Weatherford International (WFRD) 10-K 18 Feb 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 10, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	Weatherford International plc
Entity Central Index Key	1603923
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$13.40
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		774,280,291
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_OPE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues:
Products	$6,059	$6,007		$6,024
Services	8,852	9,256		9,191
Total Revenue	14,911	15,263		15,215
Costs and Expenses:
Cost of Products	4,942	4,480		4,693
Cost of Services	6,519	7,822		7,162
Research and Development	290	265		257
Selling, General and Administrative Attributable to Segments	1,727	1,728		1,585
Corporate General and Administrative	290	316		355
Restructuring Charges	331	0		0
Long-Lived Assets Impairment	495	0		0
Goodwill and Equity Investment Impairment	161	0		793
U.S. Government Investigation Loss	0	153		100
Gain on Sale of Businesses and Investments, Net	-349	-24		-28
Total Costs and Expenses	14,406	14,740		14,917
Operating Income (Loss)	505	523	[1]	298
Other Income (Expense):
Interest Expense, Net	-498	-516		-486
Devaluation of Venezuelan Bolivar	-245	-100		0
Other, Net	-17	-77		-100
Loss Before Income Taxes	-255	-170		-288
Provision for Income Taxes	-284	-144		-462
Net Loss	-539	-314		-750
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	-45	-31		-28
Net Loss Attributable to Weatherford	($584)	($345)		($778)
Loss Per Share Attributable to Weatherford:
Basic (in dollars per share)	($0.75)	($0.45)		($1.02)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.75)	($0.45)		($1.02)
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding:
Basic (in shares)	777	772		765
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	777	772		765
[1]	Includes income tax restatement and material weakness remediation expenses of $103 million, $13 million of costs incurred in connection with U.S. government investigations, $11 million of non-recurring fees and expenses associated with our 2012 debt consent solicitation and severance, exit and other charges of $79 million.

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net Loss	($539)	($314)	($750)
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax:
Foreign Currency Translation	-673	-353	86
Defined Benefit Pension Activity	-19	2	-4
Other	-2	1	1
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-694	-350	83
Comprehensive Loss	-1,233	-664	-667
Comprehensive Loss Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	-45	-31	-28
Comprehensive Loss Attributable to Weatherford	($1,278)	($695)	($695)

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$474	$435
Accounts Receivable, Net of Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts of $108 in 2014 and $106 in 2013	3,015	3,351
Inventories, Net	3,087	3,200
Deferred Tax Assets	303	292
Other Current Assets	1,065	1,052
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Assets, Current	0	1,604
Total Current Assets	7,944	9,934
Land, Buildings and Leasehold Improvements	1,836	1,776
Rental and Service Equipment	9,714	9,989
Machinery and Other	2,468	2,395
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	14,018	14,160
Less: Accumulated Depreciation	6,895	6,471
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	7,123	7,689
Goodwill	3,011	3,290
Other Intangible Assets, Net	440	566
Equity Investments	106	296
Other Non-current Assets	265	202
Total Assets	18,889	21,977
Current Liabilities:
Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-term Debt	727	1,653
Accounts Payable	1,736	1,918
Accrued Salaries and Benefits	425	472
Billings in Excess of Costs and Estimated Earnings	1	127
Income Taxes Payable	230	183
Other Current Liabilities	908	1,086
Total Current Liabilities Held for Sale	0	318
Total Current Liabilities	4,027	5,757
Long-term Debt	6,798	7,061
Other Non-current Liabilities	1,031	956
Total Liabilities	11,856	13,774
Shareholders’ Equity:
Shares - Par Value $0.001; Authorized 1,356 shares, Issued and Outstanding 774 shares at December 31, 2014; Authorized 840 shares, Conditionally Authorized 372 shares, Issued 840 shares, Outstanding 767 shares, Par Value 1.16 Swiss Francs at December 31, 2013	1	775
Capital in Excess of Par Value	5,411	4,600
Retained Earnings	2,427	3,011
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	-881	-187
Treasury Shares, 0 shares and 73 shares, at cost, at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively	0	-37
Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity	6,958	8,162
Noncontrolling Interests	75	41
Total Shareholders’ Equity	7,033	8,203
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$18,889	$21,977

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	USD ($)	USD ($)	CHF
Current Assets:
Allowance for Uncollectible Accounts	$108	$106
Shareholders' Equity:
Common Shares, Par Value (in CHF per share)	$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)	0	372,000,000	372,000,000
Common Shares, Issued (in shares)	774,000,000	840,000,000	840,000,000
Common Shares, Outstanding (in shares)	774,000,000	767,000,000	767,000,000
Treasury Shares, at cost (in shares)	0	73,000,000	73,000,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_SHA

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Total	Shares Issued [Member]	Capital in Excess of Par Value [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Treasury Shares [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance, beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$9,345,000,000	$769,000,000	$4,675,000,000	$4,134,000,000	$80,000,000	($334,000,000)	$21,000,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	-750,000,000	0	0	-778,000,000	0	0	28,000,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	83,000,000	0	0	0	83,000,000	0	0
Dividends Paid to Noncontrolling Interests	-21,000,000	0	0	0	0	0	-21,000,000
Shares Issued for Acquisitions	39,000,000	0	-27,000,000	0	0	66,000,000	0
Equity Awards Granted, Vested and Exercised	64,000,000	0	-22,000,000	0	0	86,000,000	0
Excess Tax Benefits of Share-based Compensation Plans	-3,000,000	0	-3,000,000	0	0	0	0
Exercise of Warrants	65,000,000	6,000,000	59,000,000	0	0	0	0
Other	-4,000,000	0	-8,000,000	0	0	0	4,000,000
Balance, ending balance at Dec. 31, 2012	8,818,000,000	775,000,000	4,674,000,000	3,356,000,000	163,000,000	-182,000,000	32,000,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	-314,000,000	0	0	-345,000,000	0	0	31,000,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-350,000,000	0	0	0	-350,000,000	0	0
Dividends Paid to Noncontrolling Interests	-27,000,000	0	0	0	0	0	-27,000,000
Equity Awards Granted, Vested and Exercised	77,000,000	0	-68,000,000	0	0	145,000,000	0
Excess Tax Benefits of Share-based Compensation Plans	-1,000,000	0	-1,000,000	0	0	0	0
Other	0	0	-5,000,000	0	0	0	5,000,000
Balance, ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013	8,203,000,000	775,000,000	4,600,000,000	3,011,000,000	-187,000,000	-37,000,000	41,000,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net Income	-539,000,000	0	0	-584,000,000	0	0	45,000,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	-694,000,000	0	0	0	-694,000,000	0	0
Noncontrolling Interest in Net Income (Loss) Joint Venture Partners, Redeemable	27,000,000	0	0	0	0	0	27,000,000
Dividends Paid to Noncontrolling Interests	-39,000,000	0	0	0	0	0	-39,000,000
Change in Common Shares Associated with Redomestication	11,000,000	-778,000,000	750,000,000	0	0	39,000,000	0
Equity Awards Granted, Vested and Exercised	56,000,000	4,000,000	54,000,000	0	0	-2,000,000	0
Excess Tax Benefits of Share-based Compensation Plans	7,000,000	0	7,000,000	0	0	0	0
Other	1,000,000	0	0	0	0	0	1,000,000
Balance, ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$7,033,000,000	$1,000,000	$5,411,000,000	$2,427,000,000	($881,000,000)	$0	$75,000,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net Income	($539)	($314)	($750)
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Loss to Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities:
Depreciation and Amortization	1,371	1,402	1,282
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	495	0	0
Goodwill and Equity Investment Impairment	161	0	793
Payments for Restructuring	135
Restructuring Charges	331	0	0
Payments for Divestiture of Businesses	112	0	0
Devaluation of Venezuelan Bolivar	245	100	0
U.S. Government Investigation Loss	0	153	100
Employee Share-Based Compensation Expense	56	66	76
Bad Debt Expense	27	102	22
(Gain) Loss on Sale of Assets and Businesses	-349	6	-9
Deferred Income Tax Benefit	-66	-33	-13
Excess Tax Benefits from Share-Based Compensation	-7	1	-1
Other, Net	75	10	43
Change in Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net of Effect of Businesses Acquired:
Accounts Receivable	78	-12	-705
Inventories	-167	129	-738
Other Current Assets	-80	-65	-231
Accounts Payable	-150	69	543
Billings in Excess of Costs and Estimated Earnings	-126	-154	255
Other Current Liabilities	-219	-185	452
Other, Net	-89	-46	102
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities	963	1,229	1,221
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment	-1,450	-1,575	-2,177
Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	18	-8	-165
Acquisition of Intellectual Property	-5	-9	-17
Acquisition of Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates	-3	0	-8
Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Businesses, Net	1,770	488	61
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities	330	-1,104	-2,306
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Borrowings of Long-term Debt	0	3	1,313
Repayments of Long-term Debt	-259	-603	-310
Borrowings (Repayments) of Short-term Debt, Net	-924	612	-13
Proceeds from Exercise of Warrants	0	0	65
Excess Tax Benefits from Share-Based Compensation	7	-1	1
Proceeds from Sale of Treasury Stock	22	0	0
Other Financing Activities, Net	-26	-5	-44
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities	-1,180	6	1,012
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	-74	4	2
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	39	135	-71
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	435	300	371
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	$474	$435	$300

Business_Combinations_and_Dive

Business Combinations and Divestitures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Business Combinations and Dispositions	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 Consolidated Statements of Operations from the date of acquisition. The balances included in the 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 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 $16 million gain, and we applied the consolidation method of accounting, recognizing $6 million of goodwill and $30 million of cash. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we acquired businesses for cash consideration of $8 million, net of cash acquired.
	In May 2012, we acquired a company that designs and produces well completion tools. As purchase consideration, we paid $29 million in cash, issued three million shares valued at approximately $39 million, settled a previously existing note receivable for $16 million and entered into a contingent consideration arrangement valued at approximately $3 million at December 31, 2014 that will be settled in early 2015. This contingent consideration arrangement is dependent on the acquired company’s 2014 revenue and will be marked to market through current earnings in each reporting period prior to settlement. The liability is valued using Level 3 inputs. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we also acquired other businesses and equity investments for cash consideration of $144 million, net of cash acquired.
	Divestitures
	On December 31, 2014, we completed the sale of our engineered chemistry and Integrity drilling fluids businesses for proceeds totaling $750 million less estimated working capital adjustments of $16 million and transaction fees of $12 million and recognized a gain of $250 million. We may also receive a potential increase from an earnout tied to the post-closing performance of the disposed businesses during the twelve month period after the closing date. In addition, we disposed of all of our shares in Proserv Group Inc. (“Proserv”) and recognized a gain of $65 million resulting from this transaction.
	The following amounts are related to our engineered chemistry and Integrity drilling fluids businesses, have been segregated from our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Dollars in millions)	2014		2013		2012
	Income Before Income Taxes	$	57	$	58	$	57
	The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities of our engineered chemistry and Integrity drilling fluids businesses divested are as follows:
		December 31,
	(Dollars in millions)	2014		2013
	Assets:
	Accounts Receivable, Net	$	48	$	48
	Inventory, Net	99		103
	Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	55		52
	Goodwill	270		270
	Other Intangible Assets, Net	43		49
	Other Assets	1		5
	Total Assets	$	516	$	527
	Liabilities:
	Accounts Payable	$	32	$	37
	Deferred Tax Liabilities	10		19
	Other Liabilities	2		23
	Total Liabilities	$	44	$	79
	In September 2014, we completed the sale of our pipeline and specialty services business. We received total proceeds of $246 million ($245 million, net of cash disposed) plus preliminary estimated working capital adjustments of $2 million and recognized a gain of approximately $49 million resulting from this transaction. The final proceeds and gain recognition are subject to settlement of working capital adjustments.
	In July 2014, we completed the sale of our land drilling and workover rig operations in Russia and Venezuela. We received proceeds upon closing of $499 million ($486 million, net of cash disposed) plus estimated working capital adjustments of $3 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 9 – Goodwill” for additional information regarding the goodwill impairment. Following the previous recorded impairments and upon closing the transaction net of working capital adjustments, we recognized a loss of approximately $15 million, however, the final proceeds and loss 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, engineered chemistry businesses and Integrity drilling fluids business have been reclassified as held for sale as of December 31, 2013. As indicated above, we completed the sale of land drilling and workover rig operations in Russia and Venezuela, the pipeline and specialty services business, engineered chemistry business and Integrity drilling fluids during the second half of 2014.
	Assets and liabilities have been reclassified as held for sale as of December 31, 2013 in connection with our planned divestitures. These balances are listed in the table below. As of December 31, 2014, we did not have any businesses that qualified for assets held for sale classification.
	(Dollars in millions)	December 31, 2013
	Accounts Receivables, net	$	244
	Inventories, net	170
	Other Current Assets	30
	Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net	678
	Goodwill	419
	Other Intangible Assets, Net	59
	Other Assets	4
	Total Current Assets Held for Sale	$	1,604
	Accounts Payable	$	173
	Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities	145
	Total Current Liabilities Held for Sale	$	318
	On October 7, 2013, we completed the sale of our 38.5% equity interest in Borets International Limited (“Borets”) for $400 million, net of settlement items. Borets is an electric submersible pump manufacturer that operates in Russia. The consideration consisted of $359 million in cash and a three-year $30 million promissory note. As part of the sale, it was agreed that any payables or receivables between the parties would be net settled and, as a result, $11 million that we owed to Borets was deducted from the total consideration. We recorded a gain on sale of $18 million.
	In 2013, we also completed the sale of our industrial screen business for proceeds totaling $137 million. 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. During the year ended December 31, 2013, we recognized gains totaling $6 million resulting from these industrial screen transactions. The major classes of assets sold in these transactions included $54 million in cash, $36 million of accounts receivable, $37 million of inventory and $93 million of other assets primarily comprised of property, plant and equipment, other intangible assets and goodwill. Liabilities of $69 million were also transferred in the sale, of which $60 million were current liabilities.
	During 2012, we completed the sale of our subsea controls business in exchange for an equity investment valued at $173 million (see “Note 11 – Equity Investments”). We recognized a $28 million gain from the transaction (approximately $25 million net of tax). The major classes of assets sold included $39 million of accounts receivable and other current assets, $38 million of inventories, $5 million of property plant and equipment and $74 million of goodwill. Liabilities of $13 million were also transferred in the sale.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Organization and Nature of Operations
	Weatherford International plc (“Weatherford Ireland”), a public limited company, together with its subsidiaries (“Weatherford,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our”), is an Irish multinational oilfield service company. Weatherford is one of the world’s leading providers of equipment and services used in the drilling, evaluation, completion, production and intervention of oil and natural gas wells. We operate in over 100 countries, which are located in nearly all of the oil and natural gas producing regions in the world. Many of our businesses, including those of our predecessor companies, have been operating for more than 50 years.
	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 (the “Merger”). The Merger was effected through an agreement between Weatherford International Ltd. (“Weatherford Switzerland”) and Weatherford Ireland 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 New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “WFT,” the same symbol under which Weatherford Switzerland registered shares were previously listed.
	In February 2009, we completed a share exchange transaction in which Weatherford International Ltd., a Bermuda exempted company (“Weatherford Bermuda”), and our then parent company, became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Weatherford Switzerland, for purposes of changing the Company’s place of incorporation from Bermuda to Switzerland. Prior to 2002, our parent company was Weatherford International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Weatherford Delaware”), until we moved our incorporation to Bermuda in 2002. Weatherford Bermuda and Weatherford Delaware continue to be wholly-owned subsidiaries of Weatherford Ireland. In 2013, Weatherford Delaware converted its corporate form and now exists as Weatherford International, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
	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. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Investments in affiliates in which we exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for using the equity method. We recognize equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates in Selling, General and Administration attributable to segments in our Consolidated Statements of Operations (see “Note 11 – Equity Investments”).
	We have a significant variable interest in a lessor trust that is a variable interest entity. We are not the primary beneficiary and do not consolidate the trust. The variable interest in the trust is created by the residual fair value guarantees on the leased assets. Our maximum exposure to loss associated with this variable interest and the respective fair value guarantees totaled $42 million at December 31, 2014. In addition, we have guaranteed debt on behalf of equity investees in whom we have a variable interest and for which we are not the primary beneficiary. These guarantees totaled $70 million at December 31, 2014.
	Use of Estimates
	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 and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period and disclosure of contingent liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to uncollectible accounts receivable, lower of cost or market value of inventories, equity investments, intangible assets and goodwill, property, plant and equipment, income taxes, percentage-of-completion accounting for long-term contracts, self-insurance, pension and post-retirement benefit plans, contingencies and share based payments. 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 not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	Reclassifications
	Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2014 presentation.
	Disputes, Litigation and Contingencies
	We accrue an estimate of the probable and estimable cost to resolve certain legal and investigation matters. For matters not deemed probable and reasonably estimable, we have not accrued any amounts in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our contingent loss estimates are based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of probable litigation and settlement strategies. The accuracy of these estimates is impacted by the complexity of the associated issues.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	We consider all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	We establish an allowance for doubtful accounts based on various factors including historical experience, the current aging status of our customer accounts, the financial condition of our customers and the business and political environment in which our customers operate. Provisions for doubtful accounts are recorded when it becomes probable that customer accounts are uncollectible.
	Major Customers and Credit Risk
	Substantially all of our customers are engaged in the energy industry. This concentration of customers may impact our overall exposure to credit risk, either positively or negatively, in that customers may be similarly affected by changes in economic and industry conditions. We perform on-going credit evaluations of our customers and do not generally require collateral in support of our trade receivables. We maintain allowances for potential credit losses, and actual losses have historically been within our expectations. International sales also present various risks, including risks of war, civil disturbances and governmental activities that may limit or disrupt markets, restrict the movement of funds, or result in the deprivation of contract rights or the taking of property without fair consideration. Most of our international sales are to large international or national oil companies and these sales have resulted in a concentration of receivables from certain national oil companies in Latin America. As of December 31, 2014, our receivables from Latin America customers accounted for 26% of our net outstanding accounts receivable balance with $66 million due from Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (“PDVSA”) and $142 million due from Petroleos Mexicanos (“Pemex”). In 2013, we recognized a loss of $58 million, upon settlement of $127 million in outstanding receivables due from PDVSA. We accepted bonds with a face value of $127 million from PDVSA in full settlement of $127 million in trade receivables. Upon receipt, we immediately sold these bonds for a loss in a series of transactions. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, no individual customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenues.
	Inventories
	We value our inventories at lower of cost or market using either the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost methods. Cost represents third-party invoice or production cost. Production cost includes material, labor and manufacturing overhead. Work in process and finished goods inventories include the cost of materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. To maintain a book value that is the lower of cost or market, we maintain reserves for excess, slow moving and obsolete inventory. We regularly review inventory quantities on hand and record provisions for excess, slow moving and obsolete inventory.
	Property, Plant and Equipment
	We carry our property, plant and equipment, both owned and under capital lease, at cost less accumulated depreciation. The carrying values are based on our estimates and judgments relative to capitalized costs, useful lives and salvage value, where applicable. We expense maintenance and repairs as incurred. We capitalize expenditures for improvements as well as renewals and replacements that extend the useful life of the asset. We depreciate our fixed assets on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, allowing for salvage value where applicable.
	Our depreciation expense was $1.3 billion for each of the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 and was $1.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2012. We classify our rig assets as “Rental and Service Equipment” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	The estimated useful lives of our major classes of property, plant and equipment are as follows:
	Major Classes of Property, Plant and Equipment	Estimated
		Useful Lives
	Buildings and leasehold improvements	10 – 40 years or lease term
	Rental and service equipment	2 – 20 years
	Machinery and other	2 – 12 years
	Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
	We test for the impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives annually as of October 1, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. Our goodwill impairment test involves a comparison of the fair value of each of our reporting units with its carrying amount.
	The fair value of our reporting units is determined using primarily an income approach. The fair value was estimated using discounted cash flows using a discount rate adjusted for credit risk of the regional reporting unit tested. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the recorded book value of the reporting unit’s assets (including goodwill), less liabilities, then a hypothetical purchase price allocation is performed on the reporting unit’s assets and liabilities using the fair value of the reporting unit as the purchase price in the calculation. If the amount of goodwill resulting from this hypothetical purchase price allocation is less than the recorded amount of goodwill, the recorded goodwill is written down to the new amount. Our indefinite-lived asset impairment test involves a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset and its carrying value. If the fair value is less than the carrying value, the asset is written down to fair value.
	Intangible Assets
	Our intangible assets, excluding goodwill, are acquired technology, licenses, patents, customer relationships and other identifiable intangible assets. Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated economic lives generally ranging from two to 20 years, except for intangible assets with indefinite lives, which are not amortized. As many areas of our business rely on patents and proprietary technology, we seek patent protection both inside and outside the U.S. for products and methods that appear to have commercial significance. We capitalize patent defense costs when we determine that a successful defense is probable.
	Long-Lived Assets
	We review our long-lived assets to determine whether any events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. Factors that might indicate a potential impairment may include, but are not limited to, significant decreases in the market value of the long-lived asset, a significant change in the long-lived asset’s physical condition, a change in industry conditions or a reduction in cash flows associated with the use of the long-lived asset. If these or other factors indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable, we determine whether an impairment has occurred through analysis of undiscounted cash flow of the asset at the lowest level that has an identifiable cash flow. If an impairment has occurred, we recognize a loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset. We measure the fair value of the asset using market prices or, in the absence of market prices, based on an estimate of discounted cash flows. Cash flows are generally discounted using an interest rate commensurate with a weighted average cost of capital for a similar asset.
	Research and Development Expenditures
	Research and development expenditures are expensed as incurred.
	Environmental Expenditures
	Environmental expenditures that relate to the remediation of an existing condition caused by past operations and that do not contribute to future revenues are expensed. Liabilities for these expenditures are recorded when it is probable that obligations have been incurred and costs can be reasonably estimated. Estimates are based on available facts and technology, enacted laws and regulations and our prior experience in remediation of contaminated sites.
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	We record derivative instruments on the balance sheet at their fair value, as either an asset or a liability. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded each period in current earnings or other comprehensive income (loss), depending on whether the derivative is designated as part of a hedge relationship, and if so, the type of hedge transaction. Any gain or loss associated with the termination of an interest rate swap that was accounted for as a hedge instrument is deferred and amortized as an adjustment to interest expense over the remaining term of the designated debt instrument.
	Foreign Currency
	Results of operations for our foreign subsidiaries with functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated using average exchange rates during the period. Assets and liabilities of these foreign subsidiaries are translated using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates, and the resulting translation adjustments are included as Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), a component of shareholders’ equity.
	For our subsidiaries that have a functional currency that differs from the currency of their balances and transactions, inventories, property, plant and equipment and other non-monetary assets and liabilities, together with their related elements of expense or income, are remeasured using historical exchange rates. All monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured at current exchange rates. All revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates. Remeasurement gains and losses for these subsidiaries are recognized in our results of operations during the period incurred. We had net foreign currency losses, excluding the devaluation of the Venezuelan bolivar fuertes (“bolivar”) of $18 million, $66 million and $85 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The gain or loss related to individual foreign currency transactions, excluding the devaluation of the Venezuelan bolivar, is included in Other, Net in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. Due to the magnitude, the 2014 and 2013 devaluation of the Venezuelan bolivar is discussed separately below under the heading “Foreign Currency – Devaluation of Venezuelan Bolivar.”
	Foreign Currency - Devaluation of Venezuelan Bolivar
	In 2014 and 2013, we recognized pre-tax charges of $245 million ($252 million after-tax) and $100 million ($94 million after-tax), respectively, on the devaluation of the Venezuelan bolivar. The loss related to the devaluation of foreign currency transactions is included in “Devaluation of Venezuelan Bolivar” in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of December 31, 2014, we adopted the SICAD II daily auction rate provided by Venezuela’s Supplementary Foreign Currency Administration System (or “SICAD”) of approximately 50 Venezuelan bolivars per U.S. dollar. This rate has been used at December 31, 2014 for the purposes of remeasuring Venezuelan bolivar denominated assets and liabilities (primarily cash, accounts receivables, trade payables and other current liabilities) because we believe the SICAD II rate to be the rate most representative of the economics in which we operate. At December 31, 2014, our net investment in Venezuela was $361 million and our net monetary asset position denominated in Venezuelan bolivar was $36 million. The 2013 devaluation was due to the Venezuelan government changing the official exchange rate of the bolivar from 4.3 per dollar to 6.3 per dollar for all goods and services. See “Note 24 – Subsequent Event” for additional information regarding Venezuela’s foreign currency exchange mechanisms.
	Share-Based Compensation
	We account for all share-based payment awards, including shares issued under employee stock purchase plans, stock options, restricted shares, restricted share units and performance units by measuring these awards at the date of grant and recognizing the grant date fair value as an expense, net of expected forfeitures, over the service period, which is usually the vesting period.
	Income Taxes
	Income taxes have been provided based upon the tax laws and rates in the countries in which our operations are conducted and income is earned. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is recorded when it is more likely than not that some or all of the benefit from the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The impact of an uncertain tax position taken or expected to be taken on an income tax return is recognized in the financial statements at the largest amount that is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authority.
	Revenue Recognition
	Revenue is recognized when all of the following criteria have been met: (1) evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) delivery to and acceptance by the customer has occurred; (3) the price to the customer is fixed or determinable; and (4) collectability is reasonably assured.
	Both contract drilling and pipeline service revenue is contractual by nature and generally governed by day-rate based contracts. We recognize revenue for these day-rate contracts based on the criteria outlined above, which is consistent with our other product offerings.
	From time to time, we may receive revenues for preparation and mobilization of equipment and personnel. In connection with new drilling contracts, revenues earned and incremental costs incurred directly related to preparation and mobilization are deferred and recognized over the primary contract term using the straight-line method. Costs of relocating equipment without contracts to more promising market areas are expensed as incurred. Demobilization fees received are recognized, along with any related expenses, upon completion of contracts.
	We incur rebillable expenses including shipping and handling, third-party inspection and repairs, and customs costs and duties. We recognize the revenue associated with these rebillable expenses as Products Revenues and all related costs as Cost of Products in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
	Percentage-of-Completion
	Revenue from certain long-term construction type contracts is reported based on the percentage-of-completion method of accounting. This method of accounting requires us to calculate contract profit to be recognized in each reporting period for each contract based upon our projections of future outcomes, which include:
	•estimates of the available revenue under the contracts;
	•estimates of the total cost to complete the project;
	•estimates of project schedule and completion date;
•estimates of the extent of progress toward completion; and
•amount of any change orders or claims included in revenue.
Measurements of progress are based on costs incurred to date as a percentage of total estimated costs or output related to physical progress. At the outset of each contract, we prepare a detailed analysis of our estimated cost to complete the project. Risks related to service delivery, usage, productivity and other factors are considered in the estimation process. We periodically evaluate the estimated costs, claims, change orders and percentage-of-completion at the contract level. The recording of profits and losses on long-term contracts requires an estimate of the total profit or loss over the life of each contract. This estimate requires consideration of total contract value, change orders and claims, less costs incurred and estimated costs to complete. Anticipated losses on contracts are recorded in full in the period in which they become evident. Profits are recorded based upon the total estimated contract profit multiplied by the current estimated percentage complete for the contract. There are many factors that impact future costs, including but not limited to weather, inflation, customer activity levels and budgeting constraints, labor and community disruptions, timely availability of materials, productivity and other factors.
Earnings per Share
Basic earnings per share for all periods presented equals net income divided by the weighted average number of our 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, performance units and our outstanding warrants.
Unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid, are participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share following the two-class method. Accordingly, we include our restricted share awards (“RSA”), which contain the right to vote and receive dividends, in the computation of both basic and diluted earnings per share. The following discloses basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding:
	Year Ended December 31,
(Shares in millions)	2014	2013	2012
Basic and Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	777	772	765
Our basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, are equivalent due to the net loss attributable to shareholders. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, exclude potential shares for stock options, restricted shares and performance units outstanding as we have net losses for those periods and their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. The following table discloses the number of anti-dilutive shares excluded:
	Year Ended December 31,
(Shares in millions)	2014	2013	2012
Anti-dilutive potential shares	5	5	4
New Accounting Pronouncements
In January 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance intended to simplify the complexity of reporting and accounting for extraordinary items. In essence, this new guidance will eliminate the concept of extraordinary items altogether. This guidance is effective beginning with the first quarter of 2016 and early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the impact of our pending adoption of this guidance would have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes disclosures.
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 Notes disclosures.
In May 2014, the 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 Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes 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 Consolidated Financial Statements.
In July 2013, the FASB issued new guidance intended to clarify the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits. An unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carry forward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward, with certain exceptions. The unrecognized tax benefit should be presented as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets to the extent that: (1) the deferred tax asset is not available under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle additional income taxes resulting from disallowance of the tax position, or (2) the entity is not required to use the deferred tax asset under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction and the entity does not intend to use the deferred tax asset to offset additional taxes that would result from disallowance of the position. This guidance was effective for us beginning with the first quarter of 2014 and did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Restructuring_Charges

