Weatherford International (WFRD) 10-Q 24 Oct 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 14, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Weatherford International plc	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001603923	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	773,833,345
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Products	$1,552	$1,533	$4,488	$4,510
Services	2,325	2,287	6,696	7,015
Total Revenues	3,877	3,820	11,184	11,525
Costs and Expenses:	'	'	'	'
Cost of Products	1,260	1,158	3,425	3,372
Cost of Services	1,625	1,878	5,128	5,796
Research and Development	72	65	216	203
Selling, General and Administrative Attributable to Segments	418	404	1,228	1,211
Corporate General and Administrative	72	76	205	225
Long-Lived Assets Impairment	0	0	143	0
Goodwill Impairment	-4	0	121	0
Restructuring Charges	154	0	283	0
U.S. Government Investigation Loss	0	0	0	153
Gain on Sale of Businesses	38	0	38	8
Total Costs and Expenses	3,559	3,581	10,711	10,952
Operating Income (Loss)	318	239	473	573
Other Income (Expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest Expense, Net	-122	-129	-376	-388
Devaluation of Venezuelan Bolivar	0	0	0	-100
Other, Net	-9	-30	-37	-61
Income Before Income Taxes	187	80	60	24
Provision for Income Taxes	-98	-49	-136	-74
Net Income (Loss)	89	31	-76	-50
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	-12	-9	-33	-24
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	$77	$22	($109)	($74)
Income (Loss) Per Share Attributable to Weatherford:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.03	($0.14)	($0.10)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.10	$0.03	($0.14)	($0.10)
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	777	773	776	771
Diluted (in shares)	784	779	776	771

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net Income (Loss)	$89	$31	($76)	($50)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:	'	'	'	'
Currency Translation Adjustments	-207	96	-243	-227
Defined Benefit Pension	0	0	0	1
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-207	96	-243	-226
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-118	127	-319	-276
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	-12	-9	-33	-24
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	($130)	$118	($352)	($300)

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$582	$435
Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts of $100 and $106	3,315	3,399
Inventories, Net	3,317	3,290
Deferred Tax Assets	291	297
Other Current Assets	1,182	1,052
Current Assets Held for Sale	240	1,311
Total Current Assets	8,927	9,784
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net of Accumulated Depreciation of $6,801 and $6,370	7,460	7,592
Goodwill	3,375	3,489
Other Intangible Assets, Net of Accumulated Amortization of $794 and $725	530	616
Equity Investments	266	296
Other Non-Current Assets	169	200
Total Assets	20,727	21,977
Current Liabilities:	'	'
Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-term Debt	1,715	1,653
Accounts Payable	1,784	1,956
Accrued Salaries and Benefits	442	472
Billings in Excess of Costs and Estimated Earnings	0	127
Income Taxes Payable	130	183
Other Current Liabilities	807	1,109
Current Liabilities Held for Sale	0	238
Total Current Liabilities	4,878	5,738
Long-term Debt	7,004	7,061
Other Non-Current Liabilities	903	975
Total Liabilities	12,785	13,774
Shareholders’ Equity:	'	'
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	1	775
Capital in Excess of Par Value	5,390	4,600
Retained Earnings	2,902	3,011
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	-430	-187
Treasury Shares, 0 shares and 73 shares, at cost, at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively	0	-37
Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity	7,863	8,162
Noncontrolling Interests	79	41
Total Shareholders’ Equity	7,942	8,203
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$20,727	$21,977

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	USD ($)		USD ($)	CHF
Current Assets:	'	'	'	'
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts	$100	'	$106	'
Noncurrent Assets:	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Depreciation of Property, Plant and Equipment	6,801	'	6,370	'
Accumulated Amortization of Other Intangible Assets	$794	'	$725	'
Shareholders’ Equity:	'	'	'	'
Common Shares, Par Value (in USD and CHF per share, respectively)	$0.00	'	'	1.16
Common Shares, Authorized (in shares)	1,356,000,000	'	840,000,000	840,000,000
Common Shares, Conditionally Authorized (in shares)	'	'	372,000,000	372,000,000
Common Shares, Issued (in shares)	774,000,000	'	840,000,000	840,000,000
Common Stock, Outstanding (in shares)	773,000,000	774,000,000	767,000,000	767,000,000
Treasury Shares, at cost (in shares)	0	'	73,000,000	73,000,000

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:	'	'
Net Income (Loss)	($76)	($50)
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Loss to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:	'	'
Depreciation and Amortization	1,033	1,039
Loss Contingency, Loss in Period	0	153
Employee Share-Based Compensation Expense	44	45
Long-Lived Assets Impairment	143	0
Goodwill Impairment	121	0
Restructuring Charges	-138	0
Deferred Income Tax Provision (Benefit)	31	-168
Devaluation of Venezuelan Bolivar	0	100
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets	-38	-8
Other, Net	-15	-30
Change in Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net of Effect of Businesses Acquired:	'	'
Accounts Receivable	21	-308
Inventories	-146	3
Other Current Assets	-163	69
Accounts Payable	-189	90
Billings in Excess of Costs and Estimated Earnings	-127	-164
Other Current Liabilities	-315	-227
Other, Net	-83	23
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	379	567
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:	'	'
Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment	-1,045	-1,211
Acquisitions of Businesses	17	-7
Acquisition of Intellectual Property	-3	-7
Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Businesses, Net	781	74
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	-250	-1,151
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:	'	'
Repayments of Long-term Debt, Net	-49	-329
Borrowings of Short-term Debt, Net	46	932
Excess Tax Benefits from Share-Based Compensation	1	0
Proceeds from Sale of Executive Deferred Compensation Treasury Shares	22	0
Other Financing Activities, Net	-13	1
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities	7	604
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	11	-4
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	147	16
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	435	300
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	582	316
Supplemental Cash Flow Information:	'	'
Interest Paid	436	442
Income Taxes Paid, Net of Refunds	$291	$336

General

General	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
General	'
	General
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Weatherford International plc (the “Company”) are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and include all adjustments of a normal recurring nature which, in our opinion, are necessary to present fairly our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2014, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. When referring to “Weatherford” and using phrases such as “we,” “us,” and “our,” the intent is to refer to Weatherford International plc, a public limited company organized under the law of Ireland, and its subsidiaries as a whole or on a regional basis, depending on the context in which the statements are made.
	On June 17, 2014, we completed the change in our place of incorporation from Switzerland to Ireland, whereby Weatherford International plc, a public limited company (“Weatherford Ireland”) became the new public holding company and the parent of the Weatherford group of companies (the “Merger”). The Merger was effected through an agreement between Weatherford International Ltd., a Swiss joint-stock corporation (“Weatherford Switzerland”) and Weatherford Ireland, dated as of April 2, 2014, pursuant to which each registered share of Weatherford Switzerland was exchanged for the allotment of one ordinary share of Weatherford Ireland. The authorized share capital of Weatherford Ireland includes 1.356 billion ordinary shares with a par value of $0.001 per share. Our ordinary shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “WFT,” the same symbol under which Weatherford Switzerland registered shares were previously listed.
	Although we believe the disclosures in these financial statements are adequate, certain information relating to our organization and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted in this Form 10-Q pursuant to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules and regulations. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the year ending December 31, 2014.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions, including those related to uncollectible accounts receivable, lower of cost or market of inventories, equity investments, intangible assets and goodwill, property, plant and equipment, income taxes, percentage-of-completion accounting for long-term contracts, self-insurance, foreign currency exchange rates, pension and post-retirement benefit plans, contingencies and share-based compensation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. See Note 2 – Business Combinations and Divestitures for additional information.
	Principles of Consolidation
	We consolidate all wholly-owned subsidiaries, controlled joint ventures and variable interest entities where the Company has determined it is the primary beneficiary. Investments in affiliates in which we exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for using the equity method. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Business_Combinations_and_Dive

Business Combinations and Divestitures	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Business Combinations and Divestitures	'
	Business Combinations and Divestitures
	Acquisitions
	From time to time, we acquire businesses we believe are important to our long-term strategy. Results of operations for acquisitions are included in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations from the date of acquisition. The balances included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets related to current year acquisitions are based on preliminary information and are subject to change when final asset valuations are obtained and the potential for liabilities has been evaluated. The purchase price for the acquisitions is allocated to the net assets acquired based upon their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition.
	In April 2014, we acquired, via a step acquisition, an additional 30% ownership interest in a joint venture in China. We paid $13 million for the incremental interest, thereby increasing our ownership interest from 45% to 75% and gaining control of the joint venture. As a result of this transaction, we adjusted our previously held equity investment to fair value, recognizing an approximate $16 million gain, and we applied the consolidation method of accounting, recognizing $6 million of goodwill and $30 million of cash. During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we acquired other businesses for cash consideration of $7 million, net of cash acquired.
	Divestitures and Assets Held for Sale
	In July 2014, we completed the sale of our land drilling and workover rig operations in Russia and Venezuela for proceeds totaling $499 million plus estimated working capital of $10 million. As a result of our commitment to sell, we recorded a $143 million long-lived assets impairment loss and a $121 million goodwill impairment loss in the second quarter of 2014. Of the $121 million goodwill impairment loss, $95 million pertained to goodwill attributable to our divested land drilling and workover rig operations in Russia. See Note 6 – Goodwill for additional information regarding the goodwill impairment. Following the previous recorded impairments, and upon closing the transaction in July 2014, we recognized a loss of approximately $10 million, however, the final proceeds and loss recognition are subject to settlement of working capital adjustments.
	In September 2014, we completed the sale of our pipeline and specialty services business for proceeds totaling $246 million. We recognized a gain of approximately $50 million resulting from this transaction. The final proceeds and gain recognition are subject to settlement of working capital adjustments.
	Our land drilling and workover rig operations in Russia and Venezuela, pipeline and specialty services business and well testing business were classified as held for sale at December 31, 2013. As indicated above, in the third quarter of 2014, we completed the sale of land drilling and workover rig operations in Russia and Venezuela and pipeline and specialty services business. As of September 30, 2014, only our well testing business was classified as held for sale.
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the assets and liabilities held for sale in connection with our planned divestitures are listed in the table below.
	(Dollars in millions)	30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
	Accounts Receivables, net	$	—	$	196
	Inventories, net	20		81
	Other Current Assets	—		25
	Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net	149		776
	Goodwill	71		220
	Other Intangible Assets, Net	—		10
	Other Assets	—		3
	Total Current Assets Held for Sale	$	240	$	1,311
	Accounts Payable	$	—	$	135
	Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities	—		103
	Total Current Liabilities Held for Sale	$	—	$	238
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we completed the sale of our industrial screen business for proceeds totaling $135 million. Proceeds consisted of $100 million in cash and a $35 million receivable, which was subsequently collected. Through our industrial screen operations, we delivered screen technologies used in numerous industries and, as a result, the screen business was not closely aligned with our goals as a leading provider of equipment and services used in the drilling, evaluation, completion, production and intervention of oil and natural gas wells. In the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we recognized gains of $8 million resulting from the industrial screen transactions.
	On October 7, 2013, we closed the sale of our 38.5% equity interest in Borets International Limited ("Borets") for $400 million pursuant to an agreement executed August 21, 2013. Borets is an electric submersible pump manufacturer that operates in Russia. The $400 million in consideration consists of $370 million in cash and a three-year $30 million promissory note. At closing we collected $325 million in cash and the remaining cash consideration was collected in November 2013.

Restructuring_Charges

Restructuring Charges	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Restructuring Charges	'
	Restructuring Charges
	In the first quarter of 2014, we announced a cost reduction plan (“the Plan”), which includes a worldwide workforce reduction and other cost reduction measures. In connection with the Plan, we recognized restructuring charges of $154 million and $283 million in the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.
	In the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, our restructuring charges include one-time termination (severance) benefits of $21 million and $119 million, respectively, asset impairment charges of $117 million and $138 million, respectively, and other restructuring charges of $16 million and $26 million, respectively. Other restructuring charges include contract termination costs, relocation and other associated costs.
	The impairments recognized in the third quarter primarily pertain to operations in our MENA region, where geopolitical issues and recent disruptions in North Africa, primarily Libya, resulted in the decisions in the third quarter to exit product lines in selected markets. The Plan activities resulted in $93 million of cash payments during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
	As of September 30, 2014, we completed our planned headcount reductions and closures of underperforming operating locations. The following tables present the components of the restructuring charges by segment.
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(Dollars in millions)	North America		MENA/Asia Pacific		Europe/SSA/Russia			Latin America			Corporate and Research and Development		Total
	Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges	$	15	$	116	$	10		$	13		$	—	$	154
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(Dollars in millions)	North America		MENA/Asia Pacific		Europe/SSA/Russia			Latin America			Corporate and Research and Development		Total
	Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges	$	44	$	135	$	37		$	37		$	30	$	283
	Total severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 of $283 million includes $138 million in asset impairments and $145 million of severance and other restructuring charges.
	The severance and other restructuring charges gave rise to certain liabilities, the components of which are summarized below, and largely relate to the severance accrued as part of the Plan that will be paid pursuant to the respective arrangements and statutory requirements.
		At September 30, 2014
	(Dollars in millions)	North America		MENA/Asia Pacific		Europe/SSA/Russia			Latin America			Corporate and Research and Development		Total
	Severance and other restructuring liability	$	1	$	16	$	16		$	—		$	13	$	46
	The following table presents the restructuring accrual activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
				Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(Dollars in millions)	Accrued Balance at December 31, 2013		Charges		Cash Payments			Other			Accrued Balance at September 30, 2014
	Severance charges	$	—	$	119	$	(81	)	$	(6	)	$	32
	Other restructuring charges	—		26		(12		)	—			14
	Severance and other restructuring liability	$	—	$	145	$	(93	)	$	(6	)	$	46

Accounts_Receivable_Factoring

Accounts Receivable Factoring	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]	'
Accounts Receivable Factoring	'
	Accounts Receivable Factoring
	At our option, based on current agreements, we may participate in a factoring program to sell accounts receivable in Mexico to third party financial institutions. We did not sell any accounts receivable during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. In the nine months ended September 30, 2013, we sold approximately $139 million of accounts receivable. We received cash totaling $132 million and ultimately collected amounts that resulted in a loss of approximately $2 million on these sales. Our factoring transactions in the nine months ended September 30, 2013 qualified for sale accounting under U.S. GAAP and the proceeds are included in operating cash flows in our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Inventories_Net

Inventories, Net	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Inventories, Net	'
	Inventories, Net
	Inventories, net of reserves, by category were as follows:
	(Dollars in millions)	30-Sep-14		December 31, 2013
	Raw materials, components and supplies	$	204	$	386
	Work in process	161		130
	Finished goods	2,952		2,774
		$	3,317	$	3,290

