| Cover | Sep. 09, 2019 |
| Cover [Abstract] | |
| Document Type | 8-K |
| Amendment Flag | false |
| Document Period End Date | Sep. 9, 2019 |
| Entity File Number | 001-36504 |
| Entity Registrant Name | Weatherford International plc |
| Entity Central Index Key | 0001603923 |
| Entity Tax Identification Number | 98-0606750 |
| Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code | L2 |
| Entity Address, Address Line One | Weststrasse 1 |
| Entity Address, City or Town | 6340 Baar |
| Entity Address, Country | CH |
| Entity Address, Postal Zip Code | CH 6340 |
| City Area Code | 41.22 |
| Local Phone Number | 816.1500 |
| Written Communications | false |
| Soliciting Material | false |
| Pre-commencement Tender Offer | false |
| Pre-commencement Issuer Tender Offer | false |
| Title of 12(b) Security | Ordinary Shares, par value $0.001 per share |
| Trading Symbol | WFTIQ |
| Security Exchange Name | NYSE |
| Entity Emerging Growth Company | false |