Restructuring Charges	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Restructuring Charges	Restructuring Charges
	In the fourth quarter of 2014, in response to the significant decline in the price of crude oil and our anticipation of a lower level of exploration and production spending in 2015, we initiated a plan to reduce our overall costs and workforce to better align with anticipated activity levels. This cost reduction plan (“the 2015 Plan”) includes a workforce reduction and other cost reduction measures initiated across our geographic regions.
	In the first quarter of 2014, we announced a cost reduction plan (“the 2014 Plan”), which included a worldwide workforce reduction and other cost reduction measures. In connection with the 2014 Plan, we recognized restructuring charges of $273 million in 2014. Our restructuring charges during 2014 in connection with the 2014 Plan include restructuring related asset charges of $135 million, termination (severance) benefits of $114 million, and other restructuring charges of $24 million, for a total of $273 million. Other restructuring charges include contract termination costs, relocation and other associated costs.
	The impairments recognized in connection with the 2014 Plan primarily pertain to operations in our Middle East/North Africa (“MENA”) region, where geopolitical issues and recent disruptions in North Africa, primarily Libya, resulted in the decisions in the third quarter of 2014 to exit product lines in selected markets. The 2014 Plan activities resulted in $106 million of cash payments in 2014.
	As of December 31, 2014, we completed our planned headcount reductions and closures of underperforming operating locations in connection with the 2014 Plan. The following tables present the components of the restructuring charges by segment.
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
	(Dollars in millions)	North America		MENA/Asia Pacific		Europe/SSA/Russia			Latin America			Corporate		Total
												and Research
												and
												Development
	2015 Plan:
	Severance charges	$	32	$	8	$	5		$	12		$	1	$	58
	2014 Plan:
	Severance charges	15		23		18			30			28		114
	Restructuring related asset charges	24		105		4			—			2		135
	Other restructuring charges	3		5		9			7			—		24
		$	74	$	141	$	36		$	49		$	31	$	331
	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 2014 Plan and 2015 Plan that will be paid pursuant to the respective arrangements and statutory requirements.
		At December 31, 2014
	(Dollars in millions)	North America		MENA/Asia Pacific		Europe/SSA/Russia			Latin America			Corporate and Research and Development		Total
	2015 Plan:
	Severance liability	$	32	$	6	$	5		$	9		$	1	$	53
	2014 Plan:
	Severance and other restructuring liability	1		8		6			—			11		26
		$	33	$	14	$	11		$	9		$	12	$	79
	The following table presents the restructuring accrual activity for the year ended December 31, 2014.
				Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2014
	(Dollars in millions)	Accrued Balance at December 31, 2013		Charges (a)		Cash Payments			Other			Accrued Balance at December 31, 2014
	2015 Plan:
	Severance liability	$	—	$	58	$	(5	)	$	—		$	53
	2014 Plan:
	Severance charges	—		114		(94		)	(6		)	14
	Other restructuring charges	—		24		(12		)	—			12
	Severance and other restructuring liability	—		138		(106		)	(6		)	26
		$	—	$	196	$	(111	)	$	(6	)	$	79
	(a)	Includes reversal of $5 million severance charges and $2 million facility related charges for the 2014 Plan.

Percentage_of_Completion_Contr

Percentage of Completion Contracts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Contractors [Abstract]
Percentage of Completion Contracts	Percentage of Completion Contracts
	During 2014, we recognized estimated project losses of $72 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 loss projects were $379 million at December 31, 2014.
	As of December 31, 2014, our percentage-of-completion project estimates include $90 million of claims revenue and $24 million of back charges. We have a variety of unapproved contract change orders or claims that are not included in our revenues as of December 31, 2014. The amounts associated with these contract change orders or claims are included in revenue only when they can be estimated reliably and their realization is reasonably assured. During 2014, an additional $80 million of claims revenue was included in our project estimates and $26 million of our prior claims were approved. Our costs in excess of billings as of December 31, 2014 were $128 million and are shown in the “Other Current Assets” line on the balance sheet.
	During 2013, we recognized estimated project losses of $232 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 $307 million at December 31, 2013. As of December 31, 2013, our percentage-of-completion project estimates include $36 million of claims revenue and $82 million for liquidated damages that we are contractually obligated to pay as a result of delays in the expected completion of the project. We have a variety of unapproved contract change orders or claims that were not included in our revenues as of December 31, 2013. The amounts associated with these contract change orders or claims are included in revenue only when they can be estimated reliably and their realization is reasonably assured.
	During 2012, we recognized losses of $100 million related to a long-term construction contract in Iraq accounted for under the percentage of completion method. In the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2012, we recognized $63 million in revenue upon revision of project estimates on our projects in Mexico. These amounts were determined to be realizable in the fourth quarter of 2012.

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa

Supplemental Cash Flow Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Supplemental Cash Flow Information	Supplemental Cash Flow Information
	Cash paid for interest and income taxes was as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Dollars in millions)	2014		2013		2012
	Interest paid, net of capitalized interest	$	511	$	525	$	478
	Income taxes paid, net of refunds	386		442		443
	In December 2014, we remeasured our Venezuelan bolivar denominated monetary assets and liabilities (primarily cash, accounts receivables, trade payables and other current liabilities) to the SICAD II exchange rate of 50 per U.S. dollar resulting in a $245 million pre-tax charge of which $92 million was related to the remeasurement of cash held in Venezuelan bolivar.

Accounts_Receivable_Factoring

Accounts Receivable Factoring	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Receivables [Abstract]
Accounts Receivable Factoring	Accounts Receivable Factoring
	From time to time 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 2014. In 2013, we sold $215 million under the program, received cash totaling $204 million and recognized a loss of $3 million on these sales. In 2012, we sold approximately $177 million under the program, received cash totaling $163 million and recognized a loss of $1 million on these sales. Our factoring transactions in 2013 and 2012 qualified for sale accounting under U.S. GAAP and all related proceeds are included as operating cash flows in our Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

Inventories_Net

Inventories, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Inventories, Net	Inventories, Net
	Inventories, net of reserves, by category were as follows:
		December 31,
	(Dollars in millions)	2014		2013
	Raw materials, components and supplies	$	194	$	386
	Work in process	135		130
	Finished goods	2,758		2,684
		$	3,087	$	3,200
	Work in process and finished goods inventories include cost of materials, labor and manufacturing overhead.
	During 2014 and 2013, we recognized charges for excess and obsolete inventory totaling $113 million and $62 million, respectively. During 2012, we recognized a charge of $30 million to adjust the carrying value of our guar inventory, a component of certain drilling fluids, to the lower of cost or market. During 2012, we also recognized a charge for excess and obsolete inventory of $53 million. These costs are classified in the caption “Cost of Products” within our Consolidated Statements of Operations.

Longlived_and_Other_Asset_Impa

Long-lived and Other Asset Impairments (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Long-lived and Other Asset Impairments	Long-lived Asset Impairments
	In the fourth quarter of 2014, a significant decline in crude oil prices contributed to lower anticipated exploration and production spending and a decline in the anticipated utilization of our drilling rig fleet. The decline and its impact on demand represent a significant adverse change in the business climate and an indication that these long-lived assets may not be recoverable. Based on the impairment indicators noted we performed an analysis of our drilling rig fleet and, in the fourth quarter of 2014, recorded long-lived impairment charges of $352 million to adjust the assets of our rig business to fair value. The impairment charges included the impairment of our drilling rigs and certain related intangible assets. To determine the fair value of these assets we utilized an income approach and assumptions related to future utilization rates of the long-lived assets. The long-lived asset impairments recognized in the fourth quarter of $175 million, $28 million, and $149 million related to our MENA/Asia Pacific, Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa (“SSA”)/Russia, and Latin America segments, respectively.
	In July 2014, we completed the sale of our rig operations in Russia and Venezuela. We expected the sale would significantly impact the revenues and results of operations of our Russia reporting unit. We considered the associated circumstances and determined that the fair value of our Russia and Latin America reporting units was below their carrying amount. In July 2014, we completed the sale of our rig operations in Russia and Venezuela. As a result of our commitment to sell, we recorded a $143 million long-lived assets impairment charge.