Goodwill

Goodwill	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill
	We perform an impairment test for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets annually as of October 1, or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist.
	During the second quarter of 2014, we engaged in negotiation to sell our land drilling and workover rig operations in Russia and Venezuela and we subsequently entered into an agreement to sell this business in July 2014. During this timeframe we expected the sale would significantly impact the revenues and results of operations of our Russia reporting unit, and consequently, we considered the associated circumstances to assess whether an event or change had occurred that, more likely than not, reduced the fair value of our reporting units below their carrying amount. We concluded that the planned sale represented an indicator of impairment and we prepared the analysis necessary to identify the potential impairment and recognize any necessary impairment loss. The analysis indicated that the goodwill for the Russia reporting unit was impaired and during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 we recognized a goodwill impairment loss of $121 million, $95 million of which pertained to goodwill classified in current assets held for sale. See Note 2 – Business Combinations and Divestitures for additional information regarding the non-cash impairment charges to our current assets held for sale.
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were as follows:
	(Dollars in millions)	North			MENA/			Europe/			Latin			Total
		America			Asia Pacific			SSA/			America
								Russia
	Balance at December 31, 2013 - as Reported	$	2,243		$	209		$	912		$	345		$	3,709
	Reclassification to current assets held for sale	(46		)	(8		)	(142		)	(24		)	(220		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013 - as Adjusted	2,197			201			770			321			3,489
	Impairment	—			—			(26		)	—			(26		)
	Acquisitions	—			6			—			—			6
	Purchase price and other adjustments	1			—			7			(14		)	(6		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(42		)	(1		)	(41		)	(4		)	(88		)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	2,156		$	206		$	710		$	303		$	3,375

Shortterm_Borrowings_and_Curre

Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-term Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-term Debt	'
	Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-term Debt
	(Dollars in millions)	30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
	Commercial paper program	$	971	$	292
	Revolving credit facility	—		772
	364-day term loan facility	400		300
	Other short-term bank loans	272		216
	Total short-term borrowings	1,643		1,580
	Current portion of long-term debt	72		73
	Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	$	1,715	$	1,653
	Revolving Credit Facility
	We maintain a $2.25 billion unsecured, revolving credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, scheduled to mature July 13, 2016. The Credit Agreement can be used for a combination of borrowings, support for our $2.25 billion commercial paper program and issuances of letters of credit. This agreement requires that we maintain a debt-to-total capitalization ratio of less than 60%. We were in compliance with this covenant at September 30, 2014. At September 30, 2014, there were $32 million in outstanding letters of credit under the Credit Agreement.
	364-Day Term Loan Facility
	We also have a $400 million, 364-day term loan facility with a syndicate of banks that matures on April 9, 2015. Proceeds from the 364-day term loan facility were used to refinance our previous 364-day term loan facility. The facility has substantially similar terms and conditions to our previously existing $300 million, 364-day term loan facility and also includes the same debt-to-capitalization requirement that is contained in our Credit Agreement, with which we are in compliance. As of September 30, 2014, this facility was fully drawn.
	Other Short-Term Borrowings
	We have short-term borrowings with various domestic and international institutions pursuant to uncommitted and letter of credit facilities. At September 30, 2014, we had $272 million in short-term borrowings under these arrangements including $180 million borrowed under a credit agreement entered into in March 2014 that matures on March 20, 2016, with a Libor-based interest rate of 1.35% as of September 30, 2014. In addition, we had $584 million of letters of credit under various uncommitted facilities and $277 million of surety bonds, primarily performance bonds, issued by financial sureties against an indemnification from us at September 30, 2014.
	The carrying value of our short-term borrowings approximates their fair value as of September 30, 2014. The current portion of long-term debt at September 30, 2014 is primarily related to our capital leases.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	Financial Instruments Measured and Recognized at Fair Value
	We estimate fair value at a price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants in the principal market for the asset or liability. Other than the derivative instruments discussed in Note 9 – Derivative Instruments, we had no other material assets or liabilities measured and recognized at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
	Fair Value of Other Financial Instruments
	Our other financial instruments include short-term borrowings and long-term debt. The carrying value of our commercial paper and other short-term borrowings approximates their fair value due to the short-term duration of the associated interest rate periods. These short-term borrowings are classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
	The fair value of our long-term debt fluctuates with changes in applicable interest rates among other factors. Fair value will exceed carrying value when the current market interest rate is lower than the interest rate at which the debt was originally issued. The fair value of our long-term debt is classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy and is a measure of its current value under present market conditions and is established based on observable inputs in less active markets.
	The fair value and carrying value of our senior notes were as follows:
	(Dollars in millions)	30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
	Fair value	$	7,885	$	7,580
	Carrying value	6,800		6,805

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments	'
	Derivative Instruments
	We are exposed to market risk from changes in foreign currency and changes in interest rates. From time to time, we may enter into derivative financial instrument transactions to manage or reduce our market risk. We manage our debt portfolio to achieve an overall desired position of fixed and floating rates, and we may employ interest rate swaps as a tool to achieve that goal. The major risks from interest rate derivatives include changes in the interest rates affecting the fair value of such instruments, potential increases in interest expense due to market increases in floating interest rates and the creditworthiness of the counterparties in such transactions. In light of events in the global credit markets and the potential impact of these events on the liquidity of the banking industry, we continue to monitor the creditworthiness of our counterparties, which are multinational commercial banks. The fair values of all our outstanding derivative instruments are determined using a model with Level 2 inputs including quoted market prices for contracts with similar terms and maturity dates. Level 2 values for financial assets and liabilities are based on quoted prices in inactive markets, or whose values are based on models. Level 2 inputs to those models are observable either directly or indirectly for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.
	Fair Value Hedges
	We may use interest rate swaps to help mitigate exposures related to changes in the fair values of the associated debt. Amounts paid or received upon termination of interest rate swaps accounted for as fair value hedges represent the fair value of the agreements at the time of termination and are amortized as a reduction, in the case of gains, or as an increase, in the case of losses, of interest expense over the remaining term of the debt. As of September 30, 2014, we had net unamortized gains of $35 million associated with interest rate swap terminations. These gains are being amortized over the remaining term of the originally hedged debt as a reduction in interest expense.
	Other Derivative Instruments
	We enter into contracts to hedge our exposure to currency fluctuations in various foreign currencies. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had outstanding foreign currency forward contracts with notional amounts aggregating $927 million and $635 million, respectively. The notional amounts of our foreign currency forward contracts do not generally represent amounts exchanged by the parties and, thus are not a measure of the cash requirements related to these contracts or of any possible loss exposure. The amounts actually exchanged are calculated by reference to the notional amounts and by other terms of the derivative contracts, such as exchange rates.
	We have cross-currency swaps between the U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar to hedge certain exposures to the Canadian dollar. At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we had swaps with notional amounts outstanding of $168 million for both periods. These derivative instruments for foreign currency forward contracts and cross-currency swaps were not designated as hedges, and the changes in fair value of the contracts are recorded each period in current earnings in the line captioned “Other, Net” on the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	The total estimated fair values of these foreign currency forward contracts and amounts receivable or owed associated with closed foreign currency contracts and the total estimated fair values of our cross-currency contracts are as follows:
	(Dollars in millions)	September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			Classification
	Derivative assets not designated as hedges:
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	5		$	5		Other Current Assets
	Derivative liabilities not designated as hedges:
	Foreign currency forward contracts	(15		)	(6		)	Other Current Liabilities
	Cross-currency swap contracts	(13		)	(21		)	Other Liabilities
	The effect of derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges and those not designated as hedges on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations was as follows:
		Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(Dollars In millions)	2014			2013			2014			2013			Classification
	Derivatives designated as fair value hedges:
	Interest rate swaps	$	3		$	3		$	7		$	8		Interest Expense, Net
	Derivative liabilities not designated as hedges:
	Foreign currency forward contracts	(5		)	(15		)	(12		)	(1		)	Other, Net
	Cross-currency swap contracts	6			(4		)	7			6			Other, Net

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	We estimate our annual effective tax rate based on year-to-date operating results and our forecast of operating results for the remainder of the year, by jurisdiction, and apply this rate to the year-to-date operating results. If our actual results, by jurisdiction, differ from the forecasted operating results, our effective tax rate can change affecting the tax expense for both successive interim results as well as the annual tax results. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we had a tax provision of $98 million and $136 million on an income before income taxes of $187 million and $60 million. Our results for the three months ended September 30, 2014 were impacted by discrete income before tax items, including restructuring charges of approximately $154 million, with no significant tax benefit. Our results for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, includes a $143 million impairment loss ($121 million, net of tax) to record the land drilling and workover rig operations in Russia and Venezuela at fair value and a $121 million impairment charge to goodwill triggered by the sale of our land drilling and workover rig operations in Russia, which was non-deductible for income tax purposes. Our results for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were also impacted by other discrete income before tax items, including restructuring charges of $283 million and project losses of $50 million, with no significant tax benefit.
	We are continuously under tax examination in various jurisdictions. We cannot predict the timing or outcome regarding resolution of these tax examinations or if they will have a material impact on our financial statements. We continue to anticipate a possible reduction in the balance of uncertain tax positions by approximately $25 million in the next twelve months due to expiration of statutes of limitations, settlements and/or conclusions of tax examinations.
	For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, we had a tax provision of $49 million and $74 million on an income before income taxes of $80 million and $24 million. Our income before income taxes for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 includes a $153 million charge for the settlement of the United Nations oil-for-food program governing sales of goods into Iraq and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (“FCPA”) matters with no tax benefit. Our tax provision for the three months ended September 30, 2013 includes discrete tax benefits primarily due to audit closures and tax planning activities, which decreased our effective tax rate for the period. Our provision for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, in addition to items above, also includes discrete tax benefits due to the devaluation of the Venezuelan bolivar, return-to-accrual adjustments, decreases in reserves for uncertain tax positions due to statute of limitation expiration and the enactment of the American Taxpayer Relief Act, which decreased our effective tax rate for the period.

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Shareholders' Equity	'
	Shareholders’ Equity
	On June 17, 2014, we completed the change in our place of incorporation from Switzerland to Ireland, whereby Weatherford Ireland became the new public holding company and the parent of the Weatherford group of companies, pursuant to which each registered share of Weatherford Switzerland was exchanged as consideration for the allotment of one ordinary share of Weatherford Ireland (excluding shares held by, or for the benefit of, Weatherford Switzerland or any of its subsidiaries). The Weatherford Switzerland shares were then cancelled. The authorized share capital of Weatherford Ireland is 1.356 billion ordinary shares with a par value of $0.001 per share. The change from our previous par value resulted in a $778 million decrease in the Par Value of Issued Shares and a corresponding increase in Capital In Excess of Par. In conjunction with the redomestication, the shares held by our executive deferred compensation plan were sold and the remaining treasury shares were cancelled. As of September 30, 2014, 774 million ordinary shares were issued and outstanding.
	The following summarizes our shareholders’ equity activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
	(Dollars in millions)	Par Value of Issued Shares			Capital In Excess of Par Value			Retained Earnings			Accumulated			Treasury Shares			Non-controlling Interests			Total Shareholders’ Equity
											Other
											Comprehensive
											Income (Loss)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	775		$	4,674		$	3,356		$	163		$	(182	)	$	32		$	8,818
	Net Income (Loss)	—			—			(74		)	—			—			24			(50		)
	Other Comprehensive Loss	—			—			—			(226		)	—			—			(226		)
	Dividends Paid to Noncontrolling Interests	—			—			—			—			—			(19		)	(19		)
	Equity Awards Granted, Vested and Exercised	—			(51		)	—			—			109			—			58
	Other	—			(4		)	—			—			—			4			—
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	775		$	4,619		$	3,282		$	(63	)	$	(73	)	$	41		$	8,581
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	775		$	4,600		$	3,011		$	(187	)	$	(37	)	$	41		$	8,203
	Net Income (Loss)	—			—			(109		)	—			—			33			(76		)
	Other Comprehensive Loss	—			—			—			(243		)	—			—			(243		)
	Consolidation of Joint Venture	—			—			—			—			—			27			27
	Dividends Paid to Noncontrolling Interests	—			—			—			—			—			(22		)	(22		)
	Change in Common Shares, Treasury Shares and Paid in Capital Associated with Redomestication	(778		)	750			—			—			39			—			11
	Equity Awards Granted, Vested and Exercised	4			40			—			—			(2		)	—			42
	Other	—			—			—			—			—			—			—
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	1		$	5,390		$	2,902		$	(430	)	$	—		$	79		$	7,942
	The following table presents the changes in our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
	(Dollars in millions)	Currency Translation Adjustment			Defined Benefit Pension			Deferred Loss on Derivatives			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012	213			(40		)	(10		)	163
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(190		)	—			—			(190		)
	Reclassifications	(37		)	1			—			(36		)
	Net activity	(227		)	1			—			(226		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(14	)	$	(39	)	$	(10	)	$	(63	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(140	)	$	(38	)	$	(9	)	$	(187	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(333		)	—			—			(333		)
	Reclassifications	90			—			—			90
	Net activity	(243		)	—			—			(243		)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	(383	)	$	(38	)	$	(9	)	$	(430	)
	The reclassification from the currency translation adjustment component of other comprehensive income includes $90 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 from the sale of our land drilling and workover rig operations in Russia and Venezuela and pipeline and specialty services business and $30 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 from the sale of our industrial screen business. This amount were recognized in the “Gain on Sale of Businesses” line in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations for both the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.

