2019 Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Due in Four Years 2020 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 Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Secured Borrowings [Member] Secured Debt [Member] Capital and Other Lease Obligations [Member] Capital and Other Lease Obligations [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Other Long-term Debt [Member] Other long-term debt [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Senior Notes, 5.50% due 2016 [Member] Senior Notes, 5.50 Percent due 2016 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 5.50 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2016. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 6.35% due 2017 [Member] Senior Notes, 6.35 Percent due 2017 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 6.35 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2017. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 6.00% due 2018 [Member] Senior Notes, 6.00 Percent due 2018 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 6.00 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2018. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 9.625% due 2019 [Member] Senior Notes, 9.625 Percent due 2019 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 9.625 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2019. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 5.125% due 2020 [Member] Senior Notes, 5.125 Percent due 2020 [Member] Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion due in the year 2020. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 4.50% due 2022 [Member] Senior Notes, 4.50 Percent due 2022 [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, 6.80% due 2037 [Member] Senior Notes, 6.80 Percent due 2037 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 6.80 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2037. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 7.00% due 2038 [Member] Senior Notes, 7.00 Percent due 2038 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 7.00 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2038. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 9.875% due 2039 [Member] Senior Notes, 9.875 Percent due 2039 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 9.875 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2039. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 6.75% due 2040 [Member] Senior Notes, 6.75 Percent due 2040 [Member] Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion due in the year 2040. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 5.95% due 2042 [Member] Senior Notes, 5.95 Percent due 2042 [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Secured Borrowing, 4.82% [Member] Secured Borrowing, 4.82 Percent [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Less amounts due in one year Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Goodwill by Segment [Axis] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Goodwill Impairment loss Goodwill, Impairment Loss Purchase price and other adjustments Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Foreign currency translation adjustments Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Ending Balance Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Allowances Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Commercial Paper [Member] Commercial Paper [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] 364-day term loan facility [Member] Notes Payable to Banks [Member] Other short-term bank loans [Member] Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Short-term Debt [Line Items] Short-term Debt [Line Items] Short-term Debt Short-term Debt Current portion of long-term debt Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt Debt, Current Weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings outstanding at end of year Short-term Debt, Weighted Average Interest Rate 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] Deferred (Gain) Loss on Discontinuation of Fair Value Hedge Deferred (Gain) Loss on Discontinuation of Fair Value Hedge Beginning balance Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Other comprehensive income before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Reclassifications Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease) Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease) Ending balance Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax 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 ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Cash and Cash Equivalents Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts of $113 in 2015 and $108 in 2014 Receivables, Net, Current Inventories, Net Prepaid Expenses Prepaid Expense, Current Deferred Tax Assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Other Current Assets Other Assets, Current 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 Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Other Intangible Assets, Net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Other Non-current Assets Other Assets, Noncurrent 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 Long-term Debt Other Non-current Liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total Liabilities Liabilities Shareholders’ Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Shares - Par Value $0.001; Authorized 1,356 shares, Issued and Outstanding 779 shares and 774 shares at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively Common Stock, Value, Issued Capital in Excess of Par Value Additional Paid in Capital, Common Stock Retained Earnings Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling Interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Shareholders’ Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Liabilities and Equity Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Stated interest rate on debt Debt instrument, term Debt Instrument, Term Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Accounts Receivable [Member] Accounts Receivable [Member] Sales Revenue, Net [Member] Sales Revenue, Net [Member] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Customer Concentration Risk [Member] Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] Geographic Concentration Risk [Member] Petroleos Mexicanos [Member] Petroleos Mexicanos [Member] Petroleos Mexicanos Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration percentage Concentration Risk, Percentage Accounts receivable, current 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] Formation Evaluation and Well Construction [Member] Formation Evaluation and Well Construction [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Completion and Production [Member] Completion and Production [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Revenue from External Customer [Line Items] Consolidated revenues by product line Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Net Operating Revenues Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment Research and Development Expense Research and Development Expense Goodwill Impairment Equity Investment Impairment Severance and Restructuring Charges Loss Contingency Accrual, Provision Loss Contingency Accrual, Provision Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Other Nonoperating Expense Other Nonoperating Expense Total Assets Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Percent Swiss federal income tax rate at 7.83% Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount Tax on operating earnings subject to rates different than the Swiss federal income tax rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount Tax on divestitures gains subject to different tax rate Tax on Divestitures Tax on Divestitures Non-cash tax expense on distribution of subsidiary earnings Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, 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 Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract] Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract] Gross profit Gross Profit Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt [Axis] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Extinguishment of Debt, Type [Domain] Book Value of Debt Repurchase Book Value of Debt Repurchase Book Value of Debt Repurchase Gain on repurchase of debt Gain (Loss) on Repurchase of Debt Instrument Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Engineered Chemistry and Integrity Dilling Fluids Business [Domain] Engineered Chemistry and Integrity Dilling Fluids Business [Domain] Engineered Chemistry and Integrity Dilling Fluids Business [Domain] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss) Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Classified Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract] Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Classified Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract] Accounts Receivables, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts, Notes and Loans Receivable, Net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory, Current Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory, Current Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Property, Plant and Equipment, Current Goodwill Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Goodwill, Current Other Intangible Assets, Net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Intangible Assets, Current Other Assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets Total Assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets Accounts Payable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable, Current Deferred Tax Liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Deferred Tax Liabilities Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accrued Liabilities, Current Total Current Liabilities Held for Sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities, Current IRAQ IRAQ Impairment, Restructuring Charges, Supply Contracts & Inventory Write Down Impairment, Restructuring Charges, Supply Contracts & Inventory Write Down Impairment, Restructuring Charges, Supply Contracts & Inventory Write Down Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Repatriation of Foreign Earnings, Amount Inventory Write-down Gain on Project Contracts Revenue Loss on Contracts Loss on Contracts Loss (Gain) on Sale of Businesses and Investments, Net Income Statement [Abstract] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Revenues: Revenues [Abstract] Products Sales Revenue, Goods, Net Services Sales Revenue, Services, Net Total Revenues Costs and Expenses: Cost of Revenue [Abstract] Cost of Products Cost of Goods Sold Cost of Services Cost of Services Research and Development Selling, General and Administrative Attributable to Segments Selling, General and Administrative Expense, Portion Attributable to Segments Selling, General and Administrative Expense, Portion Attributable to Segments Corporate General and Administrative General and Administrative Expense Goodwill and Equity Investment Impairment Goodwill and Equity Method Investments, Impairment Loss Loss recognized during the period that results from the write-down of goodwill and equity investments. Goodwill was deemed impaired after comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. Goodwill is assessed at least annually for impairment. As part of the goodwill testing it was noted that the fair value attributable to certain equity investments was significantly below our book value for these investments and an other than temporary decline in fair value was recognized. Litigation Charges Gain (Loss) Related to Litigation Settlement Total Costs and Expenses Operating Income (Loss) Currency Devaluation and Related Charges Other, Net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Loss Before Income Taxes Benefit (Provision) for Income Taxes Net Loss Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests Net Loss Attributable to Weatherford Loss Per Share Attributable to Weatherford: Basic (in dollars per share) Diluted (in dollars per share) Weighted Average Shares Outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Table] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class [Axis] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Acquired technology [Member] Developed Technology Rights [Member] Licenses [Member] Licensing Agreements [Member] Patents [Member] Patents [Member] Customer relationships and contracts [Member] Customer Relationships and Contracts [Member] Customer Relationships and Contracts [Member] Other [Member] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items] Amount Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross Amortization Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Impairment Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Impairment Loss Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Impairment Loss Assets Employee Stock Option [Member] Employee Stock Option [Member] Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] This element represents the subtotal of restricted share awards and restricted share units. Performance units [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross Maximum term (in years) that awards will be granted Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Expiration Period Number of shares available for grant under Incentive Plans Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Available for Grant Award vesting period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period Award vesting Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage Intrinsic value of stock options exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Intrinsic Value Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options Weighted-average grant date fair value Total fair value of awards vested during