Goodwill

Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill	Goodwill
	We perform an impairment test for goodwill annually as of October 1, or more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist. For the purposes of this test, the fair value of our reporting units is determined using both an income approach and a market approach. Through the income approach we estimate fair value by discounting each reporting unit’s estimated future cash flows using a weighted-average cost of capital that reflects current market conditions and considers the risk profile of each reporting unit. Through the market approach we estimate fair value using both forward and trailing-twelve-month earnings multiples derived from recent representative transactions and observable market multiples.
	Our reporting units are components of our operating segments, certain of which are aggregated. Our reporting units include the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, SSA, Russia, MENA and Asia Pacific. In addition, five additional reporting units were identified in the current period representing the rigs business in each region with the exception of the United States, Canada and Russia.
	Our annual goodwill impairment test indicated that the goodwill of the rigs reporting units in Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific was potentially impaired. The results of our “step-one” analysis were accompanied by other indicators in the form of a decline in the anticipated utilization rates for our drilling rig fleet. Responsive to the impairment indicators noted, we performed a “step two” analysis, comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. The “step two” analysis indicated that the goodwill for these reporting units was fully impaired and we recognized an impairment loss of $40 million in the fourth quarter, of which $15 million, $13 million, $12 million, were attributable to the Latin America, Europe and Asia Pacific rigs reporting units, respectively.
	In addition, during the second quarter of 2014, we engaged in negotiations to sell our land drilling and workover operations in Russia and Venezuela and we subsequently entered into an agreement to sell the 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, we recognized a goodwill impairment loss of $121 million, $95 million of which pertained to goodwill classified, at the time, in current assets held for sale. See “Note 2 – Business Combinations and Divestitures” for additional information regarding the non-cash impairment charges to our assets held for sale.
	During the second quarter of 2012, we noted a sustained decline in the market price of our registered shares such that our market capitalization was lower than our total shareholders’ equity for an extended period. Additionally, certain of our reporting units were not performing at the levels previously expected. In response, we considered the associated circumstances to assess whether an event or change occurred that, more likely than not, reduced the fair value of any of our reporting units below their carrying amount. After considering the relevant circumstances, we concluded that the decline in our market capitalization was a potential indicator of impairment and we prepared the analysis necessary to identify potential impairment through the comparison of reporting unit fair values and carrying amounts. This “step one” analysis indicated that the goodwill attributed to our MENA and SSA reporting units was potentially impaired. Consequently, we performed the “step two” analysis of the goodwill impairment test, comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill with the carrying amount of that goodwill. The “step two” analysis indicated that the goodwill for both reporting units was fully impaired and we recognized an impairment loss of $589 million in the second quarter, of which $512 million was attributable to MENA and $77 million to SSA.
	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the two years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, were as follows:
	(Dollars in millions)	North			MENA/			Europe/			Latin			Total
		America			Asia Pacific			SSA/			America
								Russia
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	2,336		$	226		$	955		$	354		$	3,871
	Acquisitions	—			—			2			—			2
	Disposals	(23		)	(4		)	(13		)	(1		)	(41		)
	Purchase price and other adjustments	1			—			(3		)	2			—
	Foreign currency translation	(71		)	(13		)	(29		)	(10		)	(123		)
	Reclassification to current assets held for sale	(262		)	(2		)	(143		)	(12		)	(419		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	1,981		$	207		$	769		$	333		$	3,290
	Impairment	$	—		$	(12	)	$	(39	)	$	(15	)	$	(66	)
	Acquisitions	—			6			—			—			6
	Purchase price and other adjustments	1			—			8			(14		)	(5		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(86		)	(6		)	(115		)	(7		)	(214		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	1,896		$	195		$	623		$	297		$	3,011

Other_Intangible_Assets

Other Intangible Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Intangible Assets	Other Intangible Assets
	The components of intangible assets were as follows:
		December 31, 2014										December 31, 2013
														Assets
		Gross								Net		Gross		Classified						Net
		Carrying		Accumulated						Intangible		Carrying		as Held for			Accumulated			Intangible
	(Dollars in millions)	Amount		Amortization			Impairment			Assets		Amount		Sale			Amortization			Assets
	Acquired technology	$	420	$	(287	)	$	—		$	133	$	417	(4		)	$	(238	)	$	175
	Licenses	242		(169		)	—			73		261		(1		)	(161		)	99
	Patents	232		(117		)	—			115		271		(4		)	(129		)	138
	Customer relationships and contracts	205		(122		)	(5		)	78		329		(46		)	(163		)	120
	Other	85		(38		)	(6		)	41		91		(5		)	(52		)	34
		$	1,184	$	(733	)	$	(11	)	$	440	$	1,369	$	(60	)	$	(743	)	$	566
	We have trademarks that are considered to have indefinite lives as we have the ability and intent to renew them indefinitely. These trademarks had a carrying value of $7 million and $12 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and are included in the Other caption in the table above. During 2014 we recognized an impairment charge to indefinite lived trademarks of $5 million. In addition, we recognized other intangible asset impairments of $6 million, largely related to our Rigs business.
	Additions to intangible assets were $5 million and $15 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Amortization expense was $108 million, $120 million and $122 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Future estimated amortization expense for the carrying amount of intangible assets as of December 31, 2014 is expected to be as follows (dollars in millions):
	Period	Amount
	2015	$	71
	2016	58
	2017	58
	2018	54
	2019	46

Equity_Investments

Equity Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Equity Investments	Equity Investments
	Our equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates were as follows:
		December 31,
	(Dollars in millions)	2014		2013
	Proserv Group Inc.	$	—	$	168
	Other equity investments	106		128
	Total equity method investments	$	106	$	296
	During 2014, we sold our interests in Proserv, resulting in a gain on the sale of $65 million. In 2013, we sold our interest in Borets resulting in a gain on the sale of $18 million (see “Note 2 – Business Combinations and Divestitures”). Equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 totaled $9 million, $37 million and $51 million, respectively.
	In 2012, it was determined that the fair value attributable to certain equity investments was below our carrying value for these certain investments, resulting in an impairment loss of $204 million during the second quarter of 2012.

Shortterm_Borrowings_and_Curre

Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-term Debt	Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-term Debt
	Our short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt consists of the followings:
		December 31,
	(Dollars in millions)	2014			2013
	Commercial paper program	$	245		$	292
	Revolving credit facility	—			772
	364-day term loan facility	175			300
	Other short-term bank loans	257			216
	Total short-term borrowings	677			1,580
	Current portion of long-term debt	50			73
	Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	$	727		$	1,653
	Weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings outstanding at end of year	1.4		%	1.7		%
	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 December 31, 2014. At December 31, 2014, our outstanding commercial paper had a weighted average interest rate of 0.9%, and there were $30 million in outstanding letters of credit under the Credit Agreement.
	364-Day Term Loan Facility
	We have a $400 million, 364-day term loan facility with a syndicate of banks. The facility will mature 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. At December 31, 2014, our borrowings under our 364-day term loan facility had an interest rate of 1.9%. As of December 31, 2014, $225 million was repaid, leaving an outstanding balance of $175 million.
	Other Short-Term Borrowings
	We have short-term borrowings with various domestic and international institutions pursuant to uncommitted facilities. At December 31, 2014, we had $257 million in short-term borrowings under these arrangements with a weighted average interest rate of 1.6%, 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 1.3% as of December 31, 2014. In addition, we had $568 million of letters of credit under various uncommitted facilities and $278 million of surety bonds, primarily performance bonds, issued by financial sureties against an indemnification from us at December 31, 2014.
	The carrying value of our short-term borrowings approximates their fair value as of December 31, 2014. The current portion of long-term debt at December 31, 2014, is primarily related to our capital leases.

Longterm_Debt

Long-term Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-term Debt	Long-term Debt
	We have issued various senior notes, all of which rank equally with our existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness, which have semi-annual interest payments and no sinking fund requirements. Our Long-term Debt consisted of the following:
		December 31,
	(Dollars in millions)	2014		2013
	5.50% Senior Notes due 2016	$	352	$	353
	6.35% Senior Notes due 2017	607		610
	6.00% Senior Notes due 2018	498		498
	9.625% Senior Notes due 2019	1,018		1,021
	5.125% Senior Notes due 2020	798		798
	4.50% Senior Notes due 2022	715		747
	6.50% Senior Notes due 2036	556		595
	6.80% Senior Notes due 2037	298		298
	7.00% Senior Notes due 2038	497		497
	9.875% Senior Notes due 2039	247		247
	6.75% Senior Notes due 2040	596		596
	5.95% Senior Notes due 2042	478		545
	4.82% secured borrowing	12		102
	Capital and other lease obligations	136		153
	Other	40		74
	Total Notes Balance	6,848		7,134
	Less amounts due in one year	50		73
	Long-term debt	$	6,798	$	7,061
	The following is a summary of scheduled Long-term Debt maturities by year (dollars in millions):
	2015	$	50
	2016	395
	2017	628
	2018	512
	2019	45
	Thereafter	5,218
		$	6,848
	In December 2014, through a series of open market transactions, we repurchased certain of our 4.5% senior notes, 5.95% senior notes and 6.5% senior notes with an aggregate book value of $138 million and recognized a gain of approximately $11 million.
	On April 4, 2012, we completed a $1.3 billion long-term debt offering comprised of $750 million of 4.5% senior notes and $550 million of 5.95% senior notes. The net proceeds from this offering were used to repay short-term indebtedness under our commercial paper program and for general corporate purposes.
	In 2012, we received sufficient consents to extend the due date for providing our Form 10-Q filings and our 2012 Form 10-K filing to all series of our publicly traded senior notes. We offered a cash payment of $2.50 for each $1,000 in principal amount for those note holders who consented to the extension and we paid approximately $18 million to the holders of our senior notes in connection with this consent solicitation, which was recognized as an increase in interest expense over the remaining terms of the senior notes. We also incurred and expensed in 2012 other costs, including fees and expenses, of $12 million in connection with our debt consent solicitation.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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. Our valuation techniques require inputs that we categorize using a three level hierarchy, from highest to lowest level of observable inputs. Level 1 inputs are unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices or other market data for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based upon our own judgment and assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. Classification of a financial asset or liability within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. Other than the contingent consideration discussed in “Note 2 – Business Combinations and Divestitures” and our derivative instruments discussed in “Note 15 – Derivative Instruments,” we had no assets or liabilities measured and recognized at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2014 and 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.
	The fair value and carrying value of our senior notes were as follows:
		December 31,
	(Dollars in millions)	2014		2013
	Fair value	$	6,733	$	7,580
	Carrying value	6,660		6,805

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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.
	In June 2012, we terminated interest rate swap agreements to pay a variable interest rate and receive a fixed interest rate with an aggregate notional amount of $300 million. These swaps were designated as fair value hedges of our 6.35% senior notes. As a result of these terminations, we received a cash settlement of $18 million. The gain associated with these interest rate swap terminations was deferred and is being amortized over the remaining term of our 6.35% senior notes as a reduction in interest expense.
	As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had net unamortized gains of $33 million and $42 million, respectively, associated with interest rate swap terminations.
	Cash Flow Hedges
	In 2008, we entered into interest rate derivative instruments to hedge projected exposures to interest rates in anticipation of a debt offering. These hedges were terminated at the time of the issuance of the debt and the associated loss on these hedges is being amortized from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) into interest expense over the remaining term of the debt. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had net unamortized losses of $11 million in both periods associated with our cash flow hedge terminations.
	Other Derivative Instruments
	We enter into contracts to hedge our exposure to currency fluctuations in various foreign currencies. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had outstanding foreign currency forward contracts with total notional amounts aggregating $1.6 billion and $992 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 December 31, 2014 and 2013, we had swaps with notional amounts outstanding of $168 million for each year. 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 in current earnings each period in the line captioned “Other, Net” on the accompanying 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 value of our cross-currency contracts are as follows:
		December 31,
	(Dollars in millions)	2014				2013				Classifications
	Derivative assets not designated as hedges:
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	12			$	5			Other Current Assets
	Derivative liabilities not designated as hedges:
	Foreign currency forward contracts	(17		)		(6		)		Other Current Liabilities
	Cross-currency swap contracts	(5		)		(21		)		Other Liabilities
	The effect of derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges and those not designated as hedges on the Consolidated Statements of Operations is in the table below.
	Gain (Loss) Recognized in Statement of Operations		Twelve Months Ended
			December 31,
	(Dollars In millions)		2014				2013				Classification
	Derivatives designated as fair value hedges:
	Interest rate swaps		$	9			$	10			Interest Expense, Net
	Derivative liabilities not designated as hedges:
	Foreign currency forward contracts		(22		)		(12		)		Other, Net
	Cross-currency swap contracts		16				13				Other, Net

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	Shareholders’ Equity
	Changes in our Issued and Treasury shares during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, were as follows:
	(Shares in millions)	Issued			Treasury
	Balance at December 31, 2011	765			(16	)
	Shares issued for acquisitions	—			3
	Equity awards granted, vested and exercised	—			4
	Shares issued for warrants	5			—
	Shares issued for internal restructuring	70			(70	)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	840			(79	)
	Equity awards granted, vested and exercised	—			6
	Balance at December 31, 2013	840			(73	)
	Change in Shares Associated with Redomestication	(840	)		71
	Issuance of Weatherford Ireland Shares	774			—
	Equity awards granted, vested and exercised	—			2
	Balance at December 31, 2014	774			—
	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. Weatherford Ireland issued ordinary shares with a par value of $0.001 per share. In conjunction with the redomestication, the shares held by our executive deferred compensation plan were sold and the remaining treasury shares were cancelled.
	Effective May 23, 2012, we issued 70 million shares to one of our subsidiaries in an internal restructuring of certain of our assets.
	Warrants
	On February 28, 2012, 4.3 million outstanding warrants to purchase our shares were exercised through physical delivery of shares in exchange for $65 million and an additional 4.3 million warrants were exercised through net share settlement resulting in the issuance of 494 thousand shares.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
	The following table presents the changes in our accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(Dollars in millions)	Currency Translation Adjustment				Defined Benefit Pension			Deferred Loss on Derivatives			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	213			$	(40	)	$	(10	)	$	163
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(316		)		—			—			(316		)
	Reclassifications	(37		)		2			1			(34		)
	Net activity	(353		)		2			1			(350		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	(140		)		(38		)	(9		)	(187		)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(763		)		(21		)	—			(784		)
	Reclassifications	90				2			—			92
	Other	—				—			(2		)	(2		)
	Net activity	(673		)		(19		)	(2		)	(694		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(813	)		$	(57	)	$	(11	)	$	(881	)
	The reclassification from the currency translation adjustment component of other comprehensive income includes $90 million from the sale of our land drilling and workover rig operations in Russia and Venezuela and pipeline and specialty service businesses. This amount was recognized in the “Gain on Sale of Businesses and Investments, Net” line in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2014.
	The 2013 reclassification from the currency translation adjustment component of other comprehensive income includes $30 million from the sale of our industrial screen business. This amount was recognized in the “Gain on Sale of Businesses and Investments, Net” line in our Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2013.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation
	Incentive Plans
	Our incentive plans permit the grant of options, stock appreciation rights, RSAs, restricted share units (“RSUs”), performance share awards, performance unit awards (“PUs”), other share-based awards and cash-based awards to any employee, non-employee directors and other individual service providers or any affiliate. Compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the separately vesting portion of each award.
	The provisions of each award vary based on the type of award granted and are determined by the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors. Those awards, such as stock options that are based on a specific contractual term, will be granted with a term not to exceed 10 years. Upon grant of an RSA, the recipient has the rights of a shareholder, including but not limited to the right to vote such shares and the right to receive any dividends paid on such shares, but not the right to disposition prior to vesting. Recipients of RSU awards do not have the rights of a shareholder until such date as the shares are issued or transferred to the recipient. As of December 31, 2014, approximately 13.2 million shares were available for grant under our incentive plans.
	Share-Based Compensation Expense
	We recognized the following share-based compensation expense during each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Dollars in millions)	2014				2013			2012
	Share-based compensation	$	56			$	66		$	76
	Related tax benefit	12				11			27
	Options
	Stock options were granted with an exercise price equal to or greater than the fair market value of our shares as of the date of grant. We used the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of stock options awarded. The estimated fair value of our stock options was expensed over their vesting period, which was generally one to four years. There were no stock options granted during 2014, 2013 or 2012. The intrinsic value of stock options exercised during 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $13 million, $12 million and $4 million, respectively. We received cash proceeds of $11 million from the exercise of stock options during the year ended December 31, 2014. All options were fully vested as of December 31, 2012.
	A summary of option activity for the year ended December 31, 2014, is presented below:
		Options			Weighted			Weighted		Aggregate
					Average Exercise			Average		Intrinsic
					Price			Remaining		Value
								Term
		(In thousands)								(In thousands)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	7,956			$	9.31		2.01 years		$	54,775
	Exercised	(1,313	)		8.24
	Outstanding and Vested at December 31, 2014	6,643			9.52			1.18 years		23,500
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	5,368			7.07			1.03 years		23,500
	Restricted Share Awards and Restricted Share Units
	RSAs and RSUs vest based on continued employment, generally over a two to five-year period. The fair value of RSAs and RSUs is determined based on the closing price of our shares on the date of grant. The total fair value, less assumed forfeitures, is expensed over the vesting period. The weighted-average grant date fair value of RSAs and RSUs granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $18.98, $13.49 and $13.30, respectively. The total fair value of RSAs and RSUs vested during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $52 million, $61 million and $78 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, there was $77 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSAs and RSUs, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of two years. A summary of RSA and RSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2014 is presented below:
			RSA			Weighted			RSU			Weighted
						Average Grant Date						Average
						Fair Value						Grant Date
												Fair Value
			(In thousands)						(In thousands)
	Non-Vested at December 31, 2013		3,211			$	14.8		3,137			$	14.26
	Granted		425			17.72			2,997			19.16
	Vested		(1,171	)		14.87			(1,633	)		15.29
	Forfeited		(211	)		14.97			(201	)		15.93
	Non-Vested at December 31, 2014		2,254			15.31			4,300			17.21
	Performance Units
	The performance units we granted in 2014 vest over three years and the performance units we granted prior to 2014 vest at the end of a three-year period assuming continued employment and the Company’s achievement of certain market-based performance goals. Depending on the performance levels achieved in relation to the predefined targets, shares may be issued for 50% to 225% of the units awarded. If the threshold market conditions are not met, the performance units will expire unvested and no shares will be issued. The grant date fair value of the performance units we have granted was determined through use of the Monte Carlo simulation method. The assumptions used in the Monte Carlo simulation during the year ended December 31, 2014, included a risk-free rate of 0.34%, volatility of 33.53% and a zero dividend yield. The weighted-average grant date fair value of the performance units we granted during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $14.31, $10.81 and $21.32, respectively. The total fair value of shares issued in connection with performance units during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 was $11 million, $8 million and $1 million, respectively. For the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, 541 thousand and 1.3 million shares of stock were issued, respectively, for the performance units related to the departure of certain former executive officers. As of December 31, 2014, there was $12 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to performance units, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of one year.
	A summary of performance unit activity for the year ended December 31, 2014, is presented below:
		Performance Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
		(In thousands)
	Non-vested at December 31, 2013	1,911			$	16.05
	Granted	801			14.31
	Vested	(282	)		12.49
	Forfeited	(482	)		28.61
	Non-vested at December 31, 2014	1,948			12.74

