Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Components of Short-Term Borrowings Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Table] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Instrument [Axis] Derivative Contract [Domain] Derivative Contract [Domain] Interest rate swap [Member] Interest Rate Swap [Member] Foreign currency forward contracts [Member] Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Cross-currency swap contracts [Member] Currency Swap [Member] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Interest Expense, Net [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Other, Net [Member] Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Condensed Cash Flow Statement [Table] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Axis] Consolidation Items [Domain] Consolidation Items [Domain] Eliminations [Member] Consolidation, Eliminations [Member] Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Weatherford Switzerland [Member] Weatherford Switzerland Parent Company [Member] The registrant that controls, directly or indirectly, another entity (or entities). The usual condition for control is ownership of a majority (over 50%) of the outstanding voting stock. The power to control may also exist with a lesser percentage of ownership, for example, by contract, lease, agreement with other stockholders or by court decree. Weatherford Ireland [Member] Weatherford Ireland Parent Company [Member] The registrant that controls, directly or indirectly, another entity (or entities). The usual condition for control is ownership of a majority (over 50%) of the outstanding voting stock. The power to control may also exist with a lesser percentage of ownership, for example, by contract, lease, agreement with other stockholders or by court decree. Weatherford Bermuda [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Bermuda [Member] Refers to Subsidiaries Of the Parent in Other Countries In this Case it is in Bermuda. Weatherford Delaware [Member] Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Delaware [Member] Refers To Subsidiaries Of the Parent in Other Countries In this Case it is in Delaware. Other Subsidiaries [Member] Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items] Net Income (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 Operating Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Cash Flows from Investing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired Acquisition of Intellectual Property Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Businesses, Net Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Divestitures of Businesses Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Divestitures of Businesses Capital Contribution to Subsidiary Capital Contribution To Subsidiary Contributions made to a party that is affiliated with the reporting entity by means of direct or indirect ownership. Net Cash Used in Investing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Cash Flows From Financing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Borrowings of Short-term Debt, Net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Short-term Debt Borrowings (Repayments) Long-term Debt, Net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Long-term Debt and Capital Securities Borrowings (Repayments) Between Subsidiaries, Net Proceeds from (Repayments of) Debt from Subsidiaries, Net The cash inflow (outflow) from borrowings between subsidiaries of a common parent. Proceeds from Sale of EDC Treasury Shares 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 by Financing Activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents Effect of Exchange Rate on Cash and Cash Equivalents Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Abstract] Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Abstract] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Table] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Group Name [Axis] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Name [Domain] Land Drilling and Workover Rig Operations [Member] Land Drilling and Workover Rig Operations [Member] Land Drilling and Workover Rig Operations [Member] Assets Held-for-sale [Member] Assets Held-for-sale [Member] Pipeline and Specialty Services Business [Member] Pipeline and Specialty Services Business [Member] Pipeline and Specialty Services Business [Member] Liabilities Held for Sale [Member] Liabilities Held for Sale [Member] Liabilities Held for Sale [Member] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Sale Price of Borets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Consideration Estimated working capital Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses Long-Lived Assets Impairment Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of Goodwill Impairment Goodwill, Impairment Loss Goodwill Impairment (classified as Assets Held For Sale) Goodwill Impairment (classified as Assets Held For Sale) Goodwill Impairment (classified as Assets Held For Sale) Gain on Sale of Businesses Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business 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 Inventories, net Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Inventory, Current Other Current Assets Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Other Assets, 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 Current Assets Held for Sale Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current Accounts Payable Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Accounts Payable, Current 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 Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Disputes, Litigation and Contingencies Legal Matters and Contingencies [Text Block] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Current Assets: Assets, Current [Abstract] Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Receivable, Current Noncurrent Assets: Assets, Noncurrent [Abstract] Accumulated Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Accumulated Amortization of Other Intangible Assets Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization Shareholders’ Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Number of Shares, Par Value and Other Disclosures [Abstract] Common Shares, Par Value (in USD and CHF per share, respectively) Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common Shares, Authorized (in shares) Common Stock, Shares Authorized Common Shares, Conditionally Authorized (in shares) Common Shares, Shares, Conditionally Authorized Common Shares, Shares, Conditionally Authorized Common Shares, Issued (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Issued Common Stock, Outstanding (in shares) Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Treasury Shares, at cost (in shares) Treasury Stock, Shares Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract] Restructuring Charges Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Loss Contingencies [Table] Loss Contingencies [Table] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Axis] Litigation Case [Domain] Litigation Case [Domain] U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas v. Weatherford International Ltd. [Member] U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas v. Weatherford International Ltd. [Member] U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas v. Weatherford International Ltd. [Member] Dobina v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. [Member] Dobina v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. [Member] Dobina v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. [Member] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency Nature [Axis] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Loss Contingency, Nature [Domain] Oil-for-Food Program and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act [Member] Oil-for-Food Program and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act [Member] Oil-for-Food Program and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Material Weakness in Internal Controls [Member] Material Weakness in Internal Controls [Member] Material Weakness in Internal Controls [Member] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Loss Contingencies [Line Items] Payments for legal settlements Payments for Legal Settlements Period of time expected to be monitored for assessing company's compliance upon settlement Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Compliance Monitoring Period Loss Contingency, Settlement Agreement, Compliance Monitoring Period Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value and Carrying Value of Long-Term Debt Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping [Table Text Block] Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Raw materials, components and supplies Inventory, Raw Materials and Supplies, Net of Reserves Work in process Inventory, Work in Process, Net of Reserves Finished goods Inventory, Finished Goods, Net of Reserves Total Inventory Inventory, Net Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Held-for-Sale Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statement [Table] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items] ASSETS Assets [Abstract] Current Assets Cash and Cash Equivalents Other Current Assets Other Assets, Current, Consolidating Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of current assets not separately presented elsewhere in the balance sheet. Current assets are expected to be realized or consumed within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Amount used on consolidating schedule. Total Current Assets Assets, Current Equity Investments in Affiliates Equity Method Investments In Affiliates This item represents the carrying amount on the entity's balance sheet of its equity investment in the entity's affiliates. Equity Held in Parent Equity Held in Parent Company Number of common and preferred shares that were previously issued and that were repurchased by the issuing entity and held in treasury on the financial statement date. This stock has no voting rights and receives no dividends. Intercompany Receivables, Net Intercompany Receivables, Net Net carrying amount of intercompany receivables, other than from customers, as of balance sheet date. Amounts are eliminated in consolidation. Other Assets Other Assets, Noncurrent, Consolidating Aggregate carrying amount, as of the balance sheet date, of noncurrent assets not separately disclosed in the balance sheet. Noncurrent assets are expected to be realized or consumed after one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer). Amount used on consolidating schedule. Total Assets Assets LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current [Abstract] Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt Debt, Current Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities Accounts Payable and Other Liabilities, Current Aggregate carrying value as of the balance sheet date of liabilities incurred (and for which invoices have typically been received) and payable to vendors for goods and services received and other liabilities not separately disclosed in balance sheet that are used in an entity's business. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer) Total Current Liabilities Liabilities, Current Long-term Debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations Intercompany Payables, Net Intercompany Payables Net Net carrying amount of intercompany payables, other than from external vendors, as of balance sheet date. Amounts are eliminated in consolidation. Other Long-term Liabilities Other Liabilities, Noncurrent Total Liabilities Liabilities Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Noncontrolling Interests Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity Liabilities and Equity Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Schedule of Short-term Debt [Table] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Bi-Lateral Revolver Debt [Member] Bi-Lateral Revolver Debt [Member] Bi-Lateral Revolver Debt [Member] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Domain] Range [Domain] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Axis] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Short-term Debt, Type [Domain] Revolving credit facility [Member] Revolving Credit Facility [Member] Commercial paper program and letters of credit [Member] Commercial Paper Program and Letters of Credit [Member] Commercial Paper Program and Letters of Credit [Member] Commercial paper program [Member] Commercial Paper [Member] Committed letters of credit [Member] Committed Letters of Credit [Member] Committed Letters of Credit [Member] 364-day term loan facility [Member] Notes Payable to Banks [Member] Domestic and foreign facility [Member] Domestic and Foreign Facility [Member] Domestic and Foreign Facility [Member] Uncommitted letters of credit [Member] Uncommitted Letters of Credit [Member] Uncommitted Letters of Credit [Member] Short-term Debt [Line Items] Short-term Debt [Line Items] Credit agreement, maximum capacity Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity Ratio of indebtedness to net capital percent required Ratio of Indebtedness to Net Capital Letters of credit outstanding, amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount Debt instrument, term Debt Instrument, Term Short term borrowings Short-term Bank Loans and Notes Payable Interest rate at period end Line of Credit Facility, Interest Rate at Period End Performance bonds Performance Bonds Performance bonds with various domestic and international institutions. Condensed 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] Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract] Goodwill Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Share-based compensation Allocated Share-based Compensation Expense Related tax benefit Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Tax Benefit from Compensation Expense Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Type of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] One-time Termination Benefits [Member] One-time Termination Benefits [Member] Asset impairment charges Impaired Assets to be Disposed of by Method