Earnings_per_Share

Earnings per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings per Share	'
	Earnings per Share
	Basic earnings per share for all periods presented equals net income divided by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period including participating securities. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of our shares outstanding during the period including participating securities, adjusted for the dilutive effect of our stock options, restricted shares and performance units.
	The following reconciles basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding:
		Three Months Ended September 30,		Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(Shares in millions)	2014	2013	2014	2013
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding	777	773	776	771
	Dilutive effect of:
	Stock options, restricted shares and performance units	7	6	—	—
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	784	779	776	771
	Our diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, exclude potential shares that are anti-dilutive, such as options where the exercise price exceeds the current market price of our stock. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 exclude potential shares for stock options, restricted shares and performance units outstanding as we have net losses for that period and their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.
	The following table discloses the number of anti-dilutive shares excluded:
		Three Months Ended September 30,		Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(Shares in millions)	2014	2013	2014	2013
	Anti-dilutive potential shares	—	2	1	2
	Anti-dilutive potential shares due to net loss	—	—	6	5

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Share-Based Compensation
	We recognized the following employee share-based compensation expense during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(Dollars in millions)	2014		2013		2014		2013
	Share-based compensation	$	13	$	18	$	44	$	45
	Related tax benefit	3		5		9		9
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we granted approximately 800,000 performance units, which will vest with continued employment, if the Company meets certain market-based performance goals. The performance units have a weighted average grant date fair value of $14.31 per share based on the Monte Carlo simulation method. The assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulation included a risk-free rate of 0.34%, volatility of 33.53% and a zero dividend yield. As of September 30, 2014, there was $14 million of unrecognized compensation related to our performance units. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2 years.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we also granted 2.9 million restricted share awards at a weighted average grant date fair value of $19.27 per share. As of September 30, 2014, there was $81 million of unrecognized compensation related to our unvested restricted share grants. This cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2 years.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	Reporting Segments
	Our operational performance is reviewed and managed on a geographic basis. We report the following regions, which are our operating segments, as separate and distinct reporting segments: North America, MENA/Asia Pacific, Europe/SSA/Russia, and Latin America. Financial information by segment is summarized below. Revenues are attributable to countries based on the ultimate destination of the sale of products or performance of services. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies.
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(Dollars in millions)	Net		Income			Depreciation
		Operating		from			and
		Revenues		Operations			Amortization
	North America	$	1,814	$	286		$	108
	MENA/Asia Pacific (a)	808		61			98
	Europe/SSA/Russia	644		139			54
	Latin America	611		89			61
		3,877		575			321
	Corporate and Research and Development			(117		)	6
	Goodwill Impairment			4
	Restructuring Charges (b)			(154		)
	Gain on Sale of Business			38
	Other Items (c)			(28		)
	Total	$	3,877	$	318		$	327
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	(Dollars in millions)	Net		Income			Depreciation
		Operating		from			and
		Revenues		Operations			Amortization
	North America	$	1,597	$	215		$	108
	MENA/Asia Pacific	819		(38		)	101
	Europe/SSA/Russia	691		103			69
	Latin America	713		115			71
		3,820		395			349
	Corporate and Research and Development			(110		)	3
	Other Items (d)			(46		)
	Total	$	3,820	$	239		$	352
	(a)	During the three months ended September 30, 2014, we recognized estimated project losses of $10 million related to our long-term early production facility construction contracts in Iraq accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method. As of September 30, 2014, our project estimates include $27 million of claims revenue and $35 million of back charges. Claims revenue of $6 million was recognized during three months ended September 30, 2014.
	(b)	For the three months ended September 30, 2014, we recognized restructuring charges of $154 million: $15 million in North America, $116 million in MENA/Asia Pacific, $10 million in Europe/SSA/Russia, and $13 million in Latin America.
	(c)	The three months ended September 30, 2014 includes professional fees of $24 million related to the divestiture of our non-core businesses, restatement related litigation and the settlement of the U.S. government investigations and other charges of $4 million.
	(d)	The three months ended September 30, 2013 includes severance, exit and other charges of $38 million (which includes $20 million of severance and $18 million in legal, professional and other fees incurred primarily in conjunction with our prior investigations) and income tax restatement and material weakness remediation expense of $8 million.
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(Dollars in millions)	Net		Income			Depreciation
		Operating		from			and
		Revenues		Operations			Amortization
	North America	$	5,083	$	722		$	322
	MENA/Asia Pacific (a)	2,343		121			303
	Europe/SSA/Russia	2,058		317			202
	Latin America	1,700		247			189
		11,184		1,407			1,016
	Corporate and Research and Development			(353		)	17
	Long-Lived Assets Impairment			(143		)
	Goodwill Impairment			(121		)
	Restructuring Charges (b)			(283		)
	Gain on Sale of Business			38
	Other Items (c)			(72		)
	Total	$	11,184	$	473		$	1,033
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	(Dollars in millions)	Net		Income			Depreciation
		Operating		from			and
		Revenues		Operations			Amortization
	North America	$	4,818	$	606		$	318
	MENA/Asia Pacific	2,523		49			292
	Europe/SSA/Russia	2,005		251			208
	Latin America	2,179		303			207
		11,525		1,209			1,025
	Corporate and Research and Development			(345		)	14
	U.S. Government Investigation Loss			(153		)
	Gain on Sale of Businesses			8
	Other Items (d)			(146		)
Total	$	11,525	$	573		$	1,039
(a)	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recognized estimated project losses of $38 million related to our long-term early production facility construction contracts in Iraq accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method. Total estimated losses on these projects were $345 million at September 30, 2014. As of September 30, 2014, our project estimates include $27 million of claims revenue and $35 million of back charges.
(b)	For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recognized restructuring charges of $283 million: $44 million in North America, $135 million in MENA/Asia Pacific, $37 million in Europe/SSA/Russia, $37 million in Latin America and $30 million in Corporate and Research and Development.
(c)	The nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes professional fees of $64 million related to the divestiture of our non-core businesses, restatement related litigation, the settlement of the U.S. government investigations, and our 2014 redomestication from Switzerland to Ireland and other charges of $8 million.
(d)	The nine months ended September 30, 2013 includes severance, exit and other charges of $111 million (which includes $64 million of severance and $47 million in legal, professional and other fees incurred primarily in conjunction with our prior investigations) and income tax restatement and material weakness remediation expenses of $35 million.

Disputes_Litigation_and_Contin

Disputes, Litigation and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Disputes, Litigation and Contingencies	'
	Disputes, Litigation and Contingencies
	U.S. Government and Internal Investigations
	On January 17, 2014, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas approved the settlement agreements between us and certain of our subsidiaries and the U.S. Department of Justice (“DOJ”). On November 26, 2013, we announced that we and our subsidiaries also entered into settlement agreements with the U.S. Departments of Treasury and Commerce and with the SEC, which the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas entered on December 20, 2013. These agreements collectively resolved investigations of prior alleged violations by us and certain of our subsidiaries relating to certain trade sanctions laws, participation in the United Nations oil-for-food program governing sales of goods into Iraq, and non-compliance with the FCPA matters.
	The $253 million payable by us and our subsidiaries was paid in January and February 2014 pursuant to the terms of the settlement agreements. These agreements include a requirement to retain, for a period of at least 18 months, an independent monitor responsible to assess our compliance with the terms of the agreement so as to address and reduce the risk of recurrence of alleged misconduct, after which we would continue to evaluate our own compliance program and make periodic reports to the DOJ and SEC and maintain agreed compliance monitoring and reporting systems, all of which are costly to us. In April 2014, the independent monitor was retained and the compliance assessment period began. These agreements also require us to retain an independent third party to retroactively audit our compliance with U.S. export control and sanction laws during the years 2012, 2013 and 2014. This audit is on-going.
	The SEC and DOJ are also investigating the circumstances surrounding the material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting for income taxes that was disclosed in a notification of late filing on Form 12b-25 filed on March 1, 2011 and in current reports on Form 8-K filed on February 21, 2012 and on July 24, 2012 and the subsequent restatements of our historical financial statements. We are cooperating fully with these investigations. We are unable to predict the outcome of these matters due to the inherent uncertainties presented by such investigations, and we are unable to predict potential outcomes or estimate the range of potential loss contingencies, if any. The government, generally, has a broad range of civil and criminal penalties available for these types of matters under applicable law and regulation, including injunctive relief, fines, penalties and modifications to business practices, some of which, if imposed on us, could be material to our business, financial condition or results of operations.
	Shareholder Litigation
	In 2010, three shareholder derivative actions were filed, purportedly on behalf of the Company, asserting breach of duty and other claims against certain current and former officers and directors of the Company related to the United Nations oil-for-food program governing sales of goods into Iraq, FCPA and trade sanctions related to the U.S. government investigations disclosed above and in our SEC filings since 2007. Those shareholder derivative cases, captioned Neff v. Brady, et al., No. 201040764, Rosner v. Brady, et al., No. 201047343, and Hess v. Duroc-Danner, et al., No. 201040765, were filed in Harris County, Texas state court and consolidated (collectively referred to as the “Neff Case”). In 2014, one of the three cases, Hess v. Duroc-Danner, et al., No. 201040765, was voluntarily dismissed from the Neff Case. Other shareholder demand letters covering the same subject matter were received by the Company in early 2014, and a fourth shareholder derivative action was filed, purportedly on behalf of the Company, also asserting breach of duty and other claims against certain current and former officers and directors of the Company related to the same subject matter as the Neff Case. That case, captioned Erste-Sparinvest KAG v. Duroc-Danner, et al., No. 2014-20933 (Harris County, Texas) was consolidated into the Neff Case in September 2014. A motion to dismiss the consolidated action is pending.
	In March 2011, a shareholder derivative action, Iron Workers Mid-South Pension Fund v. Duroc-Danner, et al., No. 201119822, was filed in Harris County, Texas, civil court, purportedly on behalf of the Company, against certain current and former officers and directors, alleging breaches of duty related to the material weakness and restatement announcements. In February 2012, a second substantially similar shareholder derivative action, Wandel v. Duroc-Danner, et al., No. 1:12-cv-01305-LAK (SDNY), was filed in federal court in the Southern District of New York. In March 2012, a purported securities class action captioned Freedman v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al., No. 1:12-cv-02121-LAK (SDNY) was filed in the Southern District of New York against us and certain current and former officers. That case alleges violation of the federal securities laws related to the restatement of our historical financial statements announced on February 21, 2012, and later added claims related to the announcement of a subsequent restatement on July 24, 2012.
	We cannot predict the outcome of these cases including the amount of any possible loss. If one or more negative outcomes were to occur relative to these cases, the aggregate impact to our financial condition could be material.
	In March 2011, a purported shareholder class action captioned Dobina v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al., No. 1:11-cv-01646-LAK (SDNY), was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, following our announcement on March 1, 2011 of a material weakness in our internal controls over financial reporting for income taxes, and restatement of our historical financial statements (the “2011 Class Action”). The lawsuit alleged violation of the federal securities laws by us and certain current and former officers. During the three months ended December 31, 2013, we entered into negotiations to settle the 2011 Class Action. As a result of these negotiations, settlement became probable and a settlement agreement was signed on January 29, 2014. The settlement agreement was submitted to the court for approval and notice to the class. A final fairness hearing on the motion for approval of the settlement was held on September 15, 2014. That motion is pending. The settlement agreement required payments totaling approximately $53 million which was entirely funded by our insurers.
	Other Disputes
	A former Senior Vice President and General Counsel (the “Executive”) left the Company in June 2009. The Executive had employment agreements that terminated upon his departure. Since that time there has been a dispute between the Executive and the Company as to the amount of compensation we are obligated to pay under the employment agreements. In the third quarter we reached a settlement with the executive and recognized an immaterial additional accrual.
	Additionally, we are aware of various disputes and potential claims and are a party in various litigation involving claims against us, some of which are covered by insurance. For claims, disputes and pending litigation in which we believe a negative outcome is probable and a loss can be reasonably estimated, we have recorded a liability for the expected loss. These liabilities are immaterial to our financial condition and results of operations. In addition we have certain claims, disputes and pending litigation regarding which we do not believe a negative outcome is probable or for which we can only estimate a range of liability. It is possible, however, an unexpected judgment could be rendered against us, or we could decide to resolve a case or cases, that would result in liability that could be uninsured and beyond the amounts we currently have reserved and in some cases those losses could be material. If one or more negative outcomes were to occur relative to these matters, the aggregate impact to our financial condition could be material.