Retirement_and_Employee_Benefi

Retirement and Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Retirement and Employee Benefit Plans	Retirement and Employee Benefit Plans
	We have defined contribution plans covering certain employees. Contribution expenses related to these plans totaled $79 million, $73 million and $62 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	We have defined benefit pension and other post-retirement benefit plans covering certain U.S. and international employees.  Plan benefits are generally based on factors such as age, compensation levels and years of service. Net periodic benefit cost related to these plans totaled $18 million, $20 million and $16 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The projected benefit obligations on a consolidated basis were $325 million and $297 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Actuarial losses totaling $42 million and offsetting currency fluctuations of $28 million were the two main components affecting the obligation during the year other than expected service and interest costs. The fair values of plan assets on a consolidated basis (determined primarily using Level 2 inputs) were $161 million and $151 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Currency fluctuations also had an impact on assets, reducing the increase in value related to asset returns and contributions. The net underfunded obligation was substantially all recorded within Other Noncurrent Liabilities at each balance sheet date. Additionally, consolidated amounts in accumulated other comprehensive loss that have not yet been recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost were $75 million and $52 million as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The increase in other comprehensive income year over year is due to an annual net loss of $33 million resulting primarily from a decrease in discount rates.
	The weighted average assumption rates used for benefit obligations were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014	2013
	Discount rate:
	United States plans	1.00% - 4.00%	1.00% - 4.75%
	International plans	1.65% - 7.00%	3.50% - 7.00%
	Rate of compensation increase:
	United States plans	—	—
	International plans	2.00% - 3.30%	3.00% - 4.50%
	During 2014 and 2013, we contributed $14 million and $12 million, respectively, to our defined benefit pension and other post-retirement benefit plans. In 2015, we expect to contribute approximately $6 million to those plans.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block]	Income Taxes
	We are exempt from Swiss cantonal and communal tax on income derived outside Switzerland, and we are also granted participation relief from Swiss federal tax for qualifying dividend income and capital gains related to the sale of qualifying investments in subsidiaries. We expect that the participation relief will result in a full exemption of participation income from Swiss federal income tax.
	We provide for income taxes based on the laws and rates in effect in the countries in which operations are conducted, or in which we or our subsidiaries are considered resident for income tax purposes. The relationship between our pre-tax income or loss and our income tax provision or benefit varies from period to period as a result of various factors which include changes in total pre-tax income or loss, the jurisdictions in which our income is earned, the tax laws in those jurisdictions and in our operating structure.
	Our income tax (provision) benefit from continuing operations consisted of the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Dollars in millions)	2014			2013			2012
	Total current provision	$	(350	)	$	(177	)	$	(475	)
	Total deferred benefit	66			33			13
	Provision for Income Taxes	$	(284	)	$	(144	)	$	(462	)
	The difference between the income tax provision at the Swiss federal income tax rate and the income tax provision attributable to “Loss Before Income Taxes” for each of the three years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is analyzed below:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Dollars in millions)	2014			2013			2012
	Swiss federal income tax rate at 7.83%	$	20		$	13		$	23
	Tax on operating earnings subject to rates different than the Swiss federal income tax rate	(70		)	89			(341		)
	Tax on divestitures gains subject to different tax rate	(109		)	—			—
	Change in valuation allowance	(222		)	(264		)	(108		)
	Change in uncertain tax positions	97			18			(36		)
	Provision for Income Taxes	$	(284	)	$	(144	)	$	(462	)
	In 2014, we had a tax provision of $284 million on a loss before income taxes of $255 million. Our results for 2014 include a $161 million goodwill impairment charge, a $245 million loss due to the devaluation of Venezuela bolivar and $72 million of project losses related to our early production facility contracts in Iraq, all of which provided no tax benefit. In addition, we incurred a $495 million long-lived assets impairments charge, with limited tax benefit. During 2014, we also sold our land drilling and workover rig operations in Russia and Venezuela, pipeline and specialty services business, engineered chemistry, Integrity drilling fluids business and our equity investment in Proserv for a total gain of approximately $349 million.
	In 2013, our income before tax included 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, a $299 million loss on certain legacy projects in Iraq, $98 million of bad debt expense, which included an increase to the allowance for doubtful accounts in Venezuela, and a $100 million loss due to the devaluation of the Venezuelan bolivar, all with no or little tax benefit. Our 2013 tax provision included certain discrete tax benefits primarily due to tax planning activities, decreases in reserves for uncertain tax positions due to statute of limitation expiration and audit closures and the enactment of the American Taxpayer Relief Act, which decreased our effective tax rate for the period.
	In 2012, our results included a $589 million goodwill impairment charge, substantially all of which was non-deductible, a $204 million equity method impairment charge and a $100 million accrual for a loss contingency, both of which were fully non-deductible.
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax effects of temporary differences between the tax basis of an asset or liability and its reported amount in the Consolidated Financial Statements. The measurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities is based on enacted tax laws and rates currently in effect in each of the jurisdictions in which we have operations. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are classified as current or non-current according to the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting.
	The components of the net deferred tax asset (liability) attributable to continuing operations were as follows:
		December 31,
	(Dollars stated in millions)	2014			2013
	Net operating losses carryforwards	$	600		$	614
	Accrued liabilities and reserves	235			224
	Tax credit carryforwards	103			115
	Employee benefits	70			54
	Inventory	70			51
	Other differences between financial and tax basis	108			79
	Valuation allowance	(732		)	(554		)
	Total deferred tax assets	454			583
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property, plant and equipment	(324		)	(415		)
	Intangible assets	(206		)	(221		)
	Deferred Income	(22		)	(6		)
	Other differences between financial and tax basis	(21		)	(22		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	(573		)	(664		)
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(119	)	$	(81	)
	The overall increase in the valuation allowance in both 2014 and 2013 is primarily attributable to the establishment of a valuation allowance against current year net operating losses ("NOLs") and tax credits in various jurisdictions. Our results in 2014 include significant tax losses in Mexico, Venezuela, and Iraq and in 2013 include significant tax losses in Iraq which we recorded a valuation allowance of $172 million and $134 million, respectively.
	Deferred income taxes generally have not been recognized on the cumulative undistributed earnings of our non-Swiss subsidiaries because they are considered to be indefinitely reinvested or they can be distributed on a tax free basis. Distribution of these earnings in the form of dividends or otherwise may result in a combination of income and withholding taxes payable in various countries. As of December 31, 2014, the cumulative undistributed earnings of our non-Swiss subsidiaries that are considered indefinitely reinvested and may be subject to tax if distributed amount to approximately $3 billion. Due to complexities in the tax laws and the manner of repatriation, it is not practicable to estimate the unrecognized amount of deferred income taxes and the related dividend withholding taxes associated with these undistributed earnings.
	At December 31, 2014, we had approximately $2.6 billion of NOLs in various jurisdictions, $239 million of which were generated by certain U.S. subsidiaries. Loss carryforwards, if not utilized, will mostly expire for U.S. subsidiaries in 2030 and 2033 and at various dates from 2015 through 2034 for non-U.S. subsidiaries. At December 31, 2014, we had $103 million of tax credit carryovers, of which $85 million is for U.S. subsidiaries. The U.S. credits primarily consists of $28 million of research and development tax credit carryforwards which expire from 2017 through 2034, and $57 million of foreign tax credit carryforwards which expire from 2015 through 2022.
	A tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of uncertain tax positions at the beginning and end of the period is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Dollars stated in millions)	2014			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of year	$	289		$	296		$	292
	Additions as a result of tax positions taken during a prior period	23			64			8
	Reductions as a result of tax positions taken during a prior period	(35		)	(12		)	(1		)
	Additions as a result of tax positions taken during the current period	2			31			29
	Reductions relating to settlements with taxing authorities	(24		)	(60		)	(14		)
	Reductions as a result of a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations	(9		)	(19		)	(19		)
	Foreign exchange effects	(11		)	(11		)	1
	Balance at end of year	$	235		$	289		$	296
	Substantially all of the uncertain tax positions, if recognized in future periods, would impact our effective tax rate. To the extent penalties and interest would be assessed on any underpayment of income tax, such amounts have been accrued and classified as a component of income tax expense and other non-current liabilities in the Consolidated Financial Statements in accordance with our accounting policy. We recorded benefits of $53 million and $21 million and an expense of $21 million of interest and penalties for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The amounts in the table above exclude accrued interest and penalties of $58 million, $121 million and $142 million at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, which are included in other liabilities.
	We are subject to income tax in many of the over 100 countries where we operate. As of December 31, 2014, the following table summarizes the tax years that remain subject to examination for the major jurisdictions in which we operate:
	Canada	2007 - 2014
	Mexico	2007 - 2014
	Russia	2012 - 2014
	Switzerland	2009 - 2013
	United States	2007 - 2014
	Venezuela	2009 - 2014
	We anticipate that it is reasonably possible that the amount of uncertain tax positions may decrease by up to $24 million in the next twelve months due to expiration of statutes of limitations, settlements and/or conclusions of tax examinations.

Disputes_Litigation_and_Contin

Disputes, Litigation and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Disputes, Litigation and Contingencies	Disputes, Litigation and Contingencies
	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, the FCPA and trade sanctions related to the U.S. government investigations disclosed above and in our U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “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. 201420933 (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. In the three months ended December 31, 2014, we advanced settlement negotiations such that settlement is deemed probable and we maintain an accrual of the estimated probable loss.
	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 was approved by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York on January 5, 2015, and final judgment entered on January 30, 2015. The settlement agreement required payments totaling $53 million which was entirely funded by our insurers.
	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 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 for assessing 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 is 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 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.
	In the third quarter of 2014, we settled a compensation dispute with a former Senior Vice President and General Counsel who left the Company in 2009 and recognized an immaterial additional accrual to the amount previously accrued in 2013.
	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.

Commitments

Commitments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments	Commitments
	We are committed under various operating lease agreements primarily related to office space and equipment. Generally, these leases include renewal provisions and rental payments, which may be adjusted for taxes, insurance and maintenance related to the property. Future minimum rental commitments under noncancellable operating leases are as follows (dollars in millions):
	2015	$	269
	2016	275
	2017	154
	2018	121
	2019	76
	Thereafter	233
		$	1,128
	Total rent expense incurred under operating leases was approximately $536 million, $581 million and $458 million for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The future rental commitment table above does not include leases that are short-term in nature or can be cancelled with notice of less than three months.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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, 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.
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
	(Dollars in millions)	Net			Income				Depreciation		Capital
		Operating			from				and		Expenditures
		Revenues			Operations				Amortization
	North America	$	6,852		$	996			$	431	$	454
	MENA/Asia Pacific	3,095			85				401		319
	Europe/SSA/Russia	2,584			386				259		303
	Latin America	2,380			256				257		312
		14,911			1,723				1,348		1,388
	Corporate and Research and Development				(468		)		23		62
	Long-lived Assets Impairment				(495		)
	Goodwill Impairment				(161		)
	Restructuring Charges (a)				(331		)
	Gain on Sale of Businesses and Investments, Net				349
	Other Items (b)				(112		)
	Total	$	14,911		$	505			$	1,371	$	1,450
	(a)	We recognized 2014 Plan restructuring charges of $273 million: $42 million in North America, $133 million in MENA/Asia Pacific, $31 million in Europe/SSA/Russia, $37 million in Latin America and $30 million in Corporate and Research and Development. We also recognized $58 million restructuring charges for our 2015 Plan: $32 million in North America, $8 million in MENA/Asia Pacific, $5 million in Europe/SSA/Russia, $12 million in Latin America and $1 million in Corporate and Research and Development.
	(b)	Includes professional fees of $107 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 $5 million.
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(Dollars in millions)	Net			Income				Depreciation		Capital
		Operating			from				and		Expenditures
		Revenues			Operations (c)				Amortization
	North America	$	6,390		$	820			$	424	$	434
	MENA/Asia Pacific	3,344			(96		)		396		526
	Europe/SSA/Russia	2,693			288				286		305
	Latin America (d)	2,836			306				276		247
		15,263			1,318				1,382		1,512
	Corporate and Research and Development				(466		)		20		63
	U.S. Government Investigation Loss				(153		)
	Gain on Sale of Businesses and Investments, Net				24
	Other Items (e)				(200		)
	Total	$	15,263		$	523			$	1,402	$	1,575
	(c)	We recognized a charge for bad debt expense of $98 million attributable to our reporting segments as follows: $59 million in Latin America, $27 million in MENA/Asia Pacific, $10 million for Europe/SSA/Russia, and $2 million in North America. See footnote (d) below for additional details for the bad debt expense charge in Latin America of $59 million. During 2013, we recognized a charge for excess and obsolete inventory of $62 million attributable to each reporting segment as follows: $35 million in North America, $7 million in MENA/Asia Pacific, $13 million in Europe/SSA/Russia and $7 million in Latin America.
	(d)	On December 17, 2013, we accepted bonds with a face value of $127 million from PDVSA in full settlement of $127 million in trade receivables. Upon receipt, we immediately sold these bonds in a series of transactions recognizing a loss of $58 million.
	(e)	Includes $67 million of professional fees and expenses for U.S. government investigations and the remediation of our material weakness related to income taxes, $94 million of severance and $39 million of other items.
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(Dollars in millions)	Net			Income				Depreciation		Capital
		Operating			from				and		Expenditures
		Revenues			Operations (f)				Amortization
	North America	$	6,824		$	1,078			$	412	$	744
	MENA/Asia Pacific	2,795			34				352		657
	Europe/SSA/Russia	2,519			315				255		341
	Latin America	3,077			395				238		384
		15,215			1,822				1,257		2,126
	Corporate and Research and Development				(453		)		25		51
	Goodwill and Equity Investment Impairment				(793		)
	U.S. Government Investigation Loss				(100		)
	Gain on Sale of Businesses and Investments, Net				28
	Other Items (g)				(206		)
	Total	$	15,215		$	298			$	1,282	$	2,177
	(f)	We recognized a charge for excess and obsolete inventory of $53 million attributable to each reporting segment as follows: $21 million in North America, $16 million in MENA/Asia Pacific, $11 million in Europe/SSA/Russia and $5 million in Latin America. We also recognized a charge of $30 million to adjust the carrying value of our guar inventory, a component of certain drilling fluids, to the lower of cost or market, all of which was attributable to the North America reporting segment.
	(g)	Includes income tax restatement and material weakness remediation expenses of $103 million, $13 million of costs incurred in connection with U.S. government investigations, $11 million of non-recurring fees and expenses associated with our 2012 debt consent solicitation and severance, exit and other charges of $79 million.
	The following table presents total assets by segment at December 31:
		Total Assets at
		December 31,
	(Dollars in millions)	2014		2013
	North America	$	7,297	$	7,720
	MENA/Asia Pacific	4,736		5,328
	Europe/SSA/Russia	3,203		4,346
	Latin America	3,307		4,247
	Corporate and Research and Development	346		336
Total	$	18,889	$	21,977
Total assets in the United States, which is part of our North America segment, were $6.1 billion and $6.2 billion as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The remaining North America total assets balance of $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, is related to our operations in Canada.
Products and Services
We are one of the world’s leading providers of equipment and services used in the drilling, evaluation, completion, production and intervention of oil and natural gas wells. The composition of our consolidated revenues by product service line group is as follows:
	Year Ended December 31,
	2014		2013			2012
Formation Evaluation and Well Construction	58	%	61	%		56	%
Completion and Production	42		39			44
Total	100	%	100	%		100	%
Geographic Areas
Financial information by geographic area is summarized below. Revenues from customers and long-lived assets in Switzerland were insignificant in each of the years presented. Long-lived assets exclude goodwill and intangible assets as well as deferred tax assets of $129 million and $33 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Revenues									Long-lived Assets
(Dollars in millions)	2014			2013				2012		2014		2013
United States	$	5,567		$	5,146			$	5,465	$	2,114	$	2,212
Canada	1,285			1,244				1,359		264		431
Mexico	479			959				1,274		170		226
Other Countries	7,580			7,914				7,117		4,817		5,285
	$	14,911		$	15,263			$	15,215	$	7,365	$	8,154

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Event
	A new Venezuelan currency exchange system, known as the “Marginal Currency System” (or “SIMADI”), opened for trading February 12, 2014, replacing the previous SICAD II mechanism.  The SIMADI is intended to provide limited access to a free market rate of exchange. At December 31, 2014 our net monetary asset position denominated in Venezuelan bolivar was $36 million.  We believe that significant uncertainty exists regarding the exchange mechanisms in Venezuela, including how any such mechanisms will operate in the future and the availability of U.S. dollars under each mechanism including SIMADI.  Consequently, we are not able to estimate the financial effect of using the SIMADI.  We anticipate recognizing further remeasurement charges in the first quarter of 2015 and will continue to monitor the impact on our financial statements of the evolving Venezuela exchange rate.

Consolidating_Financial_Statem

Consolidating Financial Statements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Consolidating Financial Statements	Consolidating Financial Statements
	Weatherford Ireland, a public limited company organized under the laws of Ireland and the ultimate parent of the Weatherford group, guarantees the obligations of our subsidiaries – Weatherford Bermuda, a Bermuda exempted company, and Weatherford Delaware, a Delaware limited liability company, including the notes and credit facilities listed below.
	The following obligations of Weatherford Delaware were guaranteed by Weatherford Bermuda at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012: (1) 6.35% senior notes and (2) 6.80% senior notes.
	The following obligations of Weatherford Bermuda were guaranteed by Weatherford Delaware at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012: (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 addition to these obligations, the following obligations of Weatherford Bermuda were guaranteed by Weatherford Delaware at December 31, 2012: (1) the 4.95% senior notes and (2) 5.15% senior notes. Our 364-day term loan facility 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, and is also guaranteed by Weatherford Delaware as of December 31, 2014.
	As a result 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)
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	(Dollars in Millions)	Weatherford Ireland			Weatherford Bermuda			Weatherford Delaware			Other			Eliminations			Consolidation
											Subsidiaries
	Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	14,911		$	—		$	14,911
	Costs and Expenses	(59		)	(18		)	3			(14,332		)	—			(14,406		)
	Operating Income (Loss)	(59		)	(18		)	3			579			—			505
	Other Income (Expense):
	Interest Expense, Net	—			(422		)	(57		)	(19		)	—			(498		)
	Intercompany Charges, Net	(99		)	7,291			(266		)	(8,802		)	1,876			—
	Equity in Subsidiary Income	(424		)	(430		)	407			(2		)	449			—
	Other, Net	—			20			(3		)	(279		)	—			(262		)
	Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	(582		)	6,441			84			(8,523		)	2,325			(255		)
	(Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes	(2		)	—			131			(413		)	—			(284		)
	Net Income (Loss)	(584		)	6,441			215			(8,936		)	2,325			(539		)
	Noncontrolling Interests	—			—			—			(45		)	—			(45		)
	Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	$	(584	)	$	6,441		$	215		$	(8,981	)	$	2,325		$	(584	)
	Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	$	(1,278	)	$	5,811		$	(128	)	$	(9,674	)	$	3,991		$	(1,278	)
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and
	Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(Dollars in Millions)	Weatherford			Weatherford			Weatherford			Other			Eliminations			Consolidation
		Switzerland			Bermuda			Delaware			Subsidiaries
	Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	15,263		$	—		$	15,263
	Costs and Expenses	(50		)	(139		)	(3		)	(14,548		)	—			(14,740		)
	Operating Income (Loss)	(50		)	(139		)	(3		)	715			—			523
	Other Income (Expense):
	Interest Expense, Net	—			(430		)	(61		)	(25		)	—			(516		)
	Intercompany Charges, Net	(53		)	49			(337		)	341			—			—
	Equity in Subsidiary Income	(242		)	30			461			—			(249		)	—
	Other, Net	—			(31		)	(2		)	(144		)	—			(177		)
	Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	(345		)	(521		)	58			887			(249		)	(170		)
	(Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes	—			—			145			(289		)	—			(144		)
	Net Income (Loss)	(345		)	(521		)	203			598			(249		)	(314		)
	Noncontrolling Interests	—			—			—			(31		)	—			(31		)
	Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	$	(345	)	$	(521	)	$	203		$	567		$	(249	)	$	(345	)
	Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	$	(695	)	$	(788	)	$	39		$	214		$	535		$	(695	)
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations and
	Comprehensive Income (Loss)
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(Dollars in Millions)	Weatherford			Weatherford			Weatherford			Other			Eliminations			Consolidation
		Switzerland			Bermuda			Delaware			Subsidiaries
	Revenues	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	15,215		$	—		$	15,215
	Costs and Expenses	(59		)	(114		)	(5		)	(14,739		)	—			(14,917		)
	Operating Income (Loss)	(59		)	(114		)	(5		)	476			—			298
	Other Income (Expense):
	Interest Expense, Net	—			(401		)	(69		)	(16		)	—			(486		)
	Intercompany Charges, Net	(28		)	53			(233		)	208			—			—
	Equity in Subsidiary Income	(689		)	(701		)	(94		)	—			1,484			—
	Other, Net	(2		)	(34		)	—			(64		)	—			(100		)
	Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes	(778		)	(1,197		)	(401		)	604			1,484			(288		)
	(Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes	—			—			107			(569		)	—			(462		)
	Net Income (Loss)	(778		)	(1,197		)	(294		)	35			1,484			(750		)
	Noncontrolling Interests	—			—			—			(28		)	—			(28		)
	Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	$	(778	)	$	(1,197	)	$	(294	)	$	7		$	1,484		$	(778	)
	Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	$	(695	)	$	(1,197	)	$	(294	)	90			1,401			(695		)
	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	December 31, 2014
(Dollars in Millions)	Weatherford			Weatherford			Weatherford			Other			Eliminations			Consolidation
	Ireland			Bermuda			Delaware			Subsidiaries
Current Assets:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	1		$	—		$	22		$	451		$	—		$	474
Other Current Assets	4			12			544			7,524			(614		)	7,470
Total Current Assets	5			12			566			7,975			(614		)	7,944
Equity Investments in Affiliates	8,662			10,490			9,730			3,974			(32,856		)	—
Intercompany Receivables, Net	—			—			—			10,490			(10,490		)	—
Other Assets	5			35			16			10,889			—			10,945
Total Assets	$	8,672		$	10,537		$	10,312		$	33,328		$	(43,960	)	$	18,889
Current Liabilities:
Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt	$	—		$	618		$	6		$	103		$	—		$	727
Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities	43			256			—			3,615			(614		)	3,300
Total Current Liabilities	43			874			6			3,718			(614		)	4,027
Long-term Debt	—			5,749			911			137			1			6,798
Intercompany Payables, Net	1,666			6,202			2,622			—			(10,490		)	—
Other Long-term Liabilities	5			82			5			939			—			1,031
Total Liabilities	1,714			12,907			3,544			4,794			(11,103		)	11,856
Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity	6,958			(2,370		)	6,768			28,459			(32,857		)	6,958
Noncontrolling Interests	—			—			—			75			—			75
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$	8,672		$	10,537		$	10,312		$	33,328		$	(43,960	)	$	18,889
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			9,430			(408		)	9,499
Total Current Assets	57			5			415			9,865			(408		)	9,934
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			11,978			—			12,043
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			—			4,071			(408		)	4,104
Total Current Liabilities	312			1,574			23			4,256			(408		)	5,757
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			847			—			956
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
Year Ended December 31, 2014
(Dollars in Millions)	Weatherford			Weatherford			Weatherford			Other			Eliminations			Consolidation
	Ireland			Bermuda			Delaware			Subsidiaries
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net Income (Loss)	$	(584	)	$	6,441		$	215		$	(8,936	)	$	2,325		$	(539	)
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income(Loss) to Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities:
Charges from Parent or Subsidiary	99			(7,291		)	266			8,802			(1,876		)	—
Equity in (Earnings) Loss of Affiliates	424			430			(407		)	2			(449		)	—
Deferred Income Tax Provision (Benefit)	—			—			(25		)	(41		)	—			(66		)
Other Adjustments	23			(180		)	(42		)	1,767			—			1,568
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities	(38		)	(600		)	7			1,594			—			963
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment	—			—			—			(1,450		)	—			(1,450		)
Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	—			—			—			18			—			18
Acquisition of Intellectual Property	—			—			—			(5		)	—			(5		)
Purchase of Equity Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates	—			—			—			(3		)	—			(3		)
Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Businesses, Net	—			—			—			1,770			—			1,770
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Investing Activities	—			—			—			330			—			330
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Borrowings (Repayments) Short-term Debt, Net	—			(827		)	—			(97		)	—			(924		)
Borrowings (Repayments) Long-term Debt, Net	—			(153		)	(92		)	(14		)	—			(259		)
Borrowings (Repayments) Between Subsidiaries, Net	39			1,580			107			(1,726		)	—			—
Proceeds from Capital Contributions	—			—			—			22			—			22
Other, Net	—			—			—			(19		)	—			(19		)
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities	39			600			15			(1,834		)	—			(1,180		)
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes On Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			—			(74		)	—			(74		)
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	1			—			22			16			—			39
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	—			—			—			435			—			435
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	$	1		$	—		$	22		$	451		$	—		$	474
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Year Ended December 31, 2013
(Dollars in Millions)	Weatherford			Weatherford			Weatherford			Other			Eliminations			Consolidation
	Switzerland			Bermuda			Delaware			Subsidiaries
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net Income (Loss)	$	(345	)	$	(521	)	$	203		$	598		$	(249	)	$	(314	)
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income(Loss) to Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities:
Charges from Parent or Subsidiary	53			(49		)	337			(341		)	—			—
Equity in (Earnings) Loss of Affiliates	242			(30		)	(461		)	—			249			—
Deferred Income Tax Provision (Benefit)	—			—			28			(61		)	—			(33		)
Other Adjustments	(48		)	748			470			406			—			1,576
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities	(98		)	148			577			602			—			1,229
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment	—			—			—			(1,575		)	—			(1,575		)
Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	—			—			—			(8		)	—			(8		)
Acquisition of Intellectual Property	—			—			—			(9		)	—			(9		)
Purchase of Equity Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates	—			—			—			—			—			—
Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Businesses, Net	—			—			—			488			—			488
Capital Contribution to Subsidiary	—			(1,181		)	—			—			1,181			—
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Investing Activities	—			(1,181		)	—			(1,104		)	1,181			(1,104		)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Borrowings (Repayments) Short-term Debt, Net	—			550			(4		)	66			—			612
Borrowings (Repayments) Long-term Debt, Net	—			(544		)	(30		)	(26		)	—			(600		)
Borrowings (Repayments) Between Subsidiaries, Net	100			1,027			(565		)	(562		)	—			—
Proceeds from Capital Contributions	—			—			—			1,181			(1,181		)	—
Other, Net	(2		)	—			22			(26		)	—			(6		)
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities	98			1,033			(577		)	633			(1,181		)	6
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes On Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			—			4			—			4
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			—			135			—			135
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	—			—			—			300			—			300
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	435		$	—		$	435
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Year Ended December 31, 2012
(Dollars in Millions)	Weatherford			Weatherford			Weatherford			Other			Eliminations			Consolidation
	Switzerland			Bermuda			Delaware			Subsidiaries
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net Income (Loss)	$	(778	)	$	(1,197	)	$	(294	)	$	35		$	1,484		$	(750	)
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities:
Charges from Parent or Subsidiary	28			(53		)	233			(208		)	—			—
Equity in (Earnings) Loss of Affiliates	689			701			94			—			(1,484		)	—
Deferred Income Tax (Provision) Benefit	—			—			10			(23		)	—			(13		)
Other Adjustments	50			35			472			1,427			—			1,984
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities	(11		)	(514		)	515			1,231			—			1,221
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment	—			—			—			(2,177		)	—			(2,177		)
Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	(30		)	—			—			(135		)	—			(165		)
Acquisition of Intellectual Property	—			—			—			(17		)	—			(17		)
Acquisition of Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates	—			—			—			(8		)	—			(8		)
Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Businesses, Net	—			—			—			61			—			61
Capital Contribution to Subsidiary	(30		)	(85		)	(118		)	118			115			—
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Investing Activities	(60		)	(85		)	(118		)	(2,158		)	115			(2,306		)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Borrowings (Repayments) Short-term Debt, Net	—			(108		)	—			95			—			(13		)
Borrowings (Repayments) Long-term Debt, Net	—			1,295			(296		)	4			—			1,003
Borrowings (Repayments) Between Subsidiaries, Net	71			(588		)	(101		)	618			—			—
Proceeds from Capital Contribution	—			—			—			115			(115		)	—
Other, Net	—			—			—			22			—			22
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities	71			599			(397		)	854			(115		)	1,012
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			—			2			—			2
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			—			(71		)	—			(71		)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	—			—			—			371			—			371
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	300		$	—		$	300