the period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value Unrecognized compensation expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options Unrecognized compensation expense, recognition period Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Risk-free interest rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Volatility rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Shares issued for share-based compensation awards (in shares) Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Receivables [Abstract] MEXICO MEXICO 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 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 Share-based compensation Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Related tax benefit Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Intangible asset useful life Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life 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 Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities, Current Aggregate carrying value as of the balance sheet date of liabilities incurred (and for which invoices have typically been received) and payable to vendors for goods and services received and other liabilities not separately disclosed in balance sheet that are used in an entity's business. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer) 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 Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Goodwill Impairment including Held for Sale Items [Axis] Goodwill Impairment including Held for Sale Items [Axis] Goodwill Impairment including Held for Sale Items [Axis] Goodwill Impairment including Held for Sale Items [Domain] Goodwill Impairment including Held for Sale Items [Domain] [Domain] for Goodwill Impairment including Held for Sale Items [Axis] Goodwill [Member] Goodwill [Member] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward [Axis] Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] Tax Credit Carryforward, Name [Domain] Foreign Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Foreign Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Foreign Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis] Income Tax Authority, Name [Axis] Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain] Income Tax Authority, Name [Domain] Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Goodwill, Impairment Loss Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use Gain (Loss) on Sale of Interest in Projects Gain (Loss) on Sale of Interest in Projects 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 Consolidating Financial Statements Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Buildings and leasehold improvements [Member] Buildings and leasehold improvements [Member] Buildings and leasehold improvements Rental and service equipment [Member] Rental and service equipment [Member] Rental and service equipment Machinery and other [Member] Machinery and other [Member] Machinery and other Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Property, Plant and Equipment, Useful Life Depreciation Depreciation Pipeline and Specialty Services Business [Member] Pipeline and Specialty Services Business [Member] Pipeline and Specialty Services Business [Member] Industrial Screen Business [Member] Industrial Screen Business [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Sale Price Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Estimated working capital adjustment Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Estimated Working Capital Adjustment Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Estimated Working Capital Adjustment Transaction costs on disposition Transaction costs on disposition Transaction costs on disposition Cash disposed to sell disposal group Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Expenses to Dispose Group Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Expenses to Dispose Group Goodwill impairment (classified as assets held for sale) Goodwill Impairment (classified as Assets Held For Sale) Goodwill Impairment (classified as Assets Held For Sale) Equity method investment, ownership percentage Net Sales Proceeds Equity Method Investment, Net Sales Proceeds Proceeds from sale of equity method investments Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments Net sales proceeds, promissory note term Equity Method Investment, Net Sales Proceeds, Promissory Note Term Equity Method Investment, Net Sales Proceeds, Promissory Note Term Amount of consideration received Noncash or Part Noncash Divestiture, Amount of Consideration Received Value of consideration given Other Significant Noncash Transaction, Value of Consideration Given Disposal Group,cash and cash equivalents Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Cash and Cash Equivalents Liabilities Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Liabilities Total Current Liabilities Held for Sale Restructuring Charges Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Tranche [Axis] Tranche [Axis] Tranche Tranche [Domain] Tranche [Domain] [Domain] for Tranche Tranche One [Member] Tranche One [Member] Tranche One Tranche Two [Member] Tranche Two [Member] [Member] Tranche Two [Member] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Bi-Lateral Revolver Debt [Member] Bi-Lateral Revolver Debt [Member] Bi-Lateral Revolver Debt [Member] Committed letters of credit [Member] Committed Letters of Credit [Member] Committed Letters of Credit [Member] Domestic and Foreign Facility [Member] Domestic and Foreign Facility [Member] Domestic and Foreign Facility [Member] Uncommitted letters of credit [Member] Uncommitted Letters of Credit [Member] Uncommitted Letters of Credit [Member] Credit agreement, maximum capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Letters of credit outstanding, amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount 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. Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Scenario, Forecast [Member] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated Restructuring and Related Cost, Expected Number of Positions Eliminated Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Domestic Pension Plan of Foreign Entity [Member] Domestic Pension Plan of Foreign Entity [Member] Foreign Pension Plan [Member] Foreign Pension Plan [Member] 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 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 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] 2016 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Next Twelve Months 2017 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Two 2018 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Three 2019 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Four 2020 Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Expense, Year Five Business Combinations and Dispositions Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Table Text Block] Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Table] Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Table] Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Table] Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Line Items] Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Line Items] [Line Items] for Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Table] Total Estimated Loss on Contracts Total Estimated Loss on Contracts Total Estimated Loss on Contracts Accounts Receivable, Unapproved Contract Claims Accounts Receivable, Unapproved Contract Claims Deductions (Charges) Deductions (Charges) Unapproved Change Orders, Amount Unapproved Change Orders, Amount ChangeOrdersApprovedbyCustomer ChangeOrdersApprovedbyCustomer ChangeOrdersApprovedbyCustomer Costs in Excess of Billings, Current Costs in Excess of Billings, Current Commitments Commitments Disclosure [Text Block] A summary of option activity for the period [Roll Forward] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward] Number of options outstanding, beginning of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Number Number of options, exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period Number of options, forfeitures Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period Number of options outstanding, end of period Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options Share based payment award, options, additional disclosures [Abstract] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract] Weighted-average exercise price, outstanding at beginning of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, exercised Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercises in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, forfeitures Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Forfeitures in Period, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average exercise price, outstanding at end of period Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price Weighted average remaining contractual term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Intrinsic Value Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term 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 Retirement and Employee Benefit Plans Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Fair value and carrying value of Long-term Debt Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Net Loss Adjustments to Reconcile Net Loss to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities: Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Restructuring and Other Asset Related Charges Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges Divestiture Related and Other Charges Other Noncash Expense U.S. Government Investigation Loss Employee Share-Based Compensation Expense Share-based Compensation Loss (Gain) on Sale of Businesses, Net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Excess Tax Benefits from Share-Based Compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities Other, Net Other Noncash Income (Expense) Change in Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net of Effect of Businesses Acquired: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Other Current Assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Accounts Payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade Billings in Excess of Costs and Estimated Earnings Increase (Decrease) in Billing in Excess of Cost of Earnings Other Current Liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Liabilities Other, Net Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Net monetary asset position Acquisition of Intellectual Property Acquisition of Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates Borrowings of Long-term Debt Proceeds from Issuance of Long-term Debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Repayments of Long-term Debt, Long-term Capital Lease Obligations, and Capital Securities Excess Tax Benefits from Share-Based Compensation Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Financing Activities Proceeds from Sale of Treasury Stock Proceeds from Sale of Treasury Stock Other Financing Activities, Net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Shares Issued [Member] Common Stock [Member] Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Treasury Shares [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning balance Other Comprehensive Loss Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Joint Venture Partners, Redeemable Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Joint Venture Partners, Redeemable Dividends Paid to Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Change in Common Shares Associated with Redomestication Change in Common Shares Associated with Redomestication Change in Common Shares Associated with Redomestication Equity Awards Granted, Vested and Exercised Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Excess Tax Benefit of Share-Based Compensation Plans Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Deficiency from Share-based Compensation Excess Tax Benefit of Share-Based Compensation Plans Adjustments to Additional Paid in Capital, Income Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Other Stockholders' Equity, Other Balance, ending balance Equity Investments Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures Disclosure [Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] Use of Estimates Use of Estimates, Policy [Policy Text Block] Reclassifications Reclassification, 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] Total rent expense incurred under operating leases Operating Leases, Rent Expense Fair Value Guarantee [Member] Fair Value Guarantee [Member] Loss Contingency Accrual Loss Contingency Accrual Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation Recorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation 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] Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium Debt Instrument, Unamortized Premium Notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment and Estimated Useful Lives Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Issued and Treasury Shares [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Issued [Member] Treasury [Member] Schedule of Issued and Treasury Shares [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Beginning Balance Shares, Issued Equity awards granted, vested and exercised Shares Cancelled due to Redomestication Shares Cancelled due to Redomestication Shares Cancelled due to Redomestication Shares Issued due to Redomestication Shares Issued due to Redomestication Shares Issued due to Redomestication Ending Balance Long-term Debt Long-term Debt [Text Block] Components of Inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Accounts Receivable Factoring Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block]