New_Accounting_Pronouncements

New Accounting Pronouncements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In June 2014, the FASB issued amended guidance on the accounting for certain share-based employee compensation awards. The amended guidance applies to share-based employee compensation awards that include a performance target that affects vesting when the performance target can be achieved after the requisite service period. These targets are to be treated as a performance condition. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award and compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved. This guidance is effective beginning with the first quarter of 2016 and early adoption is permitted. We currently do not expect the impact of our pending adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance intended to change the criteria for recognition of revenue. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve this core principal, an entity should apply the following five steps: (1) Identify contracts with customers, (2) Identify the performance obligations in the contracts, (3) Determine the transaction price, (4) Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligation in the contract, and (5) Recognize revenue as the entity satisfies performance obligations. This guidance is effective beginning with the first quarter of 2017 and early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating what impact the adoption of this guidance would have on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows or disclosures.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued guidance intended to change the criteria for reporting discontinued operations while enhancing disclosures for discontinued operations. Under the guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations should be presented as discontinued operations. Examples include a disposal of a major geographic area, a major line of business, or a major equity method investment. The guidance also requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations intended to provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations. Finally, the guidance requires disclosure of the pre-tax income attributable to a disposal of a significant part of an organization that does not qualify for discontinued operations reporting. This guidance is effective beginning with the first quarter of 2015 and early adoption is permissible. We elected to early adopt this guidance in three months ended June 2014 and, as required, we have prospectively assessed our assets held for sale in accordance with this guidance. Upon adoption, we recognized no significant impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements	'
	Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements
	Weatherford International plc (“Weatherford Ireland”), a public limited company organized under the laws of Ireland, and the ultimate parent of the Weatherford group guarantees certain obligations of Weatherford International Ltd., a Bermuda exempted company (“Weatherford Bermuda”), and Weatherford International, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Weatherford Delaware”), including the notes and credit facilities listed below.
	The following obligations of Weatherford Delaware were guaranteed by Weatherford Bermuda at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013: (1) 6.35% senior notes and (2) 6.80% senior notes.
	The following obligations of Weatherford Bermuda were guaranteed by Weatherford Delaware at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013: (1) revolving credit facility, (2) 5.50% senior notes, (3) 6.50% senior notes, (4) 6.00% senior notes, (5) 7.00% senior notes, (6) 9.625% senior notes, (7) 9.875% senior notes, (8) 5.125% senior notes, (9) 6.75% senior notes, (10) 4.50% senior notes and (11) 5.95% senior notes. In 2013, we entered into a 364-day term loan facility, which was an obligation of Weatherford Bermuda guaranteed by Weatherford Delaware as of December 31, 2013. In 2014, we refinanced the 364-day term loan facility with a new 364-day term loan facility, which was an obligation of Weatherford Bermuda guaranteed by Weatherford Delaware as of September 30, 2014.
	As a result of certain of these guarantee arrangements, we are required to present the following condensed consolidating financial information. The accompanying guarantor financial information is presented on the equity method of accounting for all periods presented. Under this method, investments in subsidiaries are recorded at cost and adjusted for our share in the subsidiaries’ cumulative results of operations, capital contributions and distributions and other changes in equity. Elimination entries relate primarily to the elimination of investments in subsidiaries and associated intercompany balances and transactions.
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and
	Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(Unaudited)
	(Dollars in millions)	Weatherford			Weatherford Bermuda			Weatherford Delaware			Other			Eliminations			Consolidation
		Ireland									Subsidiaries
	Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	3,877		$	—		$	3,877
	Costs and Expenses	(6		)	—			—			(3,553		)	—			(3,559		)
	Operating Income (Loss)	(6		)	—			—			324			—			318
	Other Income (Expense):
	Interest Expense, Net	—			(106		)	(14		)	(2		)	—			(122		)
	Intercompany Charges, Net	(31		)	5			(28		)	54			—			—
	Equity in Subsidiary Income	112			242			429			(1		)	(782		)	—
	Other, Net	1			15			—			(25		)	—			(9		)
	Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	76			156			387			350			(782		)	187
	(Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes	1			—			15			(114		)	—			(98		)
	Net Income (Loss)	77			156			402			236			(782		)	89
	Noncontrolling Interests	—			—			—			(12		)	—			(12		)
	Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	$	77		$	156		$	402		$	224		$	(782	)	$	77
	Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	$	(130	)	$	175		$	450		$	161		$	(786	)	$	(130	)
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and
	Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	(Unaudited)
	(Dollars in millions)	Weatherford			Weatherford			Weatherford			Other			Eliminations			Consolidation
		Switzerland			Bermuda			Delaware			Subsidiaries
	Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	3,820		$	—		$	3,820
	Costs and Expenses	(6		)	—			(1		)	(3,574		)	—			(3,581		)
	Operating Income (Loss)	(6		)	—			(1		)	246			—			239
	Other Income (Expense):
	Interest Expense, Net	—			(108		)	(15		)	(6		)	—			(129		)
	Intercompany Charges, Net	(2		)	12			(85		)	75			—			—
	Equity in Subsidiary Income	31			35			62			—			(128		)	—
	Other, Net	(1		)	(26		)	—			(3		)	—			(30		)
	Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	22			(87		)	(39		)	312			(128		)	80
	(Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes	—			—			35			(84		)	—			(49		)
	Net Income (Loss)	22			(87		)	(4		)	228			(128		)	31
	Noncontrolling Interests	—			—			—			(9		)	—			(9		)
	Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	$	22		$	(87	)	$	(4	)	$	219		$	(128	)	$	22
	Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	$	118		$	(10	)	$	73		$	314		$	(377	)	$	118
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and
	Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(Unaudited)
	(Dollars in millions)	Weatherford			Weatherford			Weatherford			Other			Eliminations			Consolidation
		Ireland			Bermuda			Delaware			Subsidiaries
	Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	11,184		$	—		$	11,184
	Costs and Expenses	(34		)	(1		)	(1		)	(10,675		)	—			(10,711		)
	Operating Income (Loss)	(34		)	(1		)	(1		)	509			—			473
	Other Income (Expense):
	Interest Expense, Net	—			(317		)	(43		)	(16		)	—			(376		)
	Intercompany Charges, Net	(43		)	7,331			(105		)	(9,003		)	1,820			—
	Equity in Subsidiary Income	(32		)	130			265			(1		)	(362		)	—
	Other, Net	—			—			(1		)	(36		)	—			(37		)
	Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	(109		)	7,143			115			(8,547		)	1,458			60
	(Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes	—			—			52			(188		)	—			(136		)
	Net Income (Loss)	(109		)	7,143			167			(8,735		)	1,458			(76		)
	Noncontrolling Interests	—			—			—			(33		)	—			(33		)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	$	(109	)	$	7,143		$	167		$	(8,768	)	$	1,458		$	(109	)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	$	(352	)	$	7,162		$	215		$	(8,831	)	$	1,454		$	(352	)
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and
Comprehensive Income (Loss)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in millions)	Weatherford			Weatherford			Weatherford			Other			Eliminations			Consolidation
	Switzerland			Bermuda			Delaware			Subsidiaries
Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	11,525		$	—		$	11,525
Costs and Expenses	(24		)	(122		)	(2		)	(10,804		)	—			(10,952		)
Operating Income (Loss)	(24		)	(122		)	(2		)	721			—			573
Other Income (Expense):
Interest Expense, Net	—			(326		)	(46		)	(16		)	—			(388		)
Intercompany Charges, Net	(27		)	25			(164		)	166			—			—
Equity in Subsidiary Income	(23		)	213			293			—			(483		)	—
Other, Net	—			(16		)	(1		)	(144		)	—			(161		)
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	(74		)	(226		)	80			727			(483		)	24
(Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes	—			—			74			(148		)	—			(74		)
Net Income (Loss)	(74		)	(226		)	154			579			(483		)	(50		)
Noncontrolling Interests	—			—			—			(24		)	—			(24		)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	$	(74	)	$	(226	)	$	154		$	555		$	(483	)	$	(74	)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	$	(300	)	$	(406	)	$	38		$	328		$	40		$	(300	)
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
September 30, 2014
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in millions)	Weatherford			Weatherford			Weatherford			Other			Eliminations			Consolidation
	Ireland			Bermuda			Delaware			Subsidiaries
Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	—		$	3		$	22		$	557		$	—		$	582
Other Current Assets	4			5			453			8,329			(446		)	8,345
Total Current Assets	4			8			475			8,886			(446		)	8,927
Equity Investments in Affiliates	9,493			11,082			8,329			5,281			(34,185		)	—
Intercompany Receivables, Net	—			—			—			7,183			(7,183		)	—
Other Assets	5			37			17			11,741			—			11,800
Total Assets	$	9,502		$	11,127		$	8,821		$	33,091		$	(41,814	)	$	20,727
Current Liabilities:
Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt	$	—		$	1,585		$	22		$	108		$	—		$	1,715
Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities	19			70			—			3,520			(446		)	3,163
Total Current Liabilities	19			1,655			22			3,628			(446		)	4,878
Long-term Debt	—			5,888			970			145			1			7,004
Intercompany Payables, Net	1,607			5,133			443			—			(7,183		)	—
Other Long-term Liabilities	13			89			8			793			—			903
Total Liabilities	1,639			12,765			1,443			4,566			(7,628		)	12,785
Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity	7,863			(1,638		)	7,378			28,446			(34,186		)	7,863
Noncontrolling Interests	—			—			—			79			—			79
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$	9,502		$	11,127		$	8,821		$	33,091		$	(41,814	)	$	20,727
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
December 31, 2013
(Dollars in millions)	Weatherford			Weatherford			Weatherford			Other			Eliminations			Consolidation
	Switzerland			Bermuda			Delaware			Subsidiaries
Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	435		$	—		$	435
Other Current Assets	57			5			415			9,280			(408		)	9,349
Total Current Assets	57			5			415			9,715			(408		)	9,784
Equity Investments in Affiliates	8,663			11,742			8,065			6,466			(34,936		)	—
Equity Held in Parent	—			—			10			27			(37		)	—
Intercompany Receivables, Net	—			—			—			7,304			(7,304		)	—
Other Assets	7			41			17			12,128			—			12,193
Total Assets	$	8,727		$	11,788		$	8,507		$	35,640		$	(42,685	)	$	21,977
Current Liabilities:
Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt	$	—		$	1,445		$	23		$	185		$	—		$	1,653
Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities	312			129			—			4,052			(408		)	4,085
Total Current Liabilities	312			1,574			23			4,237			(408		)	5,738
Long-term Debt	—			5,891			986			184			—			7,061
Intercompany Payables, Net	243			6,755			306			—			(7,304		)	—
Other Long-term Liabilities	10			97			2			866			—			975
Total Liabilities	565			14,317			1,317			5,287			(7,712		)	13,774
Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity	8,162			(2,529		)	7,190			30,312			(34,973		)	8,162
Noncontrolling Interests	—			—			—			41			—			41
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$	8,727		$	11,788		$	8,507		$	35,640		$	(42,685	)	$	21,977
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in millions)	Weatherford			Weatherford			Weatherford			Other			Eliminations			Consolidation
	Ireland			Bermuda			Delaware			Subsidiaries
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net Income (Loss)	$	(109	)	$	7,143		$	167		$	(8,735	)	$	1,458		$	(76	)
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income(Loss) to Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities:
Charges from Parent or Subsidiary	43			(7,331		)	105			9,003			(1,820		)	—
Equity in (Earnings) Loss of Affiliates	32			(130		)	(265		)	1			362			—
Deferred Income Tax Provision (Benefit)	—			—			—			31			—			31
Other Adjustments	3			(65		)	23			463			—			424
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities	(31		)	(383		)	30			763			—			379
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment	—			—			—			(1,045		)	—			(1,045		)
Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	—			—			—			17			—			17
Acquisition of Intellectual Property	—			—			—			(3		)	—			(3		)
Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Businesses, Net	—			—			—			781			—			781
Capital Contribution to Subsidiary	—			—			—			—			—			—
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Investing Activities	—			—			—			(250		)	—			(250		)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Borrowings (Repayments) Short-term Debt, Net	—			140			—			(94		)	—			46
Borrowings (Repayments) Long-term Debt, Net	—			—			(16		)	(33		)	—			(49		)
Borrowings (Repayments) Between Subsidiaries, Net	31			246			8			(285		)	—			—
Proceeds from Sale of EDC Treasury Shares	—			—			—			22			—			22
Other, Net	—			—			—			(12		)	—			(12		)
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities	31			386			(8		)	(402		)	—			7
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes On Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			—			11			—			11
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			3			22			122			—			147
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	—			—			—			435			—			435
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	—		$	3		$	22		$	557		$	—		$	582
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in millions)	Weatherford			Weatherford			Weatherford			Other			Eliminations			Consolidation
	Switzerland			Bermuda			Delaware			Subsidiaries
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net Income (Loss)	$	(74	)	$	(226	)	$	154		$	579		$	(483	)	$	(50	)
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income(Loss) to Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities:
Charges from Parent or Subsidiary	27			(25		)	164			(166		)	—			—
Equity in (Earnings) Loss of Affiliates	23			(213		)	(293		)	—			483			—
Deferred Income Tax Provision (Benefit)	—			—			—			(168		)	—			(168		)
Other Adjustments	208			625			34			(82		)	—			785
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities	184			161			59			163			—			567
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment	—			—			—			(1,211		)	—			(1,211		)
Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	—			—			—			(7		)	—			(7		)
Acquisition of Intellectual Property	—			—			—			(7		)	—			(7		)
Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Businesses, Net	—			—			—			74			—			74
Capital Contribution to Subsidiary	(129		)	—			—			—			129			—
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Investing Activities	(129		)	—			—			(1,151		)	129			(1,151		)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Borrowings (Repayments) Short-term Debt, Net	—			905			(4		)	31			—			932
Borrowings (Repayments) Long-term Debt, Net	—			(294		)	(18		)	(17		)	—			(329		)
Borrowings (Repayments) Between Subsidiaries, Net	(54		)	(769		)	(37		)	860			—			—
Proceeds from Capital Contributions	—			—			—			129			(129		)	—
Other, Net	—			—			—			1			—			1
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities	(54		)	(158		)	(59		)	1,004			(129		)	604
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes On Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			—			(4		)	—			(4		)
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	1			3			—			12			—			16
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	—			—			—			300			—			300
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	1		$	3		$	—		$	312		$	—		$	316

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events
	On October 23, 2014, the shareholders of Proserv Group Inc.(“Proserv”) signed a definitive agreement to sell their shares. In conjunction with this agreement, Weatherford, a minority shareholder of Proserv, agreed to sell its equity investment with a current book value of approximately $180 million as of September 30, 2014. The transaction is subject to certain regulatory approvals and is expected to close by the end of 2014. Upon closing, we anticipate recognizing a gain on this transaction.

General_Policies

General (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Accounting	'
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of Weatherford International plc (the “Company”) are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) and include all adjustments of a normal recurring nature which, in our opinion, are necessary to present fairly our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet at September 30, 2014, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations, Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, and Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. When referring to “Weatherford” and using phrases such as “we,” “us,” and “our,” the intent is to refer to Weatherford International plc, a public limited company organized under the law of Ireland, and its subsidiaries as a whole or on a regional basis, depending on the context in which the statements are made.
	On June 17, 2014, we completed the change in our place of incorporation from Switzerland to Ireland, whereby Weatherford International plc, a public limited company (“Weatherford Ireland”) became the new public holding company and the parent of the Weatherford group of companies (the “Merger”). The Merger was effected through an agreement between Weatherford International Ltd., a Swiss joint-stock corporation (“Weatherford Switzerland”) and Weatherford Ireland, dated as of April 2, 2014, pursuant to which each registered share of Weatherford Switzerland was exchanged for the allotment of one ordinary share of Weatherford Ireland. The authorized share capital of Weatherford Ireland includes 1.356 billion ordinary shares with a par value of $0.001 per share. Our ordinary shares are listed on the NYSE under the symbol “WFT,” the same symbol under which Weatherford Switzerland registered shares were previously listed.
	Although we believe the disclosures in these financial statements are adequate, certain information relating to our organization and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted in this Form 10-Q pursuant to U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules and regulations. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2013 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the year ending December 31, 2014.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, we evaluate our estimates and assumptions, including those related to uncollectible accounts receivable, lower of cost or market of inventories, equity investments, intangible assets and goodwill, property, plant and equipment, income taxes, percentage-of-completion accounting for long-term contracts, self-insurance, foreign currency exchange rates, pension and post-retirement benefit plans, contingencies and share-based compensation. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation. See Note 2 – Business Combinations and Divestitures for additional information.
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	We consolidate all wholly-owned subsidiaries, controlled joint ventures and variable interest entities where the Company has determined it is the primary beneficiary. Investments in affiliates in which we exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for using the equity method. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
New Accounting Pronouncements	'
	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In June 2014, the FASB issued amended guidance on the accounting for certain share-based employee compensation awards. The amended guidance applies to share-based employee compensation awards that include a performance target that affects vesting when the performance target can be achieved after the requisite service period. These targets are to be treated as a performance condition. As such, the performance target should not be reflected in estimating the grant-date fair value of the award and compensation cost should be recognized in the period in which it becomes probable that the performance target will be achieved. This guidance is effective beginning with the first quarter of 2016 and early adoption is permitted. We currently do not expect the impact of our pending adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements or disclosures.
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance intended to change the criteria for recognition of revenue. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. To achieve this core principal, an entity should apply the following five steps: (1) Identify contracts with customers, (2) Identify the performance obligations in the contracts, (3) Determine the transaction price, (4) Allocate the transaction price to the performance obligation in the contract, and (5) Recognize revenue as the entity satisfies performance obligations. This guidance is effective beginning with the first quarter of 2017 and early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating what impact the adoption of this guidance would have on our financial position, results of operations, cash flows or disclosures.
	In April 2014, the FASB issued guidance intended to change the criteria for reporting discontinued operations while enhancing disclosures for discontinued operations. Under the guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations should be presented as discontinued operations. Examples include a disposal of a major geographic area, a major line of business, or a major equity method investment. The guidance also requires expanded disclosures about discontinued operations intended to provide financial statement users with more information about the assets, liabilities, income, and expenses of discontinued operations. Finally, the guidance requires disclosure of the pre-tax income attributable to a disposal of a significant part of an organization that does not qualify for discontinued operations reporting. This guidance is effective beginning with the first quarter of 2015 and early adoption is permissible. We elected to early adopt this guidance in three months ended June 2014 and, as required, we have prospectively assessed our assets held for sale in accordance with this guidance. Upon adoption, we recognized no significant impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Business_Combinations_and_Dive1

Business Combinations and Divestitures Business Combinations and Divestitures (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Mergers, Acquisitions and Dispositions Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Held-for-Sale	'
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the assets and liabilities held for sale in connection with our planned divestitures are listed in the table below.
	(Dollars in millions)	30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
	Accounts Receivables, net	$	—	$	196
	Inventories, net	20		81
	Other Current Assets	—		25
	Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net	149		776
	Goodwill	71		220
	Other Intangible Assets, Net	—		10
	Other Assets	—		3
	Total Current Assets Held for Sale	$	240	$	1,311
	Accounts Payable	$	—	$	135
	Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities	—		103
	Total Current Liabilities Held for Sale	$	—	$	238