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
	Summarized quarterly financial data for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 are presented in the following tables. In the following tables, the sum of basic and diluted “Earnings (Loss) Per Share” for the four quarters may differ from the annual amounts due to the required method of computing weighted average number of shares in the respective periods. Additionally, due to the effect of rounding, the sum of the individual quarterly earnings per share amounts may not equal the calculated year earnings per share amount.
		2014 Quarters
	(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)	First				Second				Third			Fourth				Total
	Revenues	$	3,596			$	3,711			$	3,877		$	3,727			$	14,911
	Gross Profit	757				882				992			819				3,450
	Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford (e)	(41		)	(a)	(145		)	(b)	77		(c)	(475		)	(d)	(584		)
	Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share	(0.05		)		(0.19		)		0.1			(0.61		)		(0.75		)
	Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share	(0.05		)		(0.19		)		0.1			(0.61		)		(0.75		)
	(a)	Includes restructuring charges of $70 million.
	(b)	Includes restructuring charges of $59 million, and long-lived assets and goodwill impairment charges of $143 million and $125 million, respectively.
	(c)	Includes restructuring charges of $154 million and a gain of $38 million primarily related to the sale of our pipeline and specialty services business and land drilling and workover rigs in Russia and Venezuela.
	(d)	Includes a long-lived asset impairment charge of $352 million, a goodwill impairment charge of $40 million, a $245 million charge related to adopting the SICAD II exchange rate, a gain of $311 million primarily related to the sale of our engineered chemistry and Integrity drilling fluids businesses and the disposal of all of our shares in Proserv. This also includes restructuring charges of $58 million associated with our 2015 plan.
	(e)	Includes estimated project losses of $26 million, $2 million, $10 million and $34 million for the first, second, third and fourth quarter of 2014, respectively. These charges were related to our long-term early production facility construction contracts in Iraq accounted for under the percentage of completion method.
		2013 Quarters
	(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)	First				Second				Third			Fourth				Total
	Revenues	$	3,837			$	3,868			$	3,820		$	3,738			$	15,263
	Gross Profit	831				742				784			604				2,961
	Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford (i)	22			(f)	(118		)	(g)	22			(271		)	(h)	(345		)
	Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share	0.03				(0.15		)		0.03			(0.35		)		(0.45		)
	Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share	0.03				(0.15		)		0.03			(0.35		)		(0.45		)
	(f)	Effective February 13, 2013, the Venezuelan government devalued its currency and the official exchange rate moved from 4.30 per dollar to 6.30 per dollar for all goods and services. We recognized a charge of approximately $100 million for the remeasurement of our net monetary assets denominated in the Venezuelan bolivar at the date of the devaluation.
	(g)	Includes a $153 million accrual related to the U.S. government investigations.
	(h)	Includes our recognition of a $58 million loss upon settlement of $127 million in outstanding receivables due from PDVSA.
	(i)	Includes estimated project gain of $7 million for the first quarter, estimated project loss of $6 million, $85 million and $148 million for the second, third and fourth quarter of 2013, respectively. These charges were related to our long-term early production facility construction contracts in Iraq accounted for under the percentage of completion method.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Allowances	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Allowances	SCHEDULE II
	WEATHERFORD INTERNATIONAL PLC AND SUBSIDIARIES
	VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND ALLOWANCES
	FOR THE THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014
			Balance at				(Recovery)						Balance at
			Beginning				and			Other			End of
	(Dollars in millions)		of Period		Expense (a)		Additions			Reductions(b)			Period
	Year Ended December 31, 2014:
	Allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable		$	106	$	32	$	(4	)	$	(26	)	$	108
	Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets		554		222		—			(44		)	732
	Year Ended December 31, 2013:
	Allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable		84		102		(12		)	(68		)	106
	Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets		317		264		—			(27		)	554
	Year Ended December 31, 2012:
	Allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable		91		22		(8		)	(21		)	84
	Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets		201		108		8			—			317
	(a)	For the $32 million in bad debt expense in 2014, $5 million is related to the restructuring charges.
	(b)	Includes amounts reclassified to Assets Held for Sale.
	All other schedules are omitted because they are not required or because the information is included in the financial statements or the related notes.

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization and Nature of Operations	Organization and Nature of Operations
	Weatherford International plc (“Weatherford Ireland”), a public limited company, together with its subsidiaries (“Weatherford,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our”), is an Irish multinational oilfield service company. Weatherford is one of the world’s leading providers of equipment and services used in the drilling, evaluation, completion, production and intervention of oil and natural gas wells. We operate in over 100 countries, which are located in nearly all of the oil and natural gas producing regions in the world. Many of our businesses, including those of our predecessor companies, have been operating for more than 50 years.
	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 (the “Merger”). The Merger was effected through an agreement between Weatherford International Ltd. (“Weatherford Switzerland”) and Weatherford Ireland 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 New York Stock Exchange (the “NYSE”) under the symbol “WFT,” the same symbol under which Weatherford Switzerland registered shares were previously listed.
	In February 2009, we completed a share exchange transaction in which Weatherford International Ltd., a Bermuda exempted company (“Weatherford Bermuda”), and our then parent company, became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Weatherford Switzerland, for purposes of changing the Company’s place of incorporation from Bermuda to Switzerland. Prior to 2002, our parent company was Weatherford International, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Weatherford Delaware”), until we moved our incorporation to Bermuda in 2002. Weatherford Bermuda and Weatherford Delaware continue to be wholly-owned subsidiaries of Weatherford Ireland. In 2013, Weatherford Delaware converted its corporate form and now exists as Weatherford International, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
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. All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Investments in affiliates in which we exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for using the equity method. We recognize equity in earnings of unconsolidated affiliates in Selling, General and Administration attributable to segments in our Consolidated Statements of Operations (see “Note 11 – Equity Investments”).
	We have a significant variable interest in a lessor trust that is a variable interest entity. We are not the primary beneficiary and do not consolidate the trust. The variable interest in the trust is created by the residual fair value guarantees on the leased assets. Our maximum exposure to loss associated with this variable interest and the respective fair value guarantees totaled $42 million at December 31, 2014. In addition, we have guaranteed debt on behalf of equity investees in whom we have a variable interest and for which we are not the primary beneficiary. These guarantees totaled $70 million at December 31, 2014.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	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 and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period and disclosure of contingent liabilities. On an on-going basis, we evaluate our estimates, including those related to uncollectible accounts receivable, lower of cost or market value of inventories, equity investments, intangible assets and goodwill, property, plant and equipment, income taxes, percentage-of-completion accounting for long-term contracts, self-insurance, pension and post-retirement benefit plans, contingencies and share based payments. 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 not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications	Reclassifications
	Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the 2014 presentation.
Disputes, Litigation and Contingencies	Disputes, Litigation and Contingencies
	We accrue an estimate of the probable and estimable cost to resolve certain legal and investigation matters. For matters not deemed probable and reasonably estimable, we have not accrued any amounts in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Our contingent loss estimates are based upon an analysis of potential results, assuming a combination of probable litigation and settlement strategies. The accuracy of these estimates is impacted by the complexity of the associated issues.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	We consider all highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	We establish an allowance for doubtful accounts based on various factors including historical experience, the current aging status of our customer accounts, the financial condition of our customers and the business and political environment in which our customers operate. Provisions for doubtful accounts are recorded when it becomes probable that customer accounts are uncollectible.
Major Customers and Credit Risk	Major Customers and Credit Risk
	Substantially all of our customers are engaged in the energy industry. This concentration of customers may impact our overall exposure to credit risk, either positively or negatively, in that customers may be similarly affected by changes in economic and industry conditions. We perform on-going credit evaluations of our customers and do not generally require collateral in support of our trade receivables. We maintain allowances for potential credit losses, and actual losses have historically been within our expectations. International sales also present various risks, including risks of war, civil disturbances and governmental activities that may limit or disrupt markets, restrict the movement of funds, or result in the deprivation of contract rights or the taking of property without fair consideration. Most of our international sales are to large international or national oil companies and these sales have resulted in a concentration of receivables from certain national oil companies in Latin America. As of December 31, 2014, our receivables from Latin America customers accounted for 26% of our net outstanding accounts receivable balance with $66 million due from Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (“PDVSA”) and $142 million due from Petroleos Mexicanos (“Pemex”). In 2013, we recognized a loss of $58 million, upon settlement of $127 million in outstanding receivables due from PDVSA. We accepted bonds with a face value of $127 million from PDVSA in full settlement of $127 million in trade receivables. Upon receipt, we immediately sold these bonds for a loss in a series of transactions. During 2014, 2013 and 2012, no individual customer accounted for more than 10% of our consolidated revenues.
Inventories	Inventories
	We value our inventories at lower of cost or market using either the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) or average cost methods. Cost represents third-party invoice or production cost. Production cost includes material, labor and manufacturing overhead. Work in process and finished goods inventories include the cost of materials, labor and manufacturing overhead. To maintain a book value that is the lower of cost or market, we maintain reserves for excess, slow moving and obsolete inventory. We regularly review inventory quantities on hand and record provisions for excess, slow moving and obsolete inventory.
Property, Plant and Equipment	Property, Plant and Equipment
	We carry our property, plant and equipment, both owned and under capital lease, at cost less accumulated depreciation. The carrying values are based on our estimates and judgments relative to capitalized costs, useful lives and salvage value, where applicable. We expense maintenance and repairs as incurred. We capitalize expenditures for improvements as well as renewals and replacements that extend the useful life of the asset. We depreciate our fixed assets on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives, allowing for salvage value where applicable.
	Our depreciation expense was $1.3 billion for each of the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 and was $1.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2012. We classify our rig assets as “Rental and Service Equipment” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	The estimated useful lives of our major classes of property, plant and equipment are as follows:
	Major Classes of Property, Plant and Equipment	Estimated
		Useful Lives
	Buildings and leasehold improvements	10 – 40 years or lease term
	Rental and service equipment	2 – 20 years
	Machinery and other	2 – 12 years
Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangibles Assets	Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
	We test for the impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives annually as of October 1, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. Our goodwill impairment test involves a comparison of the fair value of each of our reporting units with its carrying amount.
	The fair value of our reporting units is determined using primarily an income approach. The fair value was estimated using discounted cash flows using a discount rate adjusted for credit risk of the regional reporting unit tested. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than the recorded book value of the reporting unit’s assets (including goodwill), less liabilities, then a hypothetical purchase price allocation is performed on the reporting unit’s assets and liabilities using the fair value of the reporting unit as the purchase price in the calculation. If the amount of goodwill resulting from this hypothetical purchase price allocation is less than the recorded amount of goodwill, the recorded goodwill is written down to the new amount. Our indefinite-lived asset impairment test involves a comparison of the fair value of the intangible asset and its carrying value. If the fair value is less than the carrying value, the asset is written down to fair value.
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets
	Our intangible assets, excluding goodwill, are acquired technology, licenses, patents, customer relationships and other identifiable intangible assets. Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated economic lives generally ranging from two to 20 years, except for intangible assets with indefinite lives, which are not amortized. As many areas of our business rely on patents and proprietary technology, we seek patent protection both inside and outside the U.S. for products and methods that appear to have commercial significance. We capitalize patent defense costs when we determine that a successful defense is probable.
Long-Lived Assets	Long-Lived Assets
	We review our long-lived assets to determine whether any events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of the assets may not be recoverable. Factors that might indicate a potential impairment may include, but are not limited to, significant decreases in the market value of the long-lived asset, a significant change in the long-lived asset’s physical condition, a change in industry conditions or a reduction in cash flows associated with the use of the long-lived asset. If these or other factors indicate the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable, we determine whether an impairment has occurred through analysis of undiscounted cash flow of the asset at the lowest level that has an identifiable cash flow. If an impairment has occurred, we recognize a loss for the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of the asset. We measure the fair value of the asset using market prices or, in the absence of market prices, based on an estimate of discounted cash flows. Cash flows are generally discounted using an interest rate commensurate with a weighted average cost of capital for a similar asset.
Research and Development Expenditures	Research and Development Expenditures
	Research and development expenditures are expensed as incurred.
Environmental Expenditures	Environmental Expenditures
	Environmental expenditures that relate to the remediation of an existing condition caused by past operations and that do not contribute to future revenues are expensed. Liabilities for these expenditures are recorded when it is probable that obligations have been incurred and costs can be reasonably estimated. Estimates are based on available facts and technology, enacted laws and regulations and our prior experience in remediation of contaminated sites.
Derivatives Financial Instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments
	We record derivative instruments on the balance sheet at their fair value, as either an asset or a liability. Changes in the fair value of derivatives are recorded each period in current earnings or other comprehensive income (loss), depending on whether the derivative is designated as part of a hedge relationship, and if so, the type of hedge transaction. Any gain or loss associated with the termination of an interest rate swap that was accounted for as a hedge instrument is deferred and amortized as an adjustment to interest expense over the remaining term of the designated debt instrument.
Foreign Currency	Foreign Currency
	Results of operations for our foreign subsidiaries with functional currencies other than the U.S. dollar are translated using average exchange rates during the period. Assets and liabilities of these foreign subsidiaries are translated using the exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet dates, and the resulting translation adjustments are included as Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), a component of shareholders’ equity.
	For our subsidiaries that have a functional currency that differs from the currency of their balances and transactions, inventories, property, plant and equipment and other non-monetary assets and liabilities, together with their related elements of expense or income, are remeasured using historical exchange rates. All monetary assets and liabilities are remeasured at current exchange rates. All revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates. Remeasurement gains and losses for these subsidiaries are recognized in our results of operations during the period incurred.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation
	We account for all share-based payment awards, including shares issued under employee stock purchase plans, stock options, restricted shares, restricted share units and performance units by measuring these awards at the date of grant and recognizing the grant date fair value as an expense, net of expected forfeitures, over the service period, which is usually the vesting period.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Income taxes have been provided based upon the tax laws and rates in the countries in which our operations are conducted and income is earned. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is recorded when it is more likely than not that some or all of the benefit from the deferred tax asset will not be realized. The impact of an uncertain tax position taken or expected to be taken on an income tax return is recognized in the financial statements at the largest amount that is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by the relevant taxing authority.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
	Revenue is recognized when all of the following criteria have been met: (1) evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) delivery to and acceptance by the customer has occurred; (3) the price to the customer is fixed or determinable; and (4) collectability is reasonably assured.
	Both contract drilling and pipeline service revenue is contractual by nature and generally governed by day-rate based contracts. We recognize revenue for these day-rate contracts based on the criteria outlined above, which is consistent with our other product offerings.
	From time to time, we may receive revenues for preparation and mobilization of equipment and personnel. In connection with new drilling contracts, revenues earned and incremental costs incurred directly related to preparation and mobilization are deferred and recognized over the primary contract term using the straight-line method. Costs of relocating equipment without contracts to more promising market areas are expensed as incurred. Demobilization fees received are recognized, along with any related expenses, upon completion of contracts.
	We incur rebillable expenses including shipping and handling, third-party inspection and repairs, and customs costs and duties. We recognize the revenue associated with these rebillable expenses as Products Revenues and all related costs as Cost of Products in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Percentage- of- Completion	Percentage-of-Completion
	Revenue from certain long-term construction type contracts is reported based on the percentage-of-completion method of accounting. This method of accounting requires us to calculate contract profit to be recognized in each reporting period for each contract based upon our projections of future outcomes, which include:
	•estimates of the available revenue under the contracts;
	•estimates of the total cost to complete the project;
	•estimates of project schedule and completion date;
	•estimates of the extent of progress toward completion; and
	•amount of any change orders or claims included in revenue.
	Measurements of progress are based on costs incurred to date as a percentage of total estimated costs or output related to physical progress. At the outset of each contract, we prepare a detailed analysis of our estimated cost to complete the project. Risks related to service delivery, usage, productivity and other factors are considered in the estimation process. We periodically evaluate the estimated costs, claims, change orders and percentage-of-completion at the contract level. The recording of profits and losses on long-term contracts requires an estimate of the total profit or loss over the life of each contract. This estimate requires consideration of total contract value, change orders and claims, less costs incurred and estimated costs to complete. Anticipated losses on contracts are recorded in full in the period in which they become evident. Profits are recorded based upon the total estimated contract profit multiplied by the current estimated percentage complete for the contract. There are many factors that impact future costs, including but not limited to weather, inflation, customer activity levels and budgeting constraints, labor and community disruptions, timely availability of materials, productivity and other factors.
Earnings per Share	Earnings per Share
	Basic earnings per share for all periods presented equals net income divided by the weighted average number of our 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, performance units and our outstanding warrants.
	Unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid, are participating securities and are included in the computation of earnings per share following the two-class method. Accordingly, we include our restricted share awards (“RSA”), which contain the right to vote and receive dividends, in the computation of both basic and diluted earnings per share. The following discloses basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding:
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements
	In January 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new guidance intended to simplify the complexity of reporting and accounting for extraordinary items. In essence, this new guidance will eliminate the concept of extraordinary items altogether. This guidance is effective beginning with the first quarter of 2016 and early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the impact of our pending adoption of this guidance would have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes disclosures.
	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 Notes disclosures.
	In May 2014, the 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 Consolidated Financial Statements or Notes 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 Consolidated Financial Statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued new guidance intended to clarify the presentation of unrecognized tax benefits. An unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, should be presented in the financial statements as a reduction to a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carry forward, a similar tax loss or a tax credit carryforward, with certain exceptions. The unrecognized tax benefit should be presented as a liability and should not be combined with deferred tax assets to the extent that: (1) the deferred tax asset is not available under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction to settle additional income taxes resulting from disallowance of the tax position, or (2) the entity is not required to use the deferred tax asset under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction and the entity does not intend to use the deferred tax asset to offset additional taxes that would result from disallowance of the position. This guidance was effective for us beginning with the first quarter of 2014 and did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