Other than Sale, Asset Name [Domain] 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] North America North America [Member] MENA/ Asia Pacific Middle East, North Africa, and Asia [Member] Middle East, North Africa, and Asia Europe/ SSA/ Russia Europe, Sub-Sahara Africa, Russia [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Latin America Latin America [Member] Corporate and Research and Development [Member] Corporate, Non-Segment [Member] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward] Accrued balance at beginning of period Restructuring Reserve Restructuring Charges Restructuring Charges Cash Payments Payments for Restructuring Other Restructuring Reserve, Translation and Other Adjustment Accrued balance at end of period New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Text Block] General Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Equity [Abstract] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Common Stock [Member] Common Stock [Member] Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member] Gain on Sale of Business [Member] Gain on Sale of Business [Member] Gain on Sale of Business [Member] Industrial Screen Business [Member] Industrial Screen Business [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Change in Common Shares, Treasury Shares and Paid in Capital Associated with Redomestication Change in Common Shares Associated with Redomestication Change in Common Shares Associated with Redomestication Reclassifications from AOCI Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts of $100 and $106 Receivables, Net, Current Inventories, Net Deferred Tax Assets Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance, Current Other Current Assets Other Assets, Current Current Assets Held for Sale Property, Plant and Equipment, Net of Accumulated Depreciation of $6,801 and $6,370 Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Goodwill Goodwill Other Intangible Assets, Net of Accumulated Amortization of $794 and $725 Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Equity Investments Equity Method Investments Other Non-Current Assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Current Liabilities: Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-term Debt Accounts Payable Accounts Payable, Current Accrued Salaries and Benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Billings in Excess of Costs and Estimated Earnings Billings in Excess of Cost, Current Income Taxes Payable Taxes Payable, Current Other Current Liabilities Other Liabilities, Current Current Liabilities Held for Sale Other Non-Current Liabilities Shareholders’ Equity: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Shares - Par Value $0.001; Authorized 1,356 shares, Issued and Outstanding 774 shares at September 30, 2014 and Par Value 1.16 Swiss Francs; Authorized 840 shares, Conditionally Authorized 372 shares, Issued 840 shares, Outstanding 767 shares at December 31, 2013 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 Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Treasury Shares, 0 shares and 73 shares, at cost, at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively Treasury Stock, Value Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity Total Shareholders’ Equity Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Derivative Instruments Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Issued and Treasury Shares [Table] Schedule of Stock by Class [Table] Par Value of Issued Shares [Member] Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member] Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] Treasury Shares [Member] Treasury Stock [Member] Noncontrolling Interests [Member] Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Schedule of Issued and Treasury Shares [Line Items] Class of Stock [Line Items] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Balance, beginning balance Net Income (Loss) Other Comprehensive Loss Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Consolidation of Joint Venture Noncontrolling Interest, Increase from Business Combination Dividends Paid to Noncontrolling Interests Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders Equity Awards Granted, Vested and Exercised Stock Issued During Period, Value, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Other Stockholders' Equity, Other Balance, ending balance Business Combinations and Divestitures Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Text Block] Schedule of Goodwill Schedule of Goodwill [Table Text Block] Inventories, Net Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Condensed Financial Statements [Table] Notes Payable to Banks [Member] Senior Notes, 6.35% due 2017 [Member] Senior Notes, 6.35 Percent due 2017 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 6.35 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2017. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 6.80% due 2037 [Member] Senior Notes, 6.80 Percent due 2037 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 6.80 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2037. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 5.50% due 2016 [Member] Senior Notes, 5.50 Percent due 2016 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 5.50 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2016. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 6.50% due 2036 [Member] Senior Notes, 6.50 Percent due 2036 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 6.50 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2036. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 6.00% due 2018 [Member] Senior Notes, 6.00 Percent due 2018 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 6.00 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2018. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 7.00% due 2038 [Member] Senior Notes, 7.00 Percent due 2038 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 7.00 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2038. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 9.625% due 2019 [Member] Senior Notes, 9.625 Percent due 2019 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 9.625 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2019. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 9.875% due 2039 [Member] Senior Notes, 9.875 Percent due 2039 [Member] Including the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of 9.875 percent Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation, maturing in 2039. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 5.125% due 2020 [Member] Senior Notes, 5.125 Percent due 2020 [Member] Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion due in the year 2020. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 6.75% due 2040 [Member] Senior Notes, 6.75 Percent due 2040 [Member] Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer), excluding current portion due in the year 2040. Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders. Senior Notes, 4.50% due 2022 [Member] Senior Notes, 4.50 Percent due 2022 [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Senior Notes, 5.95% due 2042 [Member] Senior Notes, 5.95 Percent due 2042 [Member] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- 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] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items] Stated interest rate on debt Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage 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] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business Acquisition [Line Items] Business acquisition, percentage of voting interests acquired Business Acquisition, Percentage of Voting Interests Acquired Payments to acquire business 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 Acquisitions Goodwill, Acquired During Period Cash acquired from acquisition Cash Acquired from Acquisition Payments to acquire businesses and equity investments, net of cash acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses and Equity Method Investments, Net of Cash Acquired Payments to Acquire Businesses and Equity Method Investments, Net of Cash Acquired Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Operating Segments [Member] Operating Segments [Member] Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reconciling Items [Member] Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Axis] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Net Operating Revenues Revenue, Net Income from Operations Operating Income (Loss) Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Research and Development Expense Research and Development Expense Long-Lived Assets Impairment Goodwill Impairment Restructuring Charges U.S. Government Investigation Loss Contingency Loss Contingency Accrual, Provision Other Items Other Nonoperating Expense 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] Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-term Debt Short-term Debt [Text Block] Other short-term bank loans [Member] Notes Payable, Other Payables [Member] Total short-term borrowings Short-term Debt Current portion of long-term debt Long-term Debt and Capital Lease Obligations, Current Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Scenario [Axis] Scenario [Axis] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] Scenario, Unspecified [Domain] As Reported [Member] Scenario, Previously Reported [Member] Reclassification to current assets held for sale [Member] Restatement Adjustment [Member] Goodwill by Segment [Axis] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Goodwill [Roll Forward] Beginning Balance Impairment Goodwill Impairment (On-Going Operations) Goodwill Impairment (On-Going Operations) Purchase price and other adjustments Goodwill, Purchase Accounting Adjustments Foreign currency translation adjustments Goodwill, Translation Adjustments Ending Balance Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award [Table] Award Type [Axis] Award Type [Axis] Equity Award [Domain] Equity Award [Domain] Performance units [Member] Performance Shares [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Restricted Stock [Member] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items] Granted (in shares) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period Weighted-average grant date fair value (in dollars per share) Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Fair value, risk-free rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Risk Free Interest Rate Fair value, volatility rate Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Volatility Rate Fair value, dividend yield Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Dividend Rate Unrecognized compensation expense Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Share-based Awards Other than Options Unrecognized compensation expense, recognition period Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Cost Not yet Recognized, Period for Recognition Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] 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] Loss Contingency, Loss in Period Loss Contingency, Loss in Period Employee Share-Based Compensation Expense Share-based Compensation Long-Lived Assets Impairment Tangible Asset Impairment Charges Restructuring Charges Restructuring Costs and Asset Impairment Charges Devaluation of Venezuelan Bolivar Foreign Currency Devaluation Loss, before Tax Foreign Currency Devaluation Loss, before Tax Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets Other, Net Other Noncash Income (Expense) Change in Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net of Effect of Businesses Acquired: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts Receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Inventories Increase (Decrease) in Inventories Other Current Assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Assets Accounts Payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade Billings in Excess of Costs and Estimated Earnings Increase (Decrease) in Billing in Excess of Cost of Earnings Other Current Liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Current Liabilities Other, Net Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment Acquisitions of Businesses Acquisition of Intellectual Property Repayments of Long-term Debt, Net 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 Executive Deferred Compensation Treasury Shares Proceeds from Sale of Treasury Stock Other Financing Activities, Net Proceeds from (Payments for) Other Financing Activities Supplemental Cash Flow Information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest Paid Interest Paid Income Taxes Paid, Net of Refunds Income Taxes Paid, Net 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 U.S. Government Investigation Loss Total Costs and Expenses Costs and Expenses Operating Income (Loss) Other Income (Expense): Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest Expense, Net Interest Income (Expense), Nonoperating, Net Devaluation of Venezuelan Bolivar Other, Net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Income Before Income Taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Provision for Income Taxes Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net Income (Loss) 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 Income (Loss) Per Share Attributable to Weatherford: Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding: Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract] Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Basic weighted average shares outstanding Dilutive effect of: Incremental Weighted Average Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect [Abstract] Stock options, restricted shares and performance units (in shares) Incremental Common Shares Attributable to Dilutive Effect of Share-based Payment Arrangements Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 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] Vested Share-based Compensation [Member] Vested Share-based Compensation [Member] Vested Share-based Compensation [Member] Employee Severance [Member] Employee Severance [Member] Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges Payments for Restructuring Receivables [Abstract] Accounts Receivable Factoring Loans, Notes, Trade and Other Receivables Disclosure [Text Block] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statement [Table] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items] Revenues Costs and Expenses Intercompany Charges, Net Intercompany Charges, Net Net amount of intercompany charges, other than from external customers. Amounts are eliminated in consolidation. Equity in Subsidiary Income Income (Loss) from Subsidiary This item represents the portion of the entity's net income (loss) from its subsidiaries Other, Net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Including Foreign Currency Devaluation Other Nonoperating Income (Expense), Including Foreign Currency Devaluation (Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent Components of Inventory Schedule of Inventory, Current [Table Text Block] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Investment Owned, at Fair Value Investment Owned, at Fair Value Anti-dilutive potential shares Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share Due to Exercise Price Exceeding Market Price, Amount Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share Due to Exercise Price Exceeding Market Price, Amount Anti-dilutive potential shares due to net loss Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share Due to Net Loss, Amount Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share Due to Net Loss, Amount Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block] Share-Based Compensation Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block] Earnings per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax: Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Currency Translation Adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Defined Benefit Pension Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Comprehensive Income (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 Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford Subsequent Events Subsequent Events [Text Block] 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] 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 Schedule of Stockholders Equity Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block] Schedule of Derivatives Instruments in Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position Schedule of Derivatives Instruments Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position, Location [Table Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Deferred (gain) loss on discontinuation of fair value hedge Deferred (Gain) Loss on Discontinuation of Fair Value Hedge Notional amount Derivative, Notional Amount 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] Business Combinations [Abstract] Borets International [Member] Borets International [Member] Borets International [Member] Total proceeds from sale Total Proceeds from Sale of Industrial Screen business Total proceeds from sale of industrial screen business (cash and noncash). Cash to be received from disposal of business Notes receivable, noncurrent Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable, Net, Current Note Receivable Term Note Receivable Term Note Receivable Term Amount Collected in Borets Sale Amount Collected in Borets Sale Amount Collected in Borets Sale Shareholders' Equity Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Financial information by segment Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Axis] Geographical [Domain] Geographical [Domain] Iraq [Member] IRAQ Loss on contracts Loss on Contracts Estimated loss on long term construction contract Provision for Loss on Contracts Claims revenue Contracts Receivable, Claims and Uncertain Amounts Other Deductions and Charges Other Deductions and Charges Accrued Fees and Other Revenue Receivable Accrued Fees and Other Revenue Receivable Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges Divestiture, Professional and Other Fees Portion Divestiture, Professional and Other Fees Portion Divestiture, Professional and Other Fees Portion Professional Fees Professional Fees Other Nonrecurring (Income) Expense Other Nonrecurring (Income) Expense Professional fees and expenses for investigations and remediation of 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. Severance Costs Portion Severance Costs Portion Severance Costs Portion Legal, Professional and Other Fees Portion Legal, Professional and Other Fees Portion Legal, Professional and Other Fees Portion Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business Document and Entity Information [Abstract] -- None. No documentation exists for this element. -- Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Tax provision Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes Impairment of Long-Lived Assets - Net of Tax Impairment of Long-Lived Assets - Net of Tax Impairment of Long-Lived Assets - Net of Tax Discrete income before tax Discrete Income (Loss) Before Tax Discrete Income (Loss) Before Tax Impairment of Ongoing Project Impairment of Ongoing Project Uncertain tax positions, estimated for next twelve months Significant Change in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Amount of Unrecorded Benefit Litigation settlement amount Litigation Settlement, Amount Segment Information Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table] Currency Translation Adjustment [Member] Defined Benefit Pension [Member] Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member] Deferred Loss on Derivatives [Member] Accumulated Net Gain (Loss) from Designated or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Reclassifications, Net of Tax Reclassifications Ending balance Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Schedule of Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Table] Mexico [Member] MEXICO Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items] Accounts receivable sold, carrying value Transfer of Accounts Receivable, Accounted for as Sales, Carrying Value Amount of receivables sold under an accounts receivable sales program. Proceeds from sale of accounts receivable Proceeds from Sale of Accounts Receivable Proceeds from Sale of Accounts Receivable Gain (loss) on sale of accounts receivable (less than $1 million) Gain (Loss) on Sale of Accounts Receivable Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Disclosures [Text Block] Basis of Accounting Basis of Accounting, Policy [Policy Text Block] Principles of Consolidation Consolidation, Policy [Policy Text Block] New Accounting Pronouncements New Accounting Pronouncements, Policy [Policy Text Block] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Other Current Assets [Member] Other Current Assets [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other Current Liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Other Noncurrent Liabilities [Member] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative asset, fair value, gross Derivative Asset, Fair Value, Gross Asset Derivative liability, fair value, gross Derivative Liability, Fair Value, Gross Liability