Restructuring_Charges_Tables

Restructuring Charges (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Restructuring Charges	'
	The following tables present the components of the restructuring charges by segment.
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(Dollars in millions)	North America		MENA/Asia Pacific		Europe/SSA/Russia			Latin America			Corporate and Research and Development		Total
	Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges	$	15	$	116	$	10		$	13		$	—	$	154
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(Dollars in millions)	North America		MENA/Asia Pacific		Europe/SSA/Russia			Latin America			Corporate and Research and Development		Total
	Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges	$	44	$	135	$	37		$	37		$	30	$	283
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost	'
	Total severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 of $283 million includes $138 million in asset impairments and $145 million of severance and other restructuring charges.
	The severance and other restructuring charges gave rise to certain liabilities, the components of which are summarized below, and largely relate to the severance accrued as part of the Plan that will be paid pursuant to the respective arrangements and statutory requirements.
		At September 30, 2014
	(Dollars in millions)	North America		MENA/Asia Pacific		Europe/SSA/Russia			Latin America			Corporate and Research and Development		Total
	Severance and other restructuring liability	$	1	$	16	$	16		$	—		$	13	$	46
	The following table presents the restructuring accrual activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.
				Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(Dollars in millions)	Accrued Balance at December 31, 2013		Charges		Cash Payments			Other			Accrued Balance at September 30, 2014
	Severance charges	$	—	$	119	$	(81	)	$	(6	)	$	32
	Other restructuring charges	—		26		(12		)	—			14
	Severance and other restructuring liability	$	—	$	145	$	(93	)	$	(6	)	$	46

Inventories_Net_Tables

Inventories, Net (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Inventory	'
	Inventories, net of reserves, by category were as follows:
	(Dollars in millions)	30-Sep-14		December 31, 2013
	Raw materials, components and supplies	$	204	$	386
	Work in process	161		130
	Finished goods	2,952		2,774
		$	3,317	$	3,290

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Goodwill	'
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 were as follows:
	(Dollars in millions)	North			MENA/			Europe/			Latin			Total
		America			Asia Pacific			SSA/			America
								Russia
	Balance at December 31, 2013 - as Reported	$	2,243		$	209		$	912		$	345		$	3,709
	Reclassification to current assets held for sale	(46		)	(8		)	(142		)	(24		)	(220		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013 - as Adjusted	2,197			201			770			321			3,489
	Impairment	—			—			(26		)	—			(26		)
	Acquisitions	—			6			—			—			6
	Purchase price and other adjustments	1			—			7			(14		)	(6		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(42		)	(1		)	(41		)	(4		)	(88		)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	2,156		$	206		$	710		$	303		$	3,375

Shortterm_Borrowings_and_Curre1

Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-term Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of Short-Term Borrowings	'
	(Dollars in millions)	30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
	Commercial paper program	$	971	$	292
	Revolving credit facility	—		772
	364-day term loan facility	400		300
	Other short-term bank loans	272		216
	Total short-term borrowings	1,643		1,580
	Current portion of long-term debt	72		73
	Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	$	1,715	$	1,653

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value and Carrying Value of Long-Term Debt	'
	The fair value and carrying value of our senior notes were as follows:
	(Dollars in millions)	30-Sep-14		31-Dec-13
	Fair value	$	7,885	$	7,580
	Carrying value	6,800		6,805

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Derivatives Instruments in Statements of Financial Performance and Financial Position	'
	(Dollars in millions)	September 30, 2014			December 31, 2013			Classification
	Derivative assets not designated as hedges:
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	5		$	5		Other Current Assets
	Derivative liabilities not designated as hedges:
	Foreign currency forward contracts	(15		)	(6		)	Other Current Liabilities
	Cross-currency swap contracts	(13		)	(21		)	Other Liabilities
	The effect of derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges and those not designated as hedges on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations was as follows:
		Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income
		Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(Dollars In millions)	2014			2013			2014			2013			Classification
	Derivatives designated as fair value hedges:
	Interest rate swaps	$	3		$	3		$	7		$	8		Interest Expense, Net
	Derivative liabilities not designated as hedges:
	Foreign currency forward contracts	(5		)	(15		)	(12		)	(1		)	Other, Net
	Cross-currency swap contracts	6			(4		)	7			6			Other, Net

Shareholders_Equity_Tables

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Stockholders Equity	'
	The following summarizes our shareholders’ equity activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
	(Dollars in millions)	Par Value of Issued Shares			Capital In Excess of Par Value			Retained Earnings			Accumulated			Treasury Shares			Non-controlling Interests			Total Shareholders’ Equity
											Other
											Comprehensive
											Income (Loss)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	775		$	4,674		$	3,356		$	163		$	(182	)	$	32		$	8,818
	Net Income (Loss)	—			—			(74		)	—			—			24			(50		)
	Other Comprehensive Loss	—			—			—			(226		)	—			—			(226		)
	Dividends Paid to Noncontrolling Interests	—			—			—			—			—			(19		)	(19		)
	Equity Awards Granted, Vested and Exercised	—			(51		)	—			—			109			—			58
	Other	—			(4		)	—			—			—			4			—
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	775		$	4,619		$	3,282		$	(63	)	$	(73	)	$	41		$	8,581
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	775		$	4,600		$	3,011		$	(187	)	$	(37	)	$	41		$	8,203
	Net Income (Loss)	—			—			(109		)	—			—			33			(76		)
	Other Comprehensive Loss	—			—			—			(243		)	—			—			(243		)
	Consolidation of Joint Venture	—			—			—			—			—			27			27
	Dividends Paid to Noncontrolling Interests	—			—			—			—			—			(22		)	(22		)
	Change in Common Shares, Treasury Shares and Paid in Capital Associated with Redomestication	(778		)	750			—			—			39			—			11
	Equity Awards Granted, Vested and Exercised	4			40			—			—			(2		)	—			42
	Other	—			—			—			—			—			—			—
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	1		$	5,390		$	2,902		$	(430	)	$	—		$	79		$	7,942
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	The following table presents the changes in our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
	(Dollars in millions)	Currency Translation Adjustment			Defined Benefit Pension			Deferred Loss on Derivatives			Total
	Balance at December 31, 2012	213			(40		)	(10		)	163
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(190		)	—			—			(190		)
	Reclassifications	(37		)	1			—			(36		)
	Net activity	(227		)	1			—			(226		)
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	(14	)	$	(39	)	$	(10	)	$	(63	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	(140	)	$	(38	)	$	(9	)	$	(187	)
	Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(333		)	—			—			(333		)
	Reclassifications	90			—			—			90
	Net activity	(243		)	—			—			(243		)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	(383	)	$	(38	)	$	(9	)	$	(430	)

Earnings_per_Share_Tables

Earnings per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares	'
	The following reconciles basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding:
		Three Months Ended September 30,		Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(Shares in millions)	2014	2013	2014	2013
	Basic weighted average shares outstanding	777	773	776	771
	Dilutive effect of:
	Stock options, restricted shares and performance units	7	6	—	—
	Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	784	779	776	771
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	'
	The following table discloses the number of anti-dilutive shares excluded:
		Three Months Ended September 30,		Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(Shares in millions)	2014	2013	2014	2013
	Anti-dilutive potential shares	—	2	1	2
	Anti-dilutive potential shares due to net loss	—	—	6	5

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Disclosure of Share-based Compensation Arrangements by Share-based Payment Award	'
	We recognized the following employee share-based compensation expense during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
		Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	(Dollars in millions)	2014		2013		2014		2013
	Share-based compensation	$	13	$	18	$	44	$	45
	Related tax benefit	3		5		9		9

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Financial information by segment	'
	Our operational performance is reviewed and managed on a geographic basis. We report the following regions, which are our operating segments, as separate and distinct reporting segments: North America, MENA/Asia Pacific, Europe/SSA/Russia, and Latin America. Financial information by segment is summarized below. Revenues are attributable to countries based on the ultimate destination of the sale of products or performance of services. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies.
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(Dollars in millions)	Net		Income			Depreciation
		Operating		from			and
		Revenues		Operations			Amortization
	North America	$	1,814	$	286		$	108
	MENA/Asia Pacific (a)	808		61			98
	Europe/SSA/Russia	644		139			54
	Latin America	611		89			61
		3,877		575			321
	Corporate and Research and Development			(117		)	6
	Goodwill Impairment			4
	Restructuring Charges (b)			(154		)
	Gain on Sale of Business			38
	Other Items (c)			(28		)
	Total	$	3,877	$	318		$	327
		Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	(Dollars in millions)	Net		Income			Depreciation
		Operating		from			and
		Revenues		Operations			Amortization
	North America	$	1,597	$	215		$	108
	MENA/Asia Pacific	819		(38		)	101
	Europe/SSA/Russia	691		103			69
	Latin America	713		115			71
		3,820		395			349
	Corporate and Research and Development			(110		)	3
	Other Items (d)			(46		)
	Total	$	3,820	$	239		$	352
	(a)	During the three months ended September 30, 2014, we recognized estimated project losses of $10 million related to our long-term early production facility construction contracts in Iraq accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method. As of September 30, 2014, our project estimates include $27 million of claims revenue and $35 million of back charges. Claims revenue of $6 million was recognized during three months ended September 30, 2014.
	(b)	For the three months ended September 30, 2014, we recognized restructuring charges of $154 million: $15 million in North America, $116 million in MENA/Asia Pacific, $10 million in Europe/SSA/Russia, and $13 million in Latin America.
	(c)	The three months ended September 30, 2014 includes professional fees of $24 million related to the divestiture of our non-core businesses, restatement related litigation and the settlement of the U.S. government investigations and other charges of $4 million.
	(d)	The three months ended September 30, 2013 includes severance, exit and other charges of $38 million (which includes $20 million of severance and $18 million in legal, professional and other fees incurred primarily in conjunction with our prior investigations) and income tax restatement and material weakness remediation expense of $8 million.
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(Dollars in millions)	Net		Income			Depreciation
		Operating		from			and
		Revenues		Operations			Amortization
	North America	$	5,083	$	722		$	322
	MENA/Asia Pacific (a)	2,343		121			303
	Europe/SSA/Russia	2,058		317			202
	Latin America	1,700		247			189
		11,184		1,407			1,016
	Corporate and Research and Development			(353		)	17
	Long-Lived Assets Impairment			(143		)
	Goodwill Impairment			(121		)
	Restructuring Charges (b)			(283		)
	Gain on Sale of Business			38
	Other Items (c)			(72		)
	Total	$	11,184	$	473		$	1,033
		Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	(Dollars in millions)	Net		Income			Depreciation
		Operating		from			and
		Revenues		Operations			Amortization
	North America	$	4,818	$	606		$	318
	MENA/Asia Pacific	2,523		49			292
	Europe/SSA/Russia	2,005		251			208
	Latin America	2,179		303			207
		11,525		1,209			1,025
	Corporate and Research and Development			(345		)	14
	U.S. Government Investigation Loss			(153		)
	Gain on Sale of Businesses			8
	Other Items (d)			(146		)
	Total	$	11,525	$	573		$	1,039
	(a)	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recognized estimated project losses of $38 million related to our long-term early production facility construction contracts in Iraq accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method. Total estimated losses on these projects were $345 million at September 30, 2014. As of September 30, 2014, our project estimates include $27 million of claims revenue and $35 million of back charges.
(b)	For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recognized restructuring charges of $283 million: $44 million in North America, $135 million in MENA/Asia Pacific, $37 million in Europe/SSA/Russia, $37 million in Latin America and $30 million in Corporate and Research and Development.
(c)	The nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes professional fees of $64 million related to the divestiture of our non-core businesses, restatement related litigation, the settlement of the U.S. government investigations, and our 2014 redomestication from Switzerland to Ireland and other charges of $8 million.
(d)	The nine months ended September 30, 2013 includes severance, exit and other charges of $111 million (which includes $64 million of severance and $47 million in legal, professional and other fees incurred primarily in conjunction with our prior investigations) and income tax restatement and material weakness remediation expenses of $35 million.