Business_Combinations_and_Dive1

Business Combinations and Divestitures (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Information Segregated from Financial Statements	The following amounts are related to our engineered chemistry and Integrity drilling fluids businesses, have been segregated from our Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Dollars in millions)	2014		2013		2012
	Income Before Income Taxes	$	57	$	58	$	57
Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Held-for-Sale	The carrying amounts of the major classes of assets and liabilities of our engineered chemistry and Integrity drilling fluids businesses divested are as follows:
		December 31,
	(Dollars in millions)	2014		2013
	Assets:
	Accounts Receivable, Net	$	48	$	48
	Inventory, Net	99		103
	Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	55		52
	Goodwill	270		270
	Other Intangible Assets, Net	43		49
	Other Assets	1		5
	Total Assets	$	516	$	527
	Liabilities:
	Accounts Payable	$	32	$	37
	Deferred Tax Liabilities	10		19
	Other Liabilities	2		23
	Total Liabilities	$	44	$	79
	Assets and liabilities have been reclassified as held for sale as of December 31, 2013 in connection with our planned divestitures. These balances are listed in the table below. As of December 31, 2014, we did not have any businesses that qualified for assets held for sale classification.
	(Dollars in millions)	December 31, 2013
	Accounts Receivables, net	$	244
	Inventories, net	170
	Other Current Assets	30
	Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net	678
	Goodwill	419
	Other Intangible Assets, Net	59
	Other Assets	4
	Total Current Assets Held for Sale	$	1,604
	Accounts Payable	$	173
	Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities	145
	Total Current Liabilities Held for Sale	$	318

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment and Estimated Useful Lives	The estimated useful lives of our major classes of property, plant and equipment are as follows:
	Major Classes of Property, Plant and Equipment	Estimated
		Useful Lives
	Buildings and leasehold improvements	10 – 40 years or lease term
	Rental and service equipment	2 – 20 years
	Machinery and other	2 – 12 years
Reconciliation Of Weighted Average Shares Outstanding	The following discloses basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Shares in millions)	2014	2013	2012
	Basic and Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	777	772	765
Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share	Our basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, are equivalent due to the net loss attributable to shareholders. Diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, exclude potential shares for stock options, restricted shares and performance units outstanding as we have net losses for those periods and their inclusion would be anti-dilutive. The following table discloses the number of anti-dilutive shares excluded:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Shares in millions)	2014	2013	2012
	Anti-dilutive potential shares	5	5	4

Restructuring_Charges_Tables

Restructuring Charges (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]
Schedule of Restructuring Charges	As of December 31, 2014, we completed our planned headcount reductions and closures of underperforming operating locations in connection with the 2014 Plan. The following tables present the components of the restructuring charges by segment.
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
	(Dollars in millions)	North America		MENA/Asia Pacific		Europe/SSA/Russia			Latin America			Corporate		Total
												and Research
												and
												Development
	2015 Plan:
	Severance charges	$	32	$	8	$	5		$	12		$	1	$	58
	2014 Plan:
	Severance charges	15		23		18			30			28		114
	Restructuring related asset charges	24		105		4			—			2		135
	Other restructuring charges	3		5		9			7			—		24
		$	74	$	141	$	36		$	49		$	31	$	331
Schedule of Restructuring Reserve by Type of Cost	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 2014 Plan and 2015 Plan that will be paid pursuant to the respective arrangements and statutory requirements.
		At December 31, 2014
	(Dollars in millions)	North America		MENA/Asia Pacific		Europe/SSA/Russia			Latin America			Corporate and Research and Development		Total
	2015 Plan:
	Severance liability	$	32	$	6	$	5		$	9		$	1	$	53
	2014 Plan:
	Severance and other restructuring liability	1		8		6			—			11		26
		$	33	$	14	$	11		$	9		$	12	$	79
	The following table presents the restructuring accrual activity for the year ended December 31, 2014.
				Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2014
	(Dollars in millions)	Accrued Balance at December 31, 2013		Charges (a)		Cash Payments			Other			Accrued Balance at December 31, 2014
	2015 Plan:
	Severance liability	$	—	$	58	$	(5	)	$	—		$	53
	2014 Plan:
	Severance charges	—		114		(94		)	(6		)	14
	Other restructuring charges	—		24		(12		)	—			12
	Severance and other restructuring liability	—		138		(106		)	(6		)	26
		$	—	$	196	$	(111	)	$	(6	)	$	79
	(a)	Includes reversal of $5 million severance charges and $2 million facility related charges for the 2014 Plan.

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa1

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Cash Flow Elements [Abstract]
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures	Cash paid for interest and income taxes was as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Dollars in millions)	2014		2013		2012
	Interest paid, net of capitalized interest	$	511	$	525	$	478
	Income taxes paid, net of refunds	386		442		443

Inventories_Net_Tables

Inventories, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of Inventory	Inventories, net of reserves, by category were as follows:
		December 31,
	(Dollars in millions)	2014		2013
	Raw materials, components and supplies	$	194	$	386
	Work in process	135		130
	Finished goods	2,758		2,684
		$	3,087	$	3,200

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by reportable segment for the two years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, were as follows:
	(Dollars in millions)	North			MENA/			Europe/			Latin			Total
		America			Asia Pacific			SSA/			America
								Russia
	Balance at December 31, 2012	$	2,336		$	226		$	955		$	354		$	3,871
	Acquisitions	—			—			2			—			2
	Disposals	(23		)	(4		)	(13		)	(1		)	(41		)
	Purchase price and other adjustments	1			—			(3		)	2			—
	Foreign currency translation	(71		)	(13		)	(29		)	(10		)	(123		)
	Reclassification to current assets held for sale	(262		)	(2		)	(143		)	(12		)	(419		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	1,981		$	207		$	769		$	333		$	3,290
	Impairment	$	—		$	(12	)	$	(39	)	$	(15	)	$	(66	)
	Acquisitions	—			6			—			—			6
	Purchase price and other adjustments	1			—			8			(14		)	(5		)
	Foreign currency translation adjustments	(86		)	(6		)	(115		)	(7		)	(214		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	1,896		$	195		$	623		$	297		$	3,011

Other_Intangible_Assets_Tables

Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	The components of intangible assets were as follows:
		December 31, 2014										December 31, 2013
														Assets
		Gross								Net		Gross		Classified						Net
		Carrying		Accumulated						Intangible		Carrying		as Held for			Accumulated			Intangible
	(Dollars in millions)	Amount		Amortization			Impairment			Assets		Amount		Sale			Amortization			Assets
	Acquired technology	$	420	$	(287	)	$	—		$	133	$	417	(4		)	$	(238	)	$	175
	Licenses	242		(169		)	—			73		261		(1		)	(161		)	99
	Patents	232		(117		)	—			115		271		(4		)	(129		)	138
	Customer relationships and contracts	205		(122		)	(5		)	78		329		(46		)	(163		)	120
	Other	85		(38		)	(6		)	41		91		(5		)	(52		)	34
		$	1,184	$	(733	)	$	(11	)	$	440	$	1,369	$	(60	)	$	(743	)	$	566
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	Future estimated amortization expense for the carrying amount of intangible assets as of December 31, 2014 is expected to be as follows (dollars in millions):
	Period	Amount
	2015	$	71
	2016	58
	2017	58
	2018	54
	2019	46

Equity_Investments_Tables

Equity Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments	Our equity investments in unconsolidated affiliates were as follows:
		December 31,
	(Dollars in millions)	2014		2013
	Proserv Group Inc.	$	—	$	168
	Other equity investments	106		128
	Total equity method investments	$	106	$	296

Shortterm_Borrowings_and_Curre1

Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Components of short-term borrowings	Our short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt consists of the followings:
		December 31,
	(Dollars in millions)	2014			2013
	Commercial paper program	$	245		$	292
	Revolving credit facility	—			772
	364-day term loan facility	175			300
	Other short-term bank loans	257			216
	Total short-term borrowings	677			1,580
	Current portion of long-term debt	50			73
	Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt	$	727		$	1,653
	Weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings outstanding at end of year	1.4		%	1.7		%

Longterm_Debt_Tables

Long-term Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of long-term debt	We have issued various senior notes, all of which rank equally with our existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness, which have semi-annual interest payments and no sinking fund requirements. Our Long-term Debt consisted of the following:
		December 31,
	(Dollars in millions)	2014		2013
	5.50% Senior Notes due 2016	$	352	$	353
	6.35% Senior Notes due 2017	607		610
	6.00% Senior Notes due 2018	498		498
	9.625% Senior Notes due 2019	1,018		1,021
	5.125% Senior Notes due 2020	798		798
	4.50% Senior Notes due 2022	715		747
	6.50% Senior Notes due 2036	556		595
	6.80% Senior Notes due 2037	298		298
	7.00% Senior Notes due 2038	497		497
	9.875% Senior Notes due 2039	247		247
	6.75% Senior Notes due 2040	596		596
	5.95% Senior Notes due 2042	478		545
	4.82% secured borrowing	12		102
	Capital and other lease obligations	136		153
	Other	40		74
	Total Notes Balance	6,848		7,134
	Less amounts due in one year	50		73
	Long-term debt	$	6,798	$	7,061
Schedule of maturities of long-term debt	The following is a summary of scheduled Long-term Debt maturities by year (dollars in millions):
	2015	$	50
	2016	395
	2017	628
	2018	512
	2019	45
	Thereafter	5,218
		$	6,848

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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:
		December 31,
	(Dollars in millions)	2014		2013
	Fair value	$	6,733	$	7,580
	Carrying value	6,660		6,805

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Fair Values of Outstanding Derivative Instruments	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 value of our cross-currency contracts are as follows:
		December 31,
	(Dollars in millions)	2014				2013				Classifications
	Derivative assets not designated as hedges:
	Foreign currency forward contracts	$	12			$	5			Other Current Assets
	Derivative liabilities not designated as hedges:
	Foreign currency forward contracts	(17		)		(6		)		Other Current Liabilities
	Cross-currency swap contracts	(5		)		(21		)		Other Liabilities
	The effect of derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges and those not designated as hedges on the Consolidated Statements of Operations is in the table below.
	Gain (Loss) Recognized in Statement of Operations		Twelve Months Ended
			December 31,
	(Dollars In millions)		2014				2013				Classification
	Derivatives designated as fair value hedges:
	Interest rate swaps		$	9			$	10			Interest Expense, Net
	Derivative liabilities not designated as hedges:
	Foreign currency forward contracts		(22		)		(12		)		Other, Net
	Cross-currency swap contracts		16				13				Other, Net

Shareholders_Equity_Tables

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Changes in Issued and Treasury shares	Changes in our Issued and Treasury shares during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, were as follows:
	(Shares in millions)	Issued			Treasury
	Balance at December 31, 2011	765			(16	)
	Shares issued for acquisitions	—			3
	Equity awards granted, vested and exercised	—			4
	Shares issued for warrants	5			—
	Shares issued for internal restructuring	70			(70	)
	Balance at December 31, 2012	840			(79	)
	Equity awards granted, vested and exercised	—			6
	Balance at December 31, 2013	840			(73	)
	Change in Shares Associated with Redomestication	(840	)		71
	Issuance of Weatherford Ireland Shares	774			—
	Equity awards granted, vested and exercised	—			2
	Balance at December 31, 2014	774			—
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table presents the changes in our accumulated other comprehensive loss by component for the year ended December 31, 2014 and 2013:
	(Dollars in millions)	Currency Translation Adjustment				Defined Benefit Pension			Deferred Loss on Derivatives			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	213			$	(40	)	$	(10	)	$	163
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(316		)		—			—			(316		)
	Reclassifications	(37		)		2			1			(34		)
	Net activity	(353		)		2			1			(350		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	(140		)		(38		)	(9		)	(187		)
	Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(763		)		(21		)	—			(784		)
	Reclassifications	90				2			—			92
	Other	—				—			(2		)	(2		)
	Net activity	(673		)		(19		)	(2		)	(694		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	(813	)		$	(57	)	$	(11	)	$	(881	)

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 share-based compensation expense during each of the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Dollars in millions)	2014				2013			2012
	Share-based compensation	$	56			$	66		$	76
	Related tax benefit	12				11			27
Schedule of Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Share-based Payments	A summary of option activity for the year ended December 31, 2014, is presented below:
		Options			Weighted			Weighted		Aggregate
					Average Exercise			Average		Intrinsic
					Price			Remaining		Value
								Term
		(In thousands)								(In thousands)
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	7,956			$	9.31		2.01 years		$	54,775
	Exercised	(1,313	)		8.24
	Outstanding and Vested at December 31, 2014	6,643			9.52			1.18 years		23,500
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	5,368			7.07			1.03 years		23,500
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity	A summary of RSA and RSU activity for the year ended December 31, 2014 is presented below:
			RSA			Weighted			RSU			Weighted
						Average Grant Date						Average
						Fair Value						Grant Date
												Fair Value
			(In thousands)						(In thousands)
	Non-Vested at December 31, 2013		3,211			$	14.8		3,137			$	14.26
	Granted		425			17.72			2,997			19.16
	Vested		(1,171	)		14.87			(1,633	)		15.29
	Forfeited		(211	)		14.97			(201	)		15.93
	Non-Vested at December 31, 2014		2,254			15.31			4,300			17.21
Schedule of Nonvested Performance-based Units Activity	A summary of performance unit activity for the year ended December 31, 2014, is presented below:
		Performance Units			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
		(In thousands)
	Non-vested at December 31, 2013	1,911			$	16.05
	Granted	801			14.31
	Vested	(282	)		12.49
	Forfeited	(482	)		28.61
	Non-vested at December 31, 2014	1,948			12.74

Retirement_and_Employee_Benefi1

Retirement and Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of weighted average assumption rates	The weighted average assumption rates used for benefit obligations were as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014	2013
	Discount rate:
	United States plans	1.00% - 4.00%	1.00% - 4.75%
	International plans	1.65% - 7.00%	3.50% - 7.00%
	Rate of compensation increase:
	United States plans	—	—
	International plans	2.00% - 3.30%	3.00% - 4.50%

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit) [Table Text Block]	Our income tax (provision) benefit from continuing operations consisted of the following:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Dollars in millions)	2014			2013			2012
	Total current provision	$	(350	)	$	(177	)	$	(475	)
	Total deferred benefit	66			33			13
	Provision for Income Taxes	$	(284	)	$	(144	)	$	(462	)
Schedule of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation [Table Text Block]	The difference between the income tax provision at the Swiss federal income tax rate and the income tax provision attributable to “Loss Before Income Taxes” for each of the three years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 is analyzed below:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Dollars in millions)	2014			2013			2012
	Swiss federal income tax rate at 7.83%	$	20		$	13		$	23
	Tax on operating earnings subject to rates different than the Swiss federal income tax rate	(70		)	89			(341		)
	Tax on divestitures gains subject to different tax rate	(109		)	—			—
	Change in valuation allowance	(222		)	(264		)	(108		)
	Change in uncertain tax positions	97			18			(36		)
	Provision for Income Taxes	$	(284	)	$	(144	)	$	(462	)
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	The components of the net deferred tax asset (liability) attributable to continuing operations were as follows:
		December 31,
	(Dollars stated in millions)	2014			2013
	Net operating losses carryforwards	$	600		$	614
	Accrued liabilities and reserves	235			224
	Tax credit carryforwards	103			115
	Employee benefits	70			54
	Inventory	70			51
	Other differences between financial and tax basis	108			79
	Valuation allowance	(732		)	(554		)
	Total deferred tax assets	454			583
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Property, plant and equipment	(324		)	(415		)
	Intangible assets	(206		)	(221		)
	Deferred Income	(22		)	(6		)
	Other differences between financial and tax basis	(21		)	(22		)
	Total deferred tax liabilities	(573		)	(664		)
	Net deferred tax liability	$	(119	)	$	(81	)
Schedule of Unrecognized Tax Benefits Roll Forward [Table Text Block]	A tabular reconciliation of the total amounts of uncertain tax positions at the beginning and end of the period is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
	(Dollars stated in millions)	2014			2013			2012
	Balance at beginning of year	$	289		$	296		$	292
	Additions as a result of tax positions taken during a prior period	23			64			8
	Reductions as a result of tax positions taken during a prior period	(35		)	(12		)	(1		)
	Additions as a result of tax positions taken during the current period	2			31			29
	Reductions relating to settlements with taxing authorities	(24		)	(60		)	(14		)
	Reductions as a result of a lapse of the applicable statute of limitations	(9		)	(19		)	(19		)
	Foreign exchange effects	(11		)	(11		)	1
	Balance at end of year	$	235		$	289		$	296
Summary of Income Tax Contingencies [Table Text Block]	We are subject to income tax in many of the over 100 countries where we operate. As of December 31, 2014, the following table summarizes the tax years that remain subject to examination for the major jurisdictions in which we operate:
	Canada	2007 - 2014
	Mexico	2007 - 2014
	Russia	2012 - 2014
	Switzerland	2009 - 2013
	United States	2007 - 2014
	Venezuela	2009 - 2014

Commitments_Tables

Commitments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Operating Leases of Lessee Disclosure	Future minimum rental commitments under noncancellable operating leases are as follows (dollars in millions):
	2015	$	269
	2016	275
	2017	154
	2018	121
	2019	76
	Thereafter	233
		$	1,128

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Financial information by segment	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, 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.
		Year Ended December 31, 2014
	(Dollars in millions)	Net			Income				Depreciation		Capital
		Operating			from				and		Expenditures
		Revenues			Operations				Amortization
	North America	$	6,852		$	996			$	431	$	454
	MENA/Asia Pacific	3,095			85				401		319
	Europe/SSA/Russia	2,584			386				259		303
	Latin America	2,380			256				257		312
		14,911			1,723				1,348		1,388
	Corporate and Research and Development				(468		)		23		62
	Long-lived Assets Impairment				(495		)
	Goodwill Impairment				(161		)
	Restructuring Charges (a)				(331		)
	Gain on Sale of Businesses and Investments, Net				349
	Other Items (b)				(112		)
	Total	$	14,911		$	505			$	1,371	$	1,450
	(a)	We recognized 2014 Plan restructuring charges of $273 million: $42 million in North America, $133 million in MENA/Asia Pacific, $31 million in Europe/SSA/Russia, $37 million in Latin America and $30 million in Corporate and Research and Development. We also recognized $58 million restructuring charges for our 2015 Plan: $32 million in North America, $8 million in MENA/Asia Pacific, $5 million in Europe/SSA/Russia, $12 million in Latin America and $1 million in Corporate and Research and Development.
	(b)	Includes professional fees of $107 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 $5 million.
		Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(Dollars in millions)	Net			Income				Depreciation		Capital
		Operating			from				and		Expenditures
		Revenues			Operations (c)				Amortization
	North America	$	6,390		$	820			$	424	$	434
	MENA/Asia Pacific	3,344			(96		)		396		526
	Europe/SSA/Russia	2,693			288				286		305
	Latin America (d)	2,836			306				276		247
		15,263			1,318				1,382		1,512
	Corporate and Research and Development				(466		)		20		63
	U.S. Government Investigation Loss				(153		)
	Gain on Sale of Businesses and Investments, Net				24
	Other Items (e)				(200		)
	Total	$	15,263		$	523			$	1,402	$	1,575
	(c)	We recognized a charge for bad debt expense of $98 million attributable to our reporting segments as follows: $59 million in Latin America, $27 million in MENA/Asia Pacific, $10 million for Europe/SSA/Russia, and $2 million in North America. See footnote (d) below for additional details for the bad debt expense charge in Latin America of $59 million. During 2013, we recognized a charge for excess and obsolete inventory of $62 million attributable to each reporting segment as follows: $35 million in North America, $7 million in MENA/Asia Pacific, $13 million in Europe/SSA/Russia and $7 million in Latin America.
	(d)	On December 17, 2013, we accepted bonds with a face value of $127 million from PDVSA in full settlement of $127 million in trade receivables. Upon receipt, we immediately sold these bonds in a series of transactions recognizing a loss of $58 million.
	(e)	Includes $67 million of professional fees and expenses for U.S. government investigations and the remediation of our material weakness related to income taxes, $94 million of severance and $39 million of other items.
		Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(Dollars in millions)	Net			Income				Depreciation		Capital
		Operating			from				and		Expenditures
		Revenues			Operations (f)				Amortization
	North America	$	6,824		$	1,078			$	412	$	744
	MENA/Asia Pacific	2,795			34				352		657
	Europe/SSA/Russia	2,519			315				255		341
	Latin America	3,077			395				238		384
		15,215			1,822				1,257		2,126
	Corporate and Research and Development				(453		)		25		51
	Goodwill and Equity Investment Impairment				(793		)
	U.S. Government Investigation Loss				(100		)
	Gain on Sale of Businesses and Investments, Net				28
	Other Items (g)				(206		)
	Total	$	15,215		$	298			$	1,282	$	2,177
	(f)	We recognized a charge for excess and obsolete inventory of $53 million attributable to each reporting segment as follows: $21 million in North America, $16 million in MENA/Asia Pacific, $11 million in Europe/SSA/Russia and $5 million in Latin America. We also recognized a charge of $30 million to adjust the carrying value of our guar inventory, a component of certain drilling fluids, to the lower of cost or market, all of which was attributable to the North America reporting segment.
	(g)	Includes income tax restatement and material weakness remediation expenses of $103 million, $13 million of costs incurred in connection with U.S. government investigations, $11 million of non-recurring fees and expenses associated with our 2012 debt consent solicitation and severance, exit and other charges of $79 million.
	The following table presents total assets by segment at December 31:
		Total Assets at
		December 31,
	(Dollars in millions)	2014		2013
	North America	$	7,297	$	7,720
	MENA/Asia Pacific	4,736		5,328
	Europe/SSA/Russia	3,203		4,346
	Latin America	3,307		4,247
	Corporate and Research and Development	346		336
	Total	$	18,889	$	21,977
Total assets in the United States, which is part of our North America segment, were $6.1 billion and $6.2 billion as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The remaining North America total assets balance of $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, is related to our operations in Canada.
Composition of consolidated revenues by product line	Products and Services
	We are one of the world’s leading providers of equipment and services used in the drilling, evaluation, completion, production and intervention of oil and natural gas wells. The composition of our consolidated revenues by product service line group is as follows:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014		2013			2012
	Formation Evaluation and Well Construction	58	%	61	%		56	%
	Completion and Production	42		39			44
	Total	100	%	100	%		100	%
Financial information by geographic area	Geographic Areas
	Financial information by geographic area is summarized below. Revenues from customers and long-lived assets in Switzerland were insignificant in each of the years presented. Long-lived assets exclude goodwill and intangible assets as well as deferred tax assets of $129 million and $33 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
		Revenues									Long-lived Assets
	(Dollars in millions)	2014			2013				2012		2014		2013
	United States	$	5,567		$	5,146			$	5,465	$	2,114	$	2,212
	Canada	1,285			1,244				1,359		264		431
	Mexico	479			959				1,274		170		226
	Other Countries	7,580			7,914				7,117		4,817		5,285
		$	14,911		$	15,263			$	15,215	$	7,365	$	8,154

Consolidating_Financial_Statem1

Consolidating Financial Statements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet	Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
	December 31, 2014
	(Dollars in Millions)	Weatherford			Weatherford			Weatherford			Other			Eliminations			Consolidation
		Ireland			Bermuda			Delaware			Subsidiaries
	Current Assets:
	Cash and Cash Equivalents	$	1		$	—		$	22		$	451		$	—		$	474
	Other Current Assets	4			12			544			7,524			(614		)	7,470
	Total Current Assets	5			12			566			7,975			(614		)	7,944
	Equity Investments in Affiliates	8,662			10,490			9,730			3,974			(32,856		)	—
	Intercompany Receivables, Net	—			—			—			10,490			(10,490		)	—
	Other Assets	5			35			16			10,889			—			10,945
	Total Assets	$	8,672		$	10,537		$	10,312		$	33,328		$	(43,960	)	$	18,889
	Current Liabilities:
	Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt	$	—		$	618		$	6		$	103		$	—		$	727
	Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities	43			256			—			3,615			(614		)	3,300
	Total Current Liabilities	43			874			6			3,718			(614		)	4,027
	Long-term Debt	—			5,749			911			137			1			6,798
	Intercompany Payables, Net	1,666			6,202			2,622			—			(10,490		)	—
	Other Long-term Liabilities	5			82			5			939			—			1,031
	Total Liabilities	1,714			12,907			3,544			4,794			(11,103		)	11,856
	Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity	6,958			(2,370		)	6,768			28,459			(32,857		)	6,958
	Noncontrolling Interests	—			—			—			75			—			75
	Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$	8,672		$	10,537		$	10,312		$	33,328		$	(43,960	)	$	18,889
	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			9,430			(408		)	9,499
	Total Current Assets	57			5			415			9,865			(408		)	9,934
	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			11,978			—			12,043
	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			—			4,071			(408		)	4,104
	Total Current Liabilities	312			1,574			23			4,256			(408		)	5,757
	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			847			—			956
	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 Operations
Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	(Dollars in Millions)	Weatherford			Weatherford			Weatherford			Other			Eliminations			Consolidation
		Ireland			Bermuda			Delaware			Subsidiaries
	Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
	Net Income (Loss)	$	(584	)	$	6,441		$	215		$	(8,936	)	$	2,325		$	(539	)
	Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income(Loss) to Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities:
	Charges from Parent or Subsidiary	99			(7,291		)	266			8,802			(1,876		)	—
	Equity in (Earnings) Loss of Affiliates	424			430			(407		)	2			(449		)	—
	Deferred Income Tax Provision (Benefit)	—			—			(25		)	(41		)	—			(66		)
	Other Adjustments	23			(180		)	(42		)	1,767			—			1,568
	Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities	(38		)	(600		)	7			1,594			—			963
	Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
	Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment	—			—			—			(1,450		)	—			(1,450		)
	Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	—			—			—			18			—			18
	Acquisition of Intellectual Property	—			—			—			(5		)	—			(5		)
	Purchase of Equity Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates	—			—			—			(3		)	—			(3		)
	Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Businesses, Net	—			—			—			1,770			—			1,770
	Net Cash Provided (Used) by Investing Activities	—			—			—			330			—			330
	Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
	Borrowings (Repayments) Short-term Debt, Net	—			(827		)	—			(97		)	—			(924		)
	Borrowings (Repayments) Long-term Debt, Net	—			(153		)	(92		)	(14		)	—			(259		)
	Borrowings (Repayments) Between Subsidiaries, Net	39			1,580			107			(1,726		)	—			—
	Proceeds from Capital Contributions	—			—			—			22			—			22
	Other, Net	—			—			—			(19		)	—			(19		)
	Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities	39			600			15			(1,834		)	—			(1,180		)
	Effect of Exchange Rate Changes On Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			—			(74		)	—			(74		)
	Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	1			—			22			16			—			39
	Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	—			—			—			435			—			435
	Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	$	1		$	—		$	22		$	451		$	—		$	474
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(Dollars in Millions)	Weatherford			Weatherford			Weatherford			Other			Eliminations			Consolidation
		Switzerland			Bermuda			Delaware			Subsidiaries
	Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
	Net Income (Loss)	$	(345	)	$	(521	)	$	203		$	598		$	(249	)	$	(314	)
	Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income(Loss) to Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities:
	Charges from Parent or Subsidiary	53			(49		)	337			(341		)	—			—
	Equity in (Earnings) Loss of Affiliates	242			(30		)	(461		)	—			249			—
	Deferred Income Tax Provision (Benefit)	—			—			28			(61		)	—			(33		)
	Other Adjustments	(48		)	748			470			406			—			1,576
	Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities	(98		)	148			577			602			—			1,229
	Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
	Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment	—			—			—			(1,575		)	—			(1,575		)
	Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	—			—			—			(8		)	—			(8		)
	Acquisition of Intellectual Property	—			—			—			(9		)	—			(9		)
	Purchase of Equity Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates	—			—			—			—			—			—
	Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Businesses, Net	—			—			—			488			—			488
	Capital Contribution to Subsidiary	—			(1,181		)	—			—			1,181			—
	Net Cash Provided (Used) by Investing Activities	—			(1,181		)	—			(1,104		)	1,181			(1,104		)
	Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
	Borrowings (Repayments) Short-term Debt, Net	—			550			(4		)	66			—			612
	Borrowings (Repayments) Long-term Debt, Net	—			(544		)	(30		)	(26		)	—			(600		)
	Borrowings (Repayments) Between Subsidiaries, Net	100			1,027			(565		)	(562		)	—			—
	Proceeds from Capital Contributions	—			—			—			1,181			(1,181		)	—
	Other, Net	(2		)	—			22			(26		)	—			(6		)
	Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities	98			1,033			(577		)	633			(1,181		)	6
	Effect of Exchange Rate Changes On Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			—			4			—			4
	Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			—			135			—			135
	Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	—			—			—			300			—			300
	Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	435		$	—		$	435
	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(Dollars in Millions)	Weatherford			Weatherford			Weatherford			Other			Eliminations			Consolidation
Switzerland			Bermuda			Delaware			Subsidiaries
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net Income (Loss)	$	(778	)	$	(1,197	)	$	(294	)	$	35		$	1,484		$	(750	)
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities:
Charges from Parent or Subsidiary	28			(53		)	233			(208		)	—			—
Equity in (Earnings) Loss of Affiliates	689			701			94			—			(1,484		)	—
Deferred Income Tax (Provision) Benefit	—			—			10			(23		)	—			(13		)
Other Adjustments	50			35			472			1,427			—			1,984
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities	(11		)	(514		)	515			1,231			—			1,221
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment	—			—			—			(2,177		)	—			(2,177		)
Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	(30		)	—			—			(135		)	—			(165		)
Acquisition of Intellectual Property	—			—			—			(17		)	—			(17		)
Acquisition of Equity Investments in Unconsolidated Affiliates	—			—			—			(8		)	—			(8		)
Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Businesses, Net	—			—			—			61			—			61
Capital Contribution to Subsidiary	(30		)	(85		)	(118		)	118			115			—
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Investing Activities	(60		)	(85		)	(118		)	(2,158		)	115			(2,306		)
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Borrowings (Repayments) Short-term Debt, Net	—			(108		)	—			95			—			(13		)
Borrowings (Repayments) Long-term Debt, Net	—			1,295			(296		)	4			—			1,003
Borrowings (Repayments) Between Subsidiaries, Net	71			(588		)	(101		)	618			—			—
Proceeds from Capital Contribution	—			—			—			115			(115		)	—
Other, Net	—			—			—			22			—			22
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities	71			599			(397		)	854			(115		)	1,012
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			—			2			—			2
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	—			—			—			(71		)	—			(71		)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Period	—			—			—			371			—			371
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Period	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	300		$	—		$	300

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud1

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data
		2014 Quarters
	(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)	First				Second				Third			Fourth				Total
	Revenues	$	3,596			$	3,711			$	3,877		$	3,727			$	14,911
	Gross Profit	757				882				992			819				3,450
	Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford (e)	(41		)	(a)	(145		)	(b)	77		(c)	(475		)	(d)	(584		)
	Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share	(0.05		)		(0.19		)		0.1			(0.61		)		(0.75		)
	Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share	(0.05		)		(0.19		)		0.1			(0.61		)		(0.75		)
	(a)	Includes restructuring charges of $70 million.
	(b)	Includes restructuring charges of $59 million, and long-lived assets and goodwill impairment charges of $143 million and $125 million, respectively.
	(c)	Includes restructuring charges of $154 million and a gain of $38 million primarily related to the sale of our pipeline and specialty services business and land drilling and workover rigs in Russia and Venezuela.
	(d)	Includes a long-lived asset impairment charge of $352 million, a goodwill impairment charge of $40 million, a $245 million charge related to adopting the SICAD II exchange rate, a gain of $311 million primarily related to the sale of our engineered chemistry and Integrity drilling fluids businesses and the disposal of all of our shares in Proserv. This also includes restructuring charges of $58 million associated with our 2015 plan.
	(e)	Includes estimated project losses of $26 million, $2 million, $10 million and $34 million for the first, second, third and fourth quarter of 2014, respectively. These charges were related to our long-term early production facility construction contracts in Iraq accounted for under the percentage of completion method.
		2013 Quarters
	(Dollars in millions, except per share amounts)	First				Second				Third			Fourth				Total
	Revenues	$	3,837			$	3,868			$	3,820		$	3,738			$	15,263
	Gross Profit	831				742				784			604				2,961
	Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford (i)	22			(f)	(118		)	(g)	22			(271		)	(h)	(345		)
	Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share	0.03				(0.15		)		0.03			(0.35		)		(0.45		)
	Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share	0.03				(0.15		)		0.03			(0.35		)		(0.45		)

Business_Combinations_and_Dive2

Business Combinations and Divestitures (Acquisitions) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	31-May-12	Dec. 31, 2011	Apr. 30, 2014
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment	($18)	$8	$165
Acquisitions	6	2
Joint Venture in China [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Business acquisition, percentage of voting interests acquired								30.00%
Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment					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
Cash acquired from acquisition				30
Company that Designs and Produces Well Completion Tools [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Payments to Acquire Businesses, Gross						29
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Number of Shares						3
Business Acquisition, Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Value Assigned						39
Business Combination, Consideration Transferred, Liabilities Incurred						16
Business Combination, Contingent Consideration, Liability	3
Series of Individually Immaterial Business Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment							$144

Business_Combinations_and_Dive3

Business Combinations and Divestitures (Divestitures Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended			9 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2014	Oct. 07, 2013
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain on Sale of Businesses and Investments, Net	($311)		($349)	($24)	($28)
Long-Lived Assets Impairment			495	0	0
Goodwill, Impairment Loss	40	-125	66		589
Total Current Liabilities Held for Sale	0		0	318			318
Engineered Chemistry and Integrity Dilling Fluids Business [Domain]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Sale Price	750		750
Estimated working capital adjustment	-16		-16
Transaction costs on disposition			-12
Gain on Sale of Businesses and Investments, Net			-250
Accounts Receivables, net	48		48	48			48
Inventories, net	99		99	103			103
Other Assets	1		1	5			5
Total Current Liabilities Held for Sale	44		44	79			79
Proserv Group Business [Domain]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain on Sale of Businesses and Investments, Net			-65
Pipeline and Specialty Services Business [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Sale Price						246
Cash disposed to sell disposal group						245
Estimated working capital adjustment						2
Gain on Sale of Businesses and Investments, Net						-49
Industrial Screen Business [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Sale Price				137			137
Gain on Sale of Businesses and Investments, Net				-6
Disposal Group,cash and cash equivalents				54			54
Accounts Receivables, net				36			36
Inventories, net				37			37
Other Assets				93			93
Liabilities				69			69
Total Current Liabilities Held for Sale				60			60
Land Drilling and Workover Rig Operations [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Sale Price								499
Cash disposed to sell disposal group								486
Estimated working capital adjustment								3
Gain on Sale of Businesses and Investments, Net		15
Long-Lived Assets Impairment		143
Goodwill, Impairment Loss		121
Goodwill impairment (classified as assets held for sale)		95
Accounts Receivables, net				244			244
Inventories, net				170			170
Other Assets				4			4
Total Current Liabilities Held for Sale				318			318
Borets [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Equity method investment, ownership percentage									38.50%
Net Sales Proceeds							400
Proceeds from sale of equity method investments							359
Net sales proceeds, promissory note term							3 years
Amount of consideration received							30
Value of consideration given							11
Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal							18
Subsea Controls Business [Member]
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Gain on Sale of Businesses and Investments, Net					-28
Amount of consideration received					173
Inventories, net					38
Liabilities					13
Gain (Loss) on disposition of business, net of tax					25
Accounts receivable and other current assets					39
Property, plant and equipment					5
Goodwill					$74

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	CHF
	country
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of countries operated in (over 100 countries)	100
Years in operation	50 years
Common shares, authorized	1,356,000,000			840,000,000
Par value (in dollars or CHF per share)	$0.00			1.16
Principles of Consolidation
Maximum exposure to loss associated with variable interest	$42
Guaranteed debt on behalf of variable interest entities	70
Foreign Currency
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)	($18)	($66)	($85)

Business_Combinations_and_Dive4

Business Combinations and Divestitures (Divestitures - Assets Held for Sale) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Operating Income (Loss)	$57	$58	$57
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Classified Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract]
Total Current Assets Held for Sale	0	1,604
Total Current Liabilities Held for Sale	0	318
Engineered Chemistry and Integrity Dilling Fluids Business [Domain]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Classified Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract]
Accounts Receivables, net	48	48
Inventories, net	99	103
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net	55	52
Goodwill	270	270
Other Intangible Assets, Net	43	49
Other Assets	1	5
Total Assets	516	527
Accounts Payable	32	37
Deferred Tax Liabilities	10	19
Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities	2	23
Total Current Liabilities Held for Sale	44	79
Land Drilling and Workover Rig Operations [Member]
Disposal Group, Including Discontinued Operation, Classified Balance Sheet Disclosures [Abstract]
Accounts Receivables, net		244
Inventories, net		170
Other Current Assets		30
Property, Plant, and Equipment, Net		678
Goodwill		419
Other Intangible Assets, Net		59
Other Assets		4
Total Current Assets Held for Sale		1,604
Accounts Payable		173
Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities		145
Total Current Liabilities Held for Sale		$318

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Major Customers and Credit Risk) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration percentage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Accounts receivable, current	$3,015	$3,351
Increase (decrease) in accounts receivable	-78	12	705
Depreciation	1,300	1,300	1,200
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, current	66
Gain (loss) on sale of bonds		-58
Increase (decrease) in accounts receivable		-127
Bond face amount		127
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Petroleos Mexicanos [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, current	$142
Accounts Receivable [Member] | Latin America [Member] | Geographic Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration percentage	26.00%
Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Customer Concentration Risk [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration percentage	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%

Summary_of_Significant_Account5

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Property, Plant and Equipment - Estimated Useful Lives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation	$1,300	$1,300	$1,200
Buildings and leasehold improvements [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful life	10 years
Buildings and leasehold improvements [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful life	40 years
Rental and service equipment [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful life	2 years
Rental and service equipment [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful life	20 years
Machinery and other [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful life	2 years
Machinery and other [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, estimated useful life	12 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account6

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Intangible Assets) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Minimum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible asset useful life	2 years
Maximum [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible asset useful life	20 years

Summary_of_Significant_Account7

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Devaluation of Venezuelan Bolivar) (Details)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 13, 2013	Feb. 12, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
	Venezuelan Bolivar [Member]	Venezuelan Bolivar [Member]	Venezuelan Bolivar [Member]	Venezuelan Bolivar [Member]	Venezuelan Bolivar [Member]	Venezuelan Bolivar [Member]	Venezuela [Member]	SICAD II [Member]
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	VEB	VEB	USD ($)	Venezuelan Bolivar [Member]
								VEB
Impact of Foreign Currency Devaluation [Line Items]
Amount Recognized in Income Due to Inflationary Accounting, Net of Tax	($245)		($252)	($94)
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Translation					6.3	4.3		50
Currency devaluation expense		100	245	100
Net investment in foreign country							361
Net monetary asset position							$36

Summary_of_Significant_Account8

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Earnings per Share - Weighted Average Shares Outstanding) (Details)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted	777	772	765
Basic and Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	777	772	765

Summary_of_Significant_Account9

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Earnings Per Share - Antidilutive Shares) (Details)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Anti-dilutive potential shares	5	5	4

Restructuring_Charges_Narrativ

Restructuring Charges (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$58	$154	$59	$70	$331		$0	$0
Payments for Restructuring					111
Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					24
Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					196
Payments for Restructuring					106
2014 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					273
2014 Plan [Member] | Asset impairment charges [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					135
2014 Plan [Member] | One-time Termination Benefits [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					114	[1]
Payments for Restructuring					94
2014 Plan [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					24	[1]
Payments for Restructuring					12
2014 Plan [Member] | Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					138
Payments for Restructuring					$106
[1]	Includes reversal of $5 million severance charges and $2 million facility related charges for the 2014 Plan.

Restructuring_Charges_Restruct

Restructuring Charges (Restructuring Charges) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges	$58	$154	$59	$70	$331		$0	$0
Restructuring Reserve	79				79		0
Corporate and Research and Development [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					31
Restructuring Reserve	12				12
North America [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					74
Restructuring Reserve	33				33
Middle East/North Africa/Asia [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					141
Restructuring Reserve	14				14
Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					36
Restructuring Reserve	11				11
Latin America [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					49
Restructuring Reserve	9				9
Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					58
Restructuring Reserve	53				53
Employee Severance [Member] | Corporate and Research and Development [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	1				1
Employee Severance [Member] | North America [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	32				32
Employee Severance [Member] | Middle East/North Africa/Asia [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	6				6
Employee Severance [Member] | Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	5				5
Employee Severance [Member] | Latin America [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	9				9
Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					196
Restructuring Reserve	26				26
Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] | Corporate and Research and Development [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	11				11
Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] | North America [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	1				1
Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] | Middle East/North Africa/Asia [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	8				8
Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] | Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	6				6
Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] | Latin America [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Reserve	0				0
Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					24
2015 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					58
Restructuring Reserve	53				53
2015 Plan [Member] | Corporate and Research and Development [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					1
2015 Plan [Member] | North America [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					32
Restructuring Reserve							0
2015 Plan [Member] | Middle East/North Africa/Asia [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					8
2015 Plan [Member] | Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					5
2015 Plan [Member] | Latin America [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					12
2014 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					273
Restructuring Reserve							0
2014 Plan [Member] | Corporate and Research and Development [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					30
2014 Plan [Member] | North America [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					42
2014 Plan [Member] | Middle East/North Africa/Asia [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					133
2014 Plan [Member] | Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					31
2014 Plan [Member] | Latin America [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					37
2014 Plan [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					114
2014 Plan [Member] | Employee Severance [Member] | Corporate and Research and Development [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					28
2014 Plan [Member] | Employee Severance [Member] | North America [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					15
2014 Plan [Member] | Employee Severance [Member] | Middle East/North Africa/Asia [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					23
2014 Plan [Member] | Employee Severance [Member] | Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					18
2014 Plan [Member] | Employee Severance [Member] | Latin America [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					30
2014 Plan [Member] | Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					138
Restructuring Reserve	26				26		0
2014 Plan [Member] | Asset impairment charges [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					135
2014 Plan [Member] | Asset impairment charges [Member] | Corporate and Research and Development [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					2
2014 Plan [Member] | Asset impairment charges [Member] | North America [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					24
2014 Plan [Member] | Asset impairment charges [Member] | Middle East/North Africa/Asia [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					105
2014 Plan [Member] | Asset impairment charges [Member] | Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					4
2014 Plan [Member] | Asset impairment charges [Member] | Latin America [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					0
2014 Plan [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					24	[1]
Restructuring Reserve	12				12		0
2014 Plan [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member] | Corporate and Research and Development [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					0
2014 Plan [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member] | North America [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					3
2014 Plan [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member] | Middle East/North Africa/Asia [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					5
2014 Plan [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member] | Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					9
2014 Plan [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member] | Latin America [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					$7
[1]	Includes reversal of $5 million severance charges and $2 million facility related charges for the 2014 Plan.

Restructuring_Charges_Restruct1

Restructuring Charges (Restructuring Liability) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Accrued balance at beginning of period				$0	$0
Restructuring Charges	58	154	59	70	331		0	0
Cash Payments					-111
Other					-6
Accrued balance at end of period	79				79		0
Corporate and Research and Development [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Charges					31
Accrued balance at end of period	12				12
North America [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Charges					74
Accrued balance at end of period	33				33
Middle East/North Africa/Asia [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Charges					141
Accrued balance at end of period	14				14
Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Charges					36
Accrued balance at end of period	11				11
Latin America [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Charges					49
Accrued balance at end of period	9				9
Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Charges					24
Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Charges					196
Cash Payments					-106
Accrued balance at end of period	26				26
Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] | Corporate and Research and Development [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Accrued balance at end of period	11				11
Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] | North America [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Accrued balance at end of period	1				1
Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] | Middle East/North Africa/Asia [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Accrued balance at end of period	8				8
Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] | Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Accrued balance at end of period	6				6
Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member] | Latin America [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Accrued balance at end of period	0				0
2015 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Charges					58
Cash Payments					-5
Other					0
Accrued balance at end of period	53				53
2015 Plan [Member] | Corporate and Research and Development [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Charges					1
2015 Plan [Member] | North America [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Accrued balance at beginning of period				0	0
Restructuring Charges					32
2015 Plan [Member] | Middle East/North Africa/Asia [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Charges					8
2015 Plan [Member] | Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Charges					5
2015 Plan [Member] | Latin America [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Charges					12
2014 Plan [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Accrued balance at beginning of period				0	0
Restructuring Charges					273
2014 Plan [Member] | Corporate and Research and Development [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Charges					30
2014 Plan [Member] | North America [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Charges					42
2014 Plan [Member] | Middle East/North Africa/Asia [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Charges					133
2014 Plan [Member] | Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Charges					31
2014 Plan [Member] | Latin America [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Charges					37
2014 Plan [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Charges					-5
2014 Plan [Member] | One-time Termination Benefits [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Charges					114	[1]
Cash Payments					-94
Other					-6
Accrued balance at end of period	14				14
2014 Plan [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Accrued balance at beginning of period				0	0
Restructuring Charges					24	[1]
Cash Payments					-12
Other					0
Accrued balance at end of period	12				12
2014 Plan [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member] | Corporate and Research and Development [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Charges					0
2014 Plan [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member] | North America [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Charges					3
2014 Plan [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member] | Middle East/North Africa/Asia [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Charges					5
2014 Plan [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member] | Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Charges					9
2014 Plan [Member] | Other Restructuring [Member] | Latin America [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Charges					7
2014 Plan [Member] | Severance and Other Restructuring Liabilities [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Accrued balance at beginning of period				0	0
Restructuring Charges					138
Cash Payments					-106
Other					-6
Accrued balance at end of period	26				26
2014 Plan [Member] | Facility [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Charges					($2)
[1]	Includes reversal of $5 million severance charges and $2 million facility related charges for the 2014 Plan.

Percentage_of_Completion_Contr1

Percentage of Completion Contracts (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Line Items]
Unapproved Change Orders, Amount	$80								$80
ChangeOrdersApprovedbyCustomer									26
Costs in Excess of Billings, Current	128								128
Iraq [Member]
Billed and Unbilled Contract Claims Subject to Uncertainty [Line Items]
Loss on contracts	-34	-10	-2	-26	148	85	6		72	232	100
Estimated loss on long term construction contract	379				307				379	307
Accounts Receivable, Unapproved Contract Claims	90				36				90	36
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense					82					82
Deductions (Charges)	24								24
Revenues								$63

Supplemental_Cash_Flow_Informa2

Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Schedule of Cash Paid for Interest and Taxes) (Details)	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 13, 2013	Feb. 12, 2013
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	Venezuelan Bolivar [Member]	Venezuelan Bolivar [Member]	Venezuelan Bolivar [Member]	Venezuelan Bolivar [Member]	Venezuelan Bolivar [Member]
				USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	VEB	VEB
Interest paid, net of capitalized interest	$511	$525	$478
Income taxes paid, net of refunds	386	442	443
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Translation							6.3	4.3
Amount Recognized in Income Due to Inflationary Accounting, Net of Tax				-245	-252	-94
Asset, Reporting Currency Denominated, Value				($92)	($92)

Accounts_Receivable_Factoring_

Accounts Receivable Factoring (Details) (Mexico [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Mexico [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable sold, carrying value	$215	$177
Proceeds from sale of accounts receivable	204	163
Gain (loss) on sale of accounts receivable	($3)	($1)

Inventories_Net_Schedule_of_In

Inventories, Net (Schedule of Inventory) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]
Raw materials, components and supplies	$194	$386
Work in process	135	130
Finished goods	2,758	2,684
Total Inventory	$3,087	$3,200

Inventories_Net_Narrative_Deta

Inventories, Net (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory write-down	$113	$62	$53
Excessive Quantities and Obsolescence [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory write-down		62
Guar Inventory [Member] | Lower of Cost or Market [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory write-down			30
Guar Inventory [Member]
Inventory [Line Items]
Inventory write-down			$30

Longlived_and_Other_Asset_Impa1

Long-lived and Other Asset Impairments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 30, 2014
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	$352	$495	$0	$0
Impairment of long-lived Assets to be disposed of		495	0	0
Middle East/North Africa/Asia [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	175
Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	28
Latin America [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	149
Land Drilling and Workover Rig Operations [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Impairment of long-lived Assets to be disposed of					$143

Goodwill_Narrative_Details

Goodwill (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment loss	$40	($125)	$66	$589
Latin America [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment loss	15		15
Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment loss	13	77	39
Middle East/North Africa/Asia [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment loss	12	512	12
Land Drilling and Workover Rig Operations [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment loss		121
Goodwill impairment (classified as assets held for sale)		$95

Goodwill_Schedule_of_Goodwill_

Goodwill (Schedule of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance			$3,290	$3,871
Acquisitions			6	2
Disposals				-41
Impairment loss	-40	125	-66		-589
Purchase price and other adjustments			-5
Foreign currency translation adjustments			-214	-123
Ending Balance	3,011		3,011	3,290	3,871
North America [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance			1,981	2,336
Acquisitions			0	0
Disposals				-23
Purchase price and other adjustments			1	1
Foreign currency translation adjustments			-86	-71
Ending Balance	1,896		1,896	1,981
Middle East/North Africa/Asia [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance			207	226
Acquisitions			6	0
Disposals				-4
Impairment loss	-12	-512	-12
Purchase price and other adjustments			0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments			-6	-13
Ending Balance	195		195	207
Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance			769	955
Acquisitions			0	2
Disposals				-13
Impairment loss	-13	-77	-39
Purchase price and other adjustments			8	-3
Foreign currency translation adjustments			-115	-29
Ending Balance	623		623	769
Latin America [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance			333	354
Acquisitions			0	0
Disposals				-1
Impairment loss	-15		-15
Purchase price and other adjustments			-14	2
Foreign currency translation adjustments			-7	-10
Ending Balance	297		297	333
Restatement Adjustment [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Ending Balance				-419
Restatement Adjustment [Member] | North America [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Ending Balance				-262
Restatement Adjustment [Member] | Middle East/North Africa/Asia [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Ending Balance				-2
Restatement Adjustment [Member] | Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Ending Balance				-143
Restatement Adjustment [Member] | Latin America [Member]
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Ending Balance				($12)

Other_Intangible_Assets_Schedu

Other Intangible Assets (Schedule of Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amount	$1,184	$1,369
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Held For Sale		-60
Amortization	-733	-743
Impairment	-11
Assets	440	566
Acquired technology [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amount	420	417
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Held For Sale		-4
Amortization	-287	-238
Impairment	0
Assets	133	175
Licenses [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amount	242	261
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Held For Sale		-1
Amortization	-169	-161
Impairment	0
Assets	73	99
Patents [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amount	232	271
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Held For Sale		-4
Amortization	-117	-129
Impairment	0
Assets	115	138
Customer relationships and contracts [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amount	205	329
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Held For Sale		-46
Amortization	-122	-163
Impairment	-5
Assets	78	120
Other [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amount	85	91
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets Held For Sale		-5
Amortization	-38	-52
Impairment	-6
Assets	$41	$34

Other_Intangible_Assets_Narrat

Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Carrying value of trademarks	$7	$12
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets Acquired	5	15
Amortization expense	108	120	122
Trademarks [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of indefinite-lived intangible assets	5
Rigs Business [Domain] | Trademarks [Member]
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of Intangible Assets, Finite-lived	$6

Other_Intangible_Assets_Amorti

Other Intangible Assets (Amortization of Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$71
2016	58
2017	58
2018	54
2019	$46

Equity_Investments_Schedule_of

Equity Investments (Schedule of Equity Investments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	$106	$296
ProServ Group Inc. [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	0	168
Other Equity Investments [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity method investments	$106	$128

Equity_Investments_Narrative_D

Equity Investments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Oct. 07, 2013
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business	$311		$349	$24	$28
Net Income (Loss) from equity investments			9	37	51
Impairment of equity investments		204
Borets [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Equity Method Investment, Realized Gain (Loss) on Disposal						18
Equity method investment, ownership percentage							38.50%
Proserv Group Business [Domain]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business			$65

Shortterm_Borrowings_and_Curre2

Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-term Debt (Schedule of Short-term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	2-May-13	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Total short-term borrowings		$677	$1,580
Current portion of long-term debt		50	73
Short-term borrowings and current portion of long-term debt		727	1,653
Weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings outstanding at end of year		1.40%	1.70%
Commercial paper program [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Total short-term borrowings		245	292
Weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings outstanding at end of year		0.90%
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		175	300
Weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings outstanding at end of year		1.90%
Debt instrument, term	364 days	364 days
Other short-term bank loans [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Total short-term borrowings		$257	$216

Shortterm_Borrowings_and_Curre3

Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-term Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	2-May-13	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Apr. 30, 2013
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Credit agreement, maximum capacity				$300,000,000
Weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings outstanding at end of year		1.40%	1.70%
Performance bonds		278,000,000
Revolving credit facility [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Credit agreement, maximum capacity		2,250,000,000
Commercial paper program [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings outstanding at end of year		0.90%
Committed letters of credit [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding, amount		30,000,000
364-day term loan facility [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Credit agreement, maximum capacity				400,000,000
Weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings outstanding at end of year		1.90%
Letters of credit outstanding, amount		175,000,000
Debt instrument, term	364 days	364 days
Repayments of lines of credit		225,000,000
Domestic and foreign facility [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Weighted average interest rate on short-term borrowings outstanding at end of year		1.60%
Short term borrowings		257,000,000
Uncommitted letters of credit [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Letters of credit outstanding, amount		568,000,000
Maximum [Member] | Revolving credit facility [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Ratio of indebtedness to net capital percent required		0.6
Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Delaware [Member] | 364-day term loan facility [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Debt instrument, term		364 days
Bi-Lateral Revolver Debt [Member] | Domestic and foreign facility [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Short term borrowings		$180,000,000
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] | Domestic and foreign facility [Member]
Short-term Debt [Line Items]
Interest rate at period end		1.30%

Longterm_Debt_Schedule_of_Long

Long-term Debt (Schedule of Long-term Debt) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	$6,848	$7,134
Less amounts due in one year	50	73
Long-term debt	6,798	7,061
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes, 5.95 Percent due 2012 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt	5.95%
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes, 5.15% due 2013 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt	5.15%
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes, 4.95% due 2013 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt	4.95%
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes, 5.50% due 2016 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt	5.50%
Total	352	353
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes, 6.35% due 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt	6.35%
Total	607	610
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes, 6.00% due 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt	6.00%
Total	498	498
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes, 9.625% due 2019 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt	9.63%
Total	1,018	1,021
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes, 5.125% due 2020 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt	5.13%
Total	798	798
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes, 4.50% due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt	4.50%
Total	715	747
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes, 6.50 Percent due 2036 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt	6.50%
Total	556	595
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes, 6.80% due 2037 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt	6.80%
Total	298	298
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes, 7.00% due 2038 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt	7.00%
Total	497	497
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes, 9.875% due 2039 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt	9.88%
Total	247	247
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes, 6.75% due 2040 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt	6.75%
Total	596	596
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes, 5.95% due 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt	5.95%
Total	478	545
Secured Borrowings [Member] | Secured Borrowing, 4.82% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt	4.82%
Total	12	102
Capital and Other Lease Obligations [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	136	153
Other Long-term Debt [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total	$40	$74

Longterm_Debt_Schedule_of_Debt

Long-term Debt (Schedule of Debt Maturity) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Long-term Debt, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
2015	$50
2016	395
2017	628
2018	512
2019	45
Thereafter	5,218
Total	6,848	7,134
Current portion of long-term debt	$50	$73

Longterm_Debt_Narrative_Detail

Long-term Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Apr. 04, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consent solicitation, cash payment ratio	$2.50
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes, 4.50% and 5.95% [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt offering				1,300,000,000
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes, 4.50% due 2022 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt offering				750,000,000
Stated interest rate on debt			4.50%
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes, 5.95% due 2042 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Total debt offering				550,000,000
Stated interest rate on debt			5.95%
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes, 6.50 Percent due 2036 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt			6.50%
Interest Expense [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consent solicitation, cash payment ratio		0
Consent solicitation expense		18,000,000
Consent solicitation expense, other costs		12,000,000
Senior Notes [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt			138,000,000
Gain on repurchase of debt			$11,000,000

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (Senior Notes [Member], Level 2 [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 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	$6,733	$7,580
Carrying Value [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair Value of Long-term debt	$6