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ1

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations	'
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and
	Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(Unaudited)
	(Dollars in millions)	Weatherford			Weatherford Bermuda			Weatherford Delaware			Other			Eliminations			Consolidation
		Ireland									Subsidiaries
	Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	3,877		$	—		$	3,877
	Costs and Expenses	(6		)	—			—			(3,553		)	—			(3,559		)
	Operating Income (Loss)	(6		)	—			—			324			—			318
	Other Income (Expense):
	Interest Expense, Net	—			(106		)	(14		)	(2		)	—			(122		)
	Intercompany Charges, Net	(31		)	5			(28		)	54			—			—
	Equity in Subsidiary Income	112			242			429			(1		)	(782		)	—
	Other, Net	1			15			—			(25		)	—			(9		)
	Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	76			156			387			350			(782		)	187
	(Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes	1			—			15			(114		)	—			(98		)
	Net Income (Loss)	77			156			402			236			(782		)	89
	Noncontrolling Interests	—			—			—			(12		)	—			(12		)
	Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	$	77		$	156		$	402		$	224		$	(782	)	$	77
	Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	$	(130	)	$	175		$	450		$	161		$	(786	)	$	(130	)
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and
	Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
	(Unaudited)
	(Dollars in millions)	Weatherford			Weatherford			Weatherford			Other			Eliminations			Consolidation
		Switzerland			Bermuda			Delaware			Subsidiaries
	Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	3,820		$	—		$	3,820
	Costs and Expenses	(6		)	—			(1		)	(3,574		)	—			(3,581		)
	Operating Income (Loss)	(6		)	—			(1		)	246			—			239
	Other Income (Expense):
	Interest Expense, Net	—			(108		)	(15		)	(6		)	—			(129		)
	Intercompany Charges, Net	(2		)	12			(85		)	75			—			—
	Equity in Subsidiary Income	31			35			62			—			(128		)	—
	Other, Net	(1		)	(26		)	—			(3		)	—			(30		)
	Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	22			(87		)	(39		)	312			(128		)	80
	(Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes	—			—			35			(84		)	—			(49		)
	Net Income (Loss)	22			(87		)	(4		)	228			(128		)	31
	Noncontrolling Interests	—			—			—			(9		)	—			(9		)
	Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	$	22		$	(87	)	$	(4	)	$	219		$	(128	)	$	22
	Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	$	118		$	(10	)	$	73		$	314		$	(377	)	$	118
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and
	Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(Unaudited)
	(Dollars in millions)	Weatherford			Weatherford			Weatherford			Other			Eliminations			Consolidation
		Ireland			Bermuda			Delaware			Subsidiaries
	Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	11,184		$	—		$	11,184
	Costs and Expenses	(34		)	(1		)	(1		)	(10,675		)	—			(10,711		)
	Operating Income (Loss)	(34		)	(1		)	(1		)	509			—			473
	Other Income (Expense):
	Interest Expense, Net	—			(317		)	(43		)	(16		)	—			(376		)
	Intercompany Charges, Net	(43		)	7,331			(105		)	(9,003		)	1,820			—
	Equity in Subsidiary Income	(32		)	130			265			(1		)	(362		)	—
	Other, Net	—			—			(1		)	(36		)	—			(37		)
	Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	(109		)	7,143			115			(8,547		)	1,458			60
	(Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes	—			—			52			(188		)	—			(136		)
	Net Income (Loss)	(109		)	7,143			167			(8,735		)	1,458			(76		)
	Noncontrolling Interests	—			—			—			(33		)	—			(33		)
	Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	$	(109	)	$	7,143		$	167		$	(8,768	)	$	1,458		$	(109	)
	Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	$	(352	)	$	7,162		$	215		$	(8,831	)	$	1,454		$	(352	)
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and
	Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
(Unaudited)
(Dollars in millions)	Weatherford			Weatherford			Weatherford			Other			Eliminations			Consolidation
	Switzerland			Bermuda			Delaware			Subsidiaries
Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	11,525		$	—		$	11,525
Costs and Expenses	(24		)	(122		)	(2		)	(10,804		)	—			(10,952		)
Operating Income (Loss)	(24		)	(122		)	(2		)	721			—			573
Other Income (Expense):
Interest Expense, Net	—			(326		)	(46		)	(16		)	—			(388		)
Intercompany Charges, Net	(27		)	25			(164		)	166			—			—
Equity in Subsidiary Income	(23		)	213			293			—			(483		)	—
Other, Net	—			(16		)	(1		)	(144		)	—			(161		)
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	(74		)	(226		)	80			727			(483		)	24
(Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes	—			—			74			(148		)	—			(74		)
Net Income (Loss)	(74		)	(226		)	154			579			(483		)	(50		)
Noncontrolling Interests	—			—			—			(24		)	—			(24		)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	$	(74	)	$	(226	)	$	154		$	555		$	(483	)	$	(74	)
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	$	(300	)	$	(406	)	$	38		$	328		$	40		$	(300	)
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	'
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	September 30, 2014
	(Unaudited)
	(Dollars in millions)	Weatherford			Weatherford			Weatherford			Other			Eliminations			Consolidation
		Ireland			Bermuda			Delaware			Subsidiaries
	Current Assets:
	Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	—		$	3		$	22		$	557		$	—		$	582
	Other Current Assets	4			5			453			8,329			(446		)	8,345
	Total Current Assets	4			8			475			8,886			(446		)	8,927
	Equity Investments in Affiliates	9,493			11,082			8,329			5,281			(34,185		)	—
	Intercompany Receivables, Net	—			—			—			7,183			(7,183		)	—
	Other Assets	5			37			17			11,741			—			11,800
	Total Assets	$	9,502		$	11,127		$	8,821		$	33,091		$	(41,814	)	$	20,727
	Current Liabilities:
	Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt	$	—		$	1,585		$	22		$	108		$	—		$	1,715
	Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities	19			70			—			3,520			(446		)	3,163
	Total Current Liabilities	19			1,655			22			3,628			(446		)	4,878
	Long-term Debt	—			5,888			970			145			1			7,004
	Intercompany Payables, Net	1,607			5,133			443			—			(7,183		)	—
	Other Long-term Liabilities	13			89			8			793			—			903
	Total Liabilities	1,639			12,765			1,443			4,566			(7,628		)	12,785
	Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity	7,863			(1,638		)	7,378			28,446			(34,186		)	7,863
	Noncontrolling Interests	—			—			—			79			—			79
	Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$	9,502		$	11,127		$	8,821		$	33,091		$	(41,814	)	$	20,727
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	December 31, 2013
	(Dollars in millions)	Weatherford			Weatherford			Weatherford			Other			Eliminations			Consolidation
		Switzerland			Bermuda			Delaware			Subsidiaries
	Current Assets:
	Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	435		$	—		$	435
	Other Current Assets	57			5			415			9,280			(408		)	9,349
	Total Current Assets	57			5			415			9,715			(408		)	9,784
	Equity Investments in Affiliates	8,663			11,742			8,065			6,466			(34,936		)	—
	Equity Held in Parent	—			—			10			27			(37		)	—
	Intercompany Receivables, Net	—			—			—			7,304			(7,304		)	—
	Other Assets	7			41			17			12,128			—			12,193
	Total Assets	$	8,727		$	11,788		$	8,507		$	35,640		$	(42,685	)	$	21,977
	Current Liabilities:
	Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt	$	—		$	1,445		$	23		$	185		$	—		$	1,653
	Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities	312			129			—			4,052			(408		)	4,085
	Total Current Liabilities	312			1,574			23			4,237			(408		)	5,738
	Long-term Debt	—			5,891			986			184			—			7,061
	Intercompany Payables, Net	243			6,755			306			—			(7,304		)	—
	Other Long-term Liabilities	10			97			2			866			—			975
	Total Liabilities	565			14,317			1,317			5,287			(7,712		)	13,774
	Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity	8,162			(2,529		)	7,190			30,312			(34,973		)	8,162
	Noncontrolling Interests	—			—			—			41			—			41
	Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$	8,727		$	11,788		$	8,507		$	35,640		$	(42,685	)	$	21,977
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	'
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
	(Unaudited)
	(Dollars in millions)	Weatherford			Weatherford			Weatherford			Other			Eliminations			Consolidation
		Ireland			Bermuda			Delaware			Subsidiaries
	Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
	Net Income (Loss)	$	(109	)	$	7,143		$	167		$	(8,735	)	$	1,458		$	(76	)
	Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income(Loss) to Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities:
	Charges from Parent or Subsidiary	43			(7,331		)	105			9,003			(1,820		)	—
	Equity in (Earnings) Loss of Affiliates	32			(130		)	(265		)	1			362			—
	Deferred Income Tax Provision (Benefit)	—			—			—			31			—			31
	Other Adjustments	3			(65		)	23			463			—			424
	Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities	(31		)	(383		)	30			763			—			379
	Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
	Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment	—			—			—			(1,045		)	—			(1,045		)
	Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	—			—			—			17			—			17
	Acquisition of Intellectual Property	—			—			—			(3		)	—			(3		)
	Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Businesses, Net	—			—			—			781			—			781
	Capital Contribution to Subsidiary	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Net Cash Provided (Used) by Investing Activities	—			—			—			(250		)	—			(250		)
	Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
	Borrowings (Repayments) Short-term Debt, Net	—			140			—			(94		)	—			46
	Borrowings (Repayments) Long-term Debt, Net	—			—			(16		)	(33		)	—			(49		)
	Borrowings (Repayments) Between Subsidiaries, Net	31			246			8			(285		)	—			—
	Proceeds from Sale of EDC Treasury Shares	—			—			—			22			—			22
	Other, Net	—			—			—			(12		)	—			(12		)
	Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities	31			386			(8		)	(402		)	—			7
	Effect of Exchange Rate Changes On Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			—			11			—			11
	Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			3			22			122			—			147
	Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	—			—			—			435			—			435
	Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	—		$	3		$	22		$	557		$	—		$	582
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
	(Unaudited)
	(Dollars in millions)	Weatherford			Weatherford			Weatherford			Other			Eliminations			Consolidation
		Switzerland			Bermuda			Delaware			Subsidiaries
	Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
	Net Income (Loss)	$	(74	)	$	(226	)	$	154		$	579		$	(483	)	$	(50	)
	Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income(Loss) to Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities:
	Charges from Parent or Subsidiary	27			(25		)	164			(166		)	—			—
	Equity in (Earnings) Loss of Affiliates	23			(213		)	(293		)	—			483			—
	Deferred Income Tax Provision (Benefit)	—			—			—			(168		)	—			(168		)
	Other Adjustments	208			625			34			(82		)	—			785
	Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities	184			161			59			163			—			567
	Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
	Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment	—			—			—			(1,211		)	—			(1,211		)
	Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	—			—			—			(7		)	—			(7		)
	Acquisition of Intellectual Property	—			—			—			(7		)	—			(7		)
	Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Businesses, Net	—			—			—			74			—			74
	Capital Contribution to Subsidiary	(129		)	—			—			—			129			—
	Net Cash Provided (Used) by Investing Activities	(129		)	—			—			(1,151		)	129			(1,151		)
	Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
	Borrowings (Repayments) Short-term Debt, Net	—			905			(4		)	31			—			932
	Borrowings (Repayments) Long-term Debt, Net	—			(294		)	(18		)	(17		)	—			(329		)
	Borrowings (Repayments) Between Subsidiaries, Net	(54		)	(769		)	(37		)	860			—			—
	Proceeds from Capital Contributions	—			—			—			129			(129		)	—
	Other, Net	—			—			—			1			—			1
	Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities	(54		)	(158		)	(59		)	1,004			(129		)	604
	Effect of Exchange Rate Changes On Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			—			(4		)	—			(4		)
	Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	1			3			—			12			—			16
	Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	—			—			—			300			—			300
	Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	1		$	3		$	—		$	312		$	—		$	316

General_Redomestication_Change

General Redomestication Change (Details)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	USD ($)	CHF
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'
Common Shares, Authorized (in shares)	1,356,000,000	840,000,000
Common Shares, Par Value (in USD and CHF per share, respectively)	$0.00	1.16

Business_Combinations_and_Dive2

Business Combinations and Divestitures (Acquisitions) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014
			Joint Venture in China [Member]	Joint Venture in China [Member]	Joint Venture in China [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Business acquisition, percentage of voting interests acquired	'	'	'	'	30.00%
Payments to acquire business	($17)	$7	'	$13	'
Ownership percentage before acquisition of additional ownership interest	'	'	'	'	45.00%
Ownership percentage of joint venture after acquisition	'	'	75.00%	75.00%	'
Business combination, remeasurement gain	'	'	'	16	'
Acquisitions	'	6	'	6	'
Cash acquired from acquisition	'	'	30	'	'
Payments to acquire businesses and equity investments, net of cash acquired	'	$7	'	'	'

Business_Combinations_and_Dive3

Business Combinations and Divestitures (Divestitures - Assets Held for Sale) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Jul. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

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]

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]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Sale Price of Borets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$499

'

'

$246

'

'

Estimated working capital

'

'

'

'

'

'

10

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long-Lived Assets Impairment

0

'

0

143

0

'

143

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill Impairment

-4

121

0

121

0

'

121

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill Impairment (classified as Assets Held For Sale)

'

'

'

'

'

'

95

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gain on Sale of Businesses

38

'

0

38

8

'

10

'

'

'

50

'

'

Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Classified Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accounts Receivables, net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

196

0

'

'

'

Inventories, net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

81

20

'

'

'

Other Current Assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25

0

'

'

'

Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

776

149

'

'

'

Goodwill

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

220

71

'

'

'

Other Intangible Assets, Net

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10

0

'

'

'

Other Assets

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3

0

'

'

'

Total Current Assets Held for Sale

240

'

'

240

'

1,311

'

'

1,311

240

'

'

'

Accounts Payable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

135

0

Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

103

0

Total Current Liabilities Held for Sale

$0

'

'

$0

'

$238

'

'

'

'

'

$238

$0

Business_Combinations_and_Dive4

Business Combinations and Divestitures (Divestitures) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		6 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Oct. 07, 2013
					Industrial Screen Business [Member]	Industrial Screen Business [Member]	Borets International [Member]	Borets International [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total proceeds from sale	'	'	'	'	'	$135	'	'
Cash to be received from disposal of business	'	'	'	'	100	'	370	'
Notes receivable, noncurrent	'	'	'	'	'	35	30	'
Note Receivable Term	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'3 years
Gain on Sale of Businesses	38	0	38	8	'	8	'	'
Ownership percentage before acquisition of additional ownership interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	38.50%	'
Sale Price of Borets	'	'	'	'	'	'	400	'
Amount Collected in Borets Sale	'	'	'	'	'	'	$325	'

Restructuring_Charges_Narrativ

Restructuring Charges (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges	$154	$0	$283	$0
One-time Termination Benefits [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges	21	'	119	'
Payments for Restructuring	'	'	81	'
Asset impairment charges	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges	117	'	138	'
Other Restructuring [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges	16	'	26	'
Payments for Restructuring	'	'	12	'
Employee Severance [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges	'	'	$145	'

Restructuring_Charges_Restruct

Restructuring Charges (Restructuring Charges) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges	$154	$0	$283	$0
Corporate and Research and Development [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges	0	'	30	'
North America	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges	15	'	44	'
MENA/ Asia Pacific	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges	116	'	135	'
Europe/ SSA/ Russia	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges	10	'	37	'
Latin America	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges	13	'	37	'
Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges	'	'	145	'
Cash Payments	'	'	($93)	'

Restructuring_Charges_Restruct1

Restructuring Charges (Restructuring Liability) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Charges	$154	$0	$283	$0
Accrued balance at end of period	46	'	46	'
Corporate and Research and Development [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Charges	0	'	30	'
Accrued balance at end of period	13	'	13	'
North America	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Charges	15	'	44	'
Accrued balance at end of period	1	'	1	'
MENA/ Asia Pacific	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Charges	116	'	135	'
Accrued balance at end of period	16	'	16	'
Europe/ SSA/ Russia	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Charges	10	'	37	'
Accrued balance at end of period	16	'	16	'
Latin America	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Charges	13	'	37	'
Accrued balance at end of period	0	'	0	'
One-time Termination Benefits [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Accrued balance at beginning of period	'	'	0	'
Restructuring Charges	21	'	119	'
Cash Payments	'	'	-81	'
Other	'	'	-6	'
Accrued balance at end of period	32	'	32	'
Asset impairment charges	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Charges	117	'	138	'
Other Restructuring [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Accrued balance at beginning of period	'	'	0	'
Restructuring Charges	16	'	26	'
Cash Payments	'	'	-12	'
Other	'	'	0	'
Accrued balance at end of period	14	'	14	'
Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Accrued balance at beginning of period	'	'	0	'
Restructuring Charges	'	'	145	'
Cash Payments	'	'	-93	'
Other	'	'	-6	'
Accrued balance at end of period	$46	'	$46	'

Accounts_Receivable_Factoring_

Accounts Receivable Factoring (Details) (Mexico [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
Mexico [Member]	'	'
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]	'	'
Accounts receivable sold, carrying value	$139,000,000	$0
Proceeds from sale of accounts receivable	132,000,000	'
Gain (loss) on sale of accounts receivable (less than $1 million)	($2,000,000)	'

Inventories_Net_Schedule_of_In

Inventories, Net (Schedule of Inventory) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Raw materials, components and supplies	$204	$386
Work in process	161	130
Finished goods	2,952	2,774
Total Inventory	$3,317	$3,290

Goodwill_Schedule_of_Goodwill_

Goodwill (Schedule of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

North America

North America

MENA/ Asia Pacific

MENA/ Asia Pacific

Europe/ SSA/ Russia

Europe/ SSA/ Russia

Latin America

Latin America

As Reported [Member]

As Reported [Member]

As Reported [Member]

As Reported [Member]

As Reported [Member]

Reclassification to current assets held for sale [Member]

Reclassification to current assets held for sale [Member]

Reclassification to current assets held for sale [Member]

Reclassification to current assets held for sale [Member]

Reclassification to current assets held for sale [Member]

North America

MENA/ Asia Pacific

Europe/ SSA/ Russia

Latin America

North America

MENA/ Asia Pacific

Europe/ SSA/ Russia

Latin America

Goodwill [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill Impairment

($4)

$121

$0

$121

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Beginning Balance

'

'

'

3,489

'

'

2,197

'

201

'

770

'

321

3,709

2,243

209

912

345

-220

-46

-8

-142

-24

Impairment

'

'

'

'

-26

0

'

0

'

-26

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquisitions

'

'

'

'

6

0

'

6

'

0

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Purchase price and other adjustments

'

'

'

'

-6

1

'

0

'

7

'

-14

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Foreign currency translation adjustments

'

'

'

'

-88

-42

'

-1

'

-41

'

-4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ending Balance

$3,375

'

$3,375

$3,375

$3,375

$2,156

$2,197

$206

$201

$710

$770

$303

$321

$3,709

$2,243

$209

$912

$345

($220)

($46)

($8)

($142)

($24)

Shortterm_Borrowings_and_Curre2

Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-term Debt (Schedule of Short-term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Apr. 10, 2014	2-May-13	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total short-term borrowings	'	'	$1,643	$1,580
Current portion of long-term debt	'	'	72	73
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	'	'	1,715	1,653
Commercial paper program [Member]	'	'	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total short-term borrowings	'	'	971	292
Revolving credit facility [Member]	'	'	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total short-term borrowings	'	'	0	772
364-day term loan facility [Member]	'	'	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total short-term borrowings	'	'	400	300
Debt instrument, term	'364 days	'364 days	'	'
Other short-term bank loans [Member]	'	'	'	'
Short-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Total short-term borrowings	'	'	$272	$216

Shortterm_Borrowings_and_Curre3

Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-term Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)

Sep. 30, 2014

Apr. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Apr. 10, 2014

2-May-13

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Revolving credit facility [Member]

Commercial paper program and letters of credit [Member]

Committed letters of credit [Member]

364-day term loan facility [Member]

364-day term loan facility [Member]

Domestic and foreign facility [Member]

Uncommitted letters of credit [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Bi-Lateral Revolver Debt [Member]

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]

Revolving credit facility [Member]

Domestic and foreign facility [Member]

Domestic and foreign facility [Member]

Short-term Debt [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit agreement, maximum capacity

'

$300,000,000

$2,250,000,000

$2,250,000,000

'

$400,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ratio of indebtedness to net capital percent required

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.6

'

'

Letters of credit outstanding, amount

'

'

'

'

32,000,000

'

'

'

584,000,000

'

'

'

Debt instrument, term

'

'

'

'

'

'364 days

'364 days

'

'

'

'

'

Short term borrowings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

272,000,000

'

'

180,000,000

'

Interest rate at period end

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1.35%

Performance bonds

$277,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (Senior Notes [Member], Level 2 [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of long-term debt	$7,885	$7,580
Carrying Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'
Fair value of long-term debt	$6,800	$6,805

Derivative_Instruments_Schedul

Derivative Instruments (Schedule of Derivatives - Balance Sheet) (Details) (Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Foreign currency forward contracts [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative asset, fair value, gross	$5	$5
Foreign currency forward contracts [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative liability, fair value, gross	-15	-6
Cross-currency swap contracts [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative liability, fair value, gross	($13)	($21)

Derivative_Instruments_Schedul1

Derivative Instruments (Schedule of Derivatives - Income Statement) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Interest rate swap [Member] | Interest Expense, Net [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income	$3	$3	$7	$8
Foreign currency forward contracts [Member] | Other, Net [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income	-5	-15	-12	-1
Cross-currency swap contracts [Member] | Other, Net [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income	$6	($4)	$7	$6

Derivative_Instruments_Narrati

Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Foreign currency forward contracts [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional amount	$927	$635
Cross-currency swap contracts [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Notional amount	168	168
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest rate swap [Member]	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'
Deferred (gain) loss on discontinuation of fair value hedge	($35)	'

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Tax provision	$98	'	$49	$136	$74
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	187	'	80	60	24
Restructuring Charges	154	'	0	283	0
Long-Lived Assets Impairment	0	'	0	143	0
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets - Net of Tax	'	'	'	121	'
Goodwill Impairment	-4	121	0	121	0
Discrete income before tax	'	'	'	283	'
Impairment of Ongoing Project	'	'	'	50	'
Uncertain tax positions, estimated for next twelve months	-25	'	'	-25	'
Litigation settlement amount	'	'	'	'	$153

Shareholders_Equity_Shareholde

Shareholders' Equity (Shareholders' Equity Activity) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Par Value of Issued Shares [Member]

Par Value of Issued Shares [Member]

Par Value of Issued Shares [Member]

Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member]

Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member]

Retained Earnings [Member]

Retained Earnings [Member]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]

Treasury Shares [Member]

Treasury Shares [Member]

Noncontrolling Interests [Member]

Noncontrolling Interests [Member]

Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance, beginning balance

'

'

$8,203

$8,818

$775

$775

$775

$4,600

$4,674

$3,011

$3,356

($187)

$163

($37)

($182)

$41

$32

Net Income (Loss)

89

31

-76

-50

'

'

'

'

'

-109

-74

'

'

'

'

33

24

Other Comprehensive Loss

-207

96

-243

-226

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-243

-226

'

'

'

'

Consolidation of Joint Venture

'

'

27

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

27

'

Dividends Paid to Noncontrolling Interests

'

'

-22

-19

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-22

-19

Change in Common Shares, Treasury Shares and Paid in Capital Associated with Redomestication

'

'

11

'

-778

'

'

750

'

0

'

'

'

39

'

'

'

Equity Awards Granted, Vested and Exercised

'

'

42

58

4

'

'

40

-51

'

'

'

'

-2

109

'

'

Other

'

'

0

0

'

'

'

0

-4

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

4

Balance, ending balance

$7,942

$8,581

$7,942

$8,581

$1

$775

$775

$5,390

$4,619

$2,902

$3,282

($430)

($63)

$0

($73)

$79

$41

Shareholders_Equity_Changes_in

Shareholders' Equity (Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	($187)	$163
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	'	'	-333	-190
Reclassifications	'	'	90	-36
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-207	96	-243	-226
Ending balance	-430	-63	-430	-63
Currency Translation Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	-140	213
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	'	'	-333	-190
Reclassifications	'	'	90	-37
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'	'	-243	-227
Ending balance	-383	-14	-383	-14
Defined Benefit Pension [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	-38	-40
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	'	'	0	0
Reclassifications	'	'	0	1
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'	'	0	1
Ending balance	-38	-39	-38	-39
Deferred Loss on Derivatives [Member]	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	'	'	-9	-10
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	'	'	0	0
Reclassifications	'	'	0	0
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'	'	0	0
Ending balance	($9)	($10)	($9)	($10)

Shareholders_Equity_Narrative_

Shareholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
	USD ($)	USD ($)	CHF	Gain on Sale of Business [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]	Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
				Industrial Screen Business [Member]	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
				USD ($)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Common Shares, Authorized (in shares)	1,356,000,000	'	840,000,000	'	'	'	'
Common Shares, Par Value (in USD and CHF per share, respectively)	$0.00	'	1.16	'	'	'	'
Change in Common Shares, Treasury Shares and Paid in Capital Associated with Redomestication	$11	'	'	'	($778)	'	'
Common Shares, Issued (in shares)	774,000,000	'	840,000,000	'	'	'	'
Reclassifications from AOCI	($90)	$36	'	$30	'	($90)	$37

Earnings_per_Share_Weighted_Av

Earnings per Share (Weighted Average Shares Outstanding) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	777	773	776	771
Dilutive effect of:	'	'	'	'
Stock options, restricted shares and performance units (in shares)	7	6	0	0
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	784	779	776	771

Earnings_per_Share_Antidilutiv

Earnings per Share (Antidilutive Shares) (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Anti-dilutive potential shares	0	2	1	2
Anti-dilutive potential shares due to net loss	0	0	6	5

ShareBased_Compensation_Schedu

Share-Based Compensation (Schedule of Share-based Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	$13	$18	$44	$45
Related tax benefit	$3	$5	$9	$9

ShareBased_Compensation_Narrat

Share-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
Performance units [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Granted (in shares)	0.8
Weighted-average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$14.31
Fair value, risk-free rate	0.34%
Fair value, volatility rate	33.53%
Fair value, dividend yield	0.00%
Unrecognized compensation expense	$14
Unrecognized compensation expense, recognition period	'2 years
Restricted Stock [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Granted (in shares)	2.9
Weighted-average grant date fair value (in dollars per share)	$19.27
Unrecognized compensation expense	$81
Unrecognized compensation expense, recognition period	'2 years

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'	'		'
Net Operating Revenues	$3,877		'	$3,820	$11,184		$11,525
Income from Operations	318		'	239	473		573
Depreciation and Amortization	327		'	352	1,033		1,039
Research and Development Expense	-72		'	-65	-216		-203
Long-Lived Assets Impairment	0		'	0	-143		0
Goodwill Impairment	4		-121	0	-121		0
Restructuring Charges	-154		'	0	-283		0
U.S. Government Investigation Loss Contingency	0		'	0	0		-153
Gain on Sale of Businesses	38		'	0	38		8
North America	'		'	'	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'	'		'
Restructuring Charges	-15		'	'	-44		'
MENA/ Asia Pacific	'		'	'	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'	'		'
Restructuring Charges	-116		'	'	-135		'
Europe/ SSA/ Russia	'		'	'	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'	'		'
Restructuring Charges	-10		'	'	-37		'
Latin America	'		'	'	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'	'		'
Restructuring Charges	-13		'	'	-37		'
Operating Segments [Member]	'		'	'	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'	'		'
Net Operating Revenues	3,877		'	3,820	11,184		11,525
Income from Operations	575		'	395	1,407		1,209
Depreciation and Amortization	321		'	349	1,016		1,025
Operating Segments [Member] | North America	'		'	'	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'	'		'
Net Operating Revenues	1,814		'	1,597	5,083		4,818
Income from Operations	286		'	215	722		606
Depreciation and Amortization	108		'	108	322		318
Restructuring Charges	-15		'	'	-44		'
Operating Segments [Member] | MENA/ Asia Pacific	'		'	'	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'	'		'
Net Operating Revenues	808		'	819	2,343		2,523
Income from Operations	61	[1]	'	-38	121	[1]	49	[1]
Depreciation and Amortization	98		'	101	303		292
Restructuring Charges	-116		'	'	-135		'
Operating Segments [Member] | Europe/ SSA/ Russia	'		'	'	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'	'		'
Net Operating Revenues	644		'	691	2,058		2,005
Income from Operations	139		'	103	317		251
Depreciation and Amortization	54		'	69	202		208
Restructuring Charges	-10		'	'	-37		'
Operating Segments [Member] | Latin America	'		'	'	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'	'		'
Net Operating Revenues	611		'	713	1,700		2,179
Income from Operations	89		'	115	247		303
Depreciation and Amortization	61		'	71	189		207
Restructuring Charges	-13		'	'	-37		'
Corporate and Research and Development [Member]	'		'	'	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'	'		'
Depreciation and Amortization	6		'	3	17		14
Research and Development Expense	-117		'	-110	-353		-345
Restructuring Charges	0		'	'	-30		'
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]	'		'	'	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'	'		'
Long-Lived Assets Impairment	'		'	'	-143	[2]	'
Goodwill Impairment	'		'	4	121		'
Restructuring Charges	-154	[3]	'	'	-283	[3]	'
U.S. Government Investigation Loss Contingency	'		'	'	'		-153	[3]
Gain on Sale of Businesses	38		'	'	38		'
Other Items	($28)		'	($46)	($72)		($146)
[1]	During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recognized estimated project losses of $38 million related to our long-term early production facility construction contracts in Iraq accounted for under the percentage-of-completion method. Total estimated losses on these projects were $345 million at September 30, 2014. As of September 30, 2014, our project estimates include $27 million of claims revenue and $35 million of back charges.
[2]	The nine months ended September 30, 2014 includes professional fees of $64 million related to the divestiture of our non-core businesses, restatement related litigation, the settlement of the U.S. government investigations, and our 2014 redomestication from Switzerland to Ireland and other charges of $8 million.
[3]	For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recognized restructuring charges of $283 million: $44 million in North America, $135 million in MENA/Asia Pacific, $37 million in Europe/SSA/Russia, $37 million in Latin America and $30 million in Corporate and Research and Development.

Segment_Information_Narrative_

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges	($154)		$0	($283)		$0
Divestiture, Professional and Other Fees Portion	24		'	'		'
Professional Fees	'		'	64		'
Other Nonrecurring (Income) Expense	'		'	8		'
Professional fees and expenses for investigations and remediation of material weakness	'		8	'		35
Severance, exit and other charges	'		38	'		111
Severance Costs Portion	'		20	'		64
Legal, Professional and Other Fees Portion	4		18	'		47
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business	38		0	38		8
North America	'		'	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges	-15		'	-44		'
MENA/ Asia Pacific	'		'	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges	-116		'	-135		'
Europe/ SSA/ Russia	'		'	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges	-10		'	-37		'
Latin America	'		'	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges	-13		'	-37		'
Operating Segments [Member] | North America	'		'	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges	-15		'	-44		'
Operating Segments [Member] | MENA/ Asia Pacific	'		'	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges	-116		'	-135		'
Operating Segments [Member] | Europe/ SSA/ Russia	'		'	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges	-10		'	-37		'
Operating Segments [Member] | Latin America	'		'	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges	-13		'	-37		'
Corporate and Research and Development [Member]	'		'	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges	0		'	-30		'
Segment Reconciling Items [Member]	'		'	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Severance, asset impairment and other restructuring charges	-154	[1]	'	-283	[1]	'
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business	38		'	38		'
Iraq [Member]	'		'	'		'
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Loss on contracts	10		'	38		'
Estimated loss on long term construction contract	345		'	345		'
Claims revenue	27		'	27		'
Other Deductions and Charges	35		'	35		'
Accrued Fees and Other Revenue Receivable	$6		'	$6		'
[1]	For the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recognized restructuring charges of $283 million: $44 million in North America, $135 million in MENA/Asia Pacific, $37 million in Europe/SSA/Russia, $37 million in Latin America and $30 million in Corporate and Research and Development.

Disputes_Litigation_and_Contin1

Disputes, Litigation and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	2 Months Ended	3 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jan. 29, 2014
	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]
	Oil-for-Food Program and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act [Member]	Oil-for-Food Program and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act [Member]	Material Weakness in Internal Controls [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'
Payments for legal settlements	$253	'	$53
Period of time expected to be monitored for assessing company's compliance upon settlement	'	'18 months	'

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ2

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Narrative) (Details)

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Apr. 10, 2014

2-May-13

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes, 6.35% due 2017 [Member]

Senior Notes, 6.35% due 2017 [Member]

Senior Notes, 6.80% due 2037 [Member]

Senior Notes, 6.80% due 2037 [Member]

Senior Notes, 5.50% due 2016 [Member]

Senior Notes, 5.50% due 2016 [Member]

Senior Notes, 6.50% due 2036 [Member]

Senior Notes, 6.50% due 2036 [Member]

Senior Notes, 6.00% due 2018 [Member]

Senior Notes, 6.00% due 2018 [Member]

Senior Notes, 7.00% due 2038 [Member]

Senior Notes, 7.00% due 2038 [Member]

Senior Notes, 9.625% due 2019 [Member]

Senior Notes, 9.625% due 2019 [Member]

Senior Notes, 9.875% due 2039 [Member]

Senior Notes, 9.875% due 2039 [Member]

Senior Notes, 5.125% due 2020 [Member]

Senior Notes, 5.125% due 2020 [Member]

Senior Notes, 6.75% due 2040 [Member]

Senior Notes, 6.75% due 2040 [Member]

Senior Notes, 4.50% due 2022 [Member]

Senior Notes, 4.50% due 2022 [Member]

Senior Notes, 5.95% due 2042 [Member]

Senior Notes, 5.95% due 2042 [Member]

Notes Payable to Banks [Member]

Notes Payable to Banks [Member]

Weatherford Delaware [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Senior Notes [Member]

Weatherford Bermuda [Member]

Weatherford Bermuda [Member]

Weatherford Bermuda [Member]

Weatherford Bermuda [Member]

Weatherford Delaware [Member]

Weatherford Delaware [Member]

Weatherford Delaware [Member]

Weatherford Delaware [Member]

Weatherford Delaware [Member]

Weatherford Delaware [Member]

Weatherford Delaware [Member]

Weatherford Delaware [Member]

Weatherford Delaware [Member]

Weatherford Delaware [Member]

Weatherford Delaware [Member]

Weatherford Delaware [Member]

Weatherford Delaware [Member]

Weatherford Delaware [Member]

Weatherford Delaware [Member]

Weatherford Delaware [Member]

Weatherford Delaware [Member]

Weatherford Delaware [Member]

Weatherford Delaware [Member]

Weatherford Delaware [Member]

Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stated interest rate on debt

'

6.35%

6.35%

6.80%

6.80%

5.50%

5.50%

6.50%

6.50%

6.00%

6.00%

7.00%

7.00%

9.63%

9.63%

9.88%

9.88%

5.13%

5.13%

6.75%

6.75%

4.50%

4.50%

5.95%

5.95%

'

'

Debt instrument, term

'364 days

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'364 days

'364 days

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ3

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$3,877	$3,820	$11,184	$11,525
Costs and Expenses	-3,559	-3,581	-10,711	-10,952
Operating Income (Loss)	318	239	473	573
Other Income (Expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest Expense, Net	-122	-129	-376	-388
Intercompany Charges, Net	0	0	0	0
Equity in Subsidiary Income	0	0	0	0
Other, Net	-9	-30	-37	-161
Income Before Income Taxes	187	80	60	24
(Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes	-98	-49	-136	-74
Net Income (Loss)	89	31	-76	-50
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	-12	-9	-33	-24
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	77	22	-109	-74
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	-130	118	-352	-300
Weatherford Ireland [Member]	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	0	'	0	'
Costs and Expenses	-6	'	-34	'
Operating Income (Loss)	-6	'	-34	'
Other Income (Expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest Expense, Net	0	'	0	'
Intercompany Charges, Net	-31	'	-43	'
Equity in Subsidiary Income	112	'	-32	'
Other, Net	1	'	0	'
Income Before Income Taxes	76	'	-109	'
(Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes	1	'	0	'
Net Income (Loss)	77	'	-109	'
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	0	'	0	'
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	77	'	-109	'
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	-130	'	-352	'
Weatherford Switzerland [Member]	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	0	'	0
Costs and Expenses	'	-6	'	-24
Operating Income (Loss)	'	-6	'	-24
Other Income (Expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest Expense, Net	'	0	'	0
Intercompany Charges, Net	'	-2	'	-27
Equity in Subsidiary Income	'	31	'	-23
Other, Net	'	-1	'	0
Income Before Income Taxes	'	22	'	-74
(Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes	'	0	'	0
Net Income (Loss)	'	22	'	-74
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	'	0	'	0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	'	22	'	-74
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	'	118	'	-300
Weatherford Bermuda [Member]	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Costs and Expenses	0	0	-1	-122
Operating Income (Loss)	0	0	-1	-122
Other Income (Expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest Expense, Net	-106	-108	-317	-326
Intercompany Charges, Net	5	12	7,331	25
Equity in Subsidiary Income	242	35	130	213
Other, Net	15	-26	0	-16
Income Before Income Taxes	156	-87	7,143	-226
(Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes	0	0	0	0
Net Income (Loss)	156	-87	7,143	-226
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	0	0	0	0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	156	-87	7,143	-226
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	175	-10	7,162	-406
Weatherford Delaware [Member]	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Costs and Expenses	0	-1	-1	-2
Operating Income (Loss)	0	-1	-1	-2
Other Income (Expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest Expense, Net	-14	-15	-43	-46
Intercompany Charges, Net	-28	-85	-105	-164
Equity in Subsidiary Income	429	62	265	293
Other, Net	0	0	-1	-1
Income Before Income Taxes	387	-39	115	80
(Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes	15	35	52	74
Net Income (Loss)	402	-4	167	154
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	0	0	0	0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	402	-4	167	154
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	450	73	215	38
Other Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	3,877	3,820	11,184	11,525
Costs and Expenses	-3,553	-3,574	-10,675	-10,804
Operating Income (Loss)	324	246	509	721
Other Income (Expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest Expense, Net	-2	-6	-16	-16
Intercompany Charges, Net	54	75	-9,003	166
Equity in Subsidiary Income	-1	0	-1	0
Other, Net	-25	-3	-36	-144
Income Before Income Taxes	350	312	-8,547	727
(Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes	-114	-84	-188	-148
Net Income (Loss)	236	228	-8,735	579
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	-12	-9	-33	-24
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	224	219	-8,768	555
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	161	314	-8,831	328
Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Revenues	0	0	0	0
Costs and Expenses	0	0	0	0
Operating Income (Loss)	0	0	0	0
Other Income (Expense):	'	'	'	'
Interest Expense, Net	0	0	0	0
Intercompany Charges, Net	0	0	1,820	0
Equity in Subsidiary Income	-782	-128	-362	-483
Other, Net	0	0	0	0
Income Before Income Taxes	-782	-128	1,458	-483
(Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes	0	0	0	0
Net Income (Loss)	-782	-128	1,458	-483
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	0	0	0	0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	-782	-128	1,458	-483
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	($786)	($377)	$1,454	$40

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ4

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$582	$435	$316	$300
Other Current Assets	8,345	9,349	'	'
Total Current Assets	8,927	9,784	'	'
Equity Investments in Affiliates	0	0	'	'
Equity Held in Parent	'	0	'	'
Intercompany Receivables, Net	0	0	'	'
Other Assets	11,800	12,193	'	'
Total Assets	20,727	21,977	'	'
Current Liabilities	'	'	'	'
Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt	1,715	1,653	'	'
Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities	3,163	4,085	'	'
Total Current Liabilities	4,878	5,738	'	'
Long-term Debt	7,004	7,061	'	'
Intercompany Payables, Net	0	0	'	'
Other Long-term Liabilities	903	975	'	'
Total Liabilities	12,785	13,774	'	'
Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity	7,863	8,162	'	'
Noncontrolling Interests	79	41	'	'
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	20,727	21,977	'	'
Weatherford Ireland [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current Assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0	'	'
Other Current Assets	4	'	'	'
Total Current Assets	4	'	'	'
Equity Investments in Affiliates	9,493	'	'	'
Intercompany Receivables, Net	0	'	'	'
Other Assets	5	'	'	'
Total Assets	9,502	'	'	'
Current Liabilities	'	'	'	'
Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt	0	'	'	'
Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities	19	'	'	'
Total Current Liabilities	19	'	'	'
Long-term Debt	0	'	'	'
Intercompany Payables, Net	1,607	'	'	'
Other Long-term Liabilities	13	'	'	'
Total Liabilities	1,639	'	'	'
Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity	7,863	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interests	0	'	'	'
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	9,502	'	'	'
Weatherford Switzerland [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current Assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'	0	1	0
Other Current Assets	'	57	'	'
Total Current Assets	'	57	'	'
Equity Investments in Affiliates	'	8,663	'	'
Equity Held in Parent	'	0	'	'
Intercompany Receivables, Net	'	0	'	'
Other Assets	'	7	'	'
Total Assets	'	8,727	'	'
Current Liabilities	'	'	'	'
Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt	'	0	'	'
Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities	'	312	'	'
Total Current Liabilities	'	312	'	'
Long-term Debt	'	0	'	'
Intercompany Payables, Net	'	243	'	'
Other Long-term Liabilities	'	10	'	'
Total Liabilities	'	565	'	'
Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity	'	8,162	'	'
Noncontrolling Interests	'	0	'	'
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	'	8,727	'	'
Weatherford Bermuda [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current Assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents	3	0	3	0
Other Current Assets	5	5	'	'
Total Current Assets	8	5	'	'
Equity Investments in Affiliates	11,082	11,742	'	'
Equity Held in Parent	'	0	'	'
Intercompany Receivables, Net	0	0	'	'
Other Assets	37	41	'	'
Total Assets	11,127	11,788	'	'
Current Liabilities	'	'	'	'
Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt	1,585	1,445	'	'
Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities	70	129	'	'
Total Current Liabilities	1,655	1,574	'	'
Long-term Debt	5,888	5,891	'	'
Intercompany Payables, Net	5,133	6,755	'	'
Other Long-term Liabilities	89	97	'	'
Total Liabilities	12,765	14,317	'	'
Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity	-1,638	-2,529	'	'
Noncontrolling Interests	0	0	'	'
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	11,127	11,788	'	'
Weatherford Delaware [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current Assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents	22	0	0	0
Other Current Assets	453	415	'	'
Total Current Assets	475	415	'	'
Equity Investments in Affiliates	8,329	8,065	'	'
Equity Held in Parent	'	10	'	'
Intercompany Receivables, Net	0	0	'	'
Other Assets	17	17	'	'
Total Assets	8,821	8,507	'	'
Current Liabilities	'	'	'	'
Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt	22	23	'	'
Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities	0	0	'	'
Total Current Liabilities	22	23	'	'
Long-term Debt	970	986	'	'
Intercompany Payables, Net	443	306	'	'
Other Long-term Liabilities	8	2	'	'
Total Liabilities	1,443	1,317	'	'
Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity	7,378	7,190	'	'
Noncontrolling Interests	0	0	'	'
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	8,821	8,507	'	'
Other Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current Assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents	557	435	312	300
Other Current Assets	8,329	9,280	'	'
Total Current Assets	8,886	9,715	'	'
Equity Investments in Affiliates	5,281	6,466	'	'
Equity Held in Parent	'	27	'	'
Intercompany Receivables, Net	7,183	7,304	'	'
Other Assets	11,741	12,128	'	'
Total Assets	33,091	35,640	'	'
Current Liabilities	'	'	'	'
Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt	108	185	'	'
Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities	3,520	4,052	'	'
Total Current Liabilities	3,628	4,237	'	'
Long-term Debt	145	184	'	'
Intercompany Payables, Net	0	0	'	'
Other Long-term Liabilities	793	866	'	'
Total Liabilities	4,566	5,287	'	'
Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity	28,446	30,312	'	'
Noncontrolling Interests	79	41	'	'
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	33,091	35,640	'	'
Eliminations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Current Assets	'	'	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0	0	0
Other Current Assets	-446	-408	'	'
Total Current Assets	-446	-408	'	'
Equity Investments in Affiliates	-34,185	-34,936	'	'
Equity Held in Parent	'	-37	'	'
Intercompany Receivables, Net	-7,183	-7,304	'	'
Other Assets	0	0	'	'
Total Assets	-41,814	-42,685	'	'
Current Liabilities	'	'	'	'
Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt	0	0	'	'
Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities	-446	-408	'	'
Total Current Liabilities	-446	-408	'	'
Long-term Debt	1	0	'	'
Intercompany Payables, Net	-7,183	-7,304	'	'
Other Long-term Liabilities	0	0	'	'
Total Liabilities	-7,628	-7,712	'	'
Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity	-34,186	-34,973	'	'
Noncontrolling Interests	0	0	'	'
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	($41,814)	($42,685)	'	'

Condensed_Consolidating_Financ5

Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements (Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
			Weatherford Switzerland [Member]	Weatherford Ireland [Member]	Weatherford Bermuda [Member]	Weatherford Bermuda [Member]	Weatherford Delaware [Member]	Weatherford Delaware [Member]	Other Subsidiaries [Member]	Other Subsidiaries [Member]	Eliminations [Member]	Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Income (Loss)	($76,000,000)	($50,000,000)	($74,000,000)	($109,000,000)	$7,143,000,000	($226,000,000)	$167,000,000	$154,000,000	($8,735,000,000)	$579,000,000	$1,458,000,000	($483,000,000)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Charges from Parent or Subsidiary	0	0	27,000,000	43,000,000	-7,331,000,000	-25,000,000	105,000,000	164,000,000	9,003,000,000	-166,000,000	-1,820,000,000	0
Equity in (Earnings) Loss of Affiliates	0	0	23,000,000	32,000,000	-130,000,000	-213,000,000	-265,000,000	-293,000,000	1,000,000	0	362,000,000	483,000,000
Deferred Income Tax Provision (Benefit)	31,000,000	-168,000,000	0	0	0	0	0	0	31,000,000	-168,000,000	0	0
Other Adjustments	424,000,000	785,000,000	208,000,000	3,000,000	-65,000,000	625,000,000	23,000,000	34,000,000	463,000,000	-82,000,000	0	0
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	379,000,000	567,000,000	184,000,000	-31,000,000	-383,000,000	161,000,000	30,000,000	59,000,000	763,000,000	163,000,000	0	0
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment	-1,045,000,000	-1,211,000,000	0	0	0	0	0	0	-1,045,000,000	-1,211,000,000	0	0
Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	17,000,000	-7,000,000	0	0	0	0	0	0	17,000,000	-7,000,000	0	0
Acquisition of Intellectual Property	-3,000,000	-7,000,000	0	0	0	0	0	0	-3,000,000	-7,000,000	0	0
Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Businesses, Net	781,000,000	74,000,000	0	0	0	0	0	0	781,000,000	74,000,000	0	0
Capital Contribution to Subsidiary	0	0	-129,000,000	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	129,000,000
Net Cash Used in Investing Activities	-250,000,000	-1,151,000,000	-129,000,000	0	0	0	0	0	-250,000,000	-1,151,000,000	0	129,000,000
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Borrowings of Short-term Debt, Net	46,000,000	932,000,000	0	0	140,000,000	905,000,000	0	-4,000,000	-94,000,000	31,000,000	0	0
Borrowings (Repayments) Long-term Debt, Net	-49,000,000	-329,000,000	0	0	0	-294,000,000	-16,000,000	-18,000,000	-33,000,000	-17,000,000	0	0
Borrowings (Repayments) Between Subsidiaries, Net	0	0	-54,000,000	31,000,000	246,000,000	-769,000,000	8,000,000	-37,000,000	-285,000,000	860,000,000	0	0
Proceeds from Sale of EDC Treasury Shares	-22,000,000	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	-22,000,000	-129,000,000	0	129,000,000
Other, Net	-12,000,000	1,000,000	0	0	0	0	0	0	-12,000,000	1,000,000	0	0
Net Cash Provided by Financing Activities	7,000,000	604,000,000	-54,000,000	31,000,000	386,000,000	-158,000,000	-8,000,000	-59,000,000	-402,000,000	1,004,000,000	0	-129,000,000
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	11,000,000	-4,000,000	0	0	0	0	0	0	11,000,000	-4,000,000	0	0
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	147,000,000	16,000,000	1,000,000	0	3,000,000	3,000,000	22,000,000	0	122,000,000	12,000,000	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	435,000,000	300,000,000	0	0	0	0	0	0	435,000,000	300,000,000	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$582,000,000	$316,000,000	$1,000,000	$0	$3,000,000	$3,000,000	$22,000,000	$0	$557,000,000	$312,000,000	$0	$0

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Investment Owned, at Fair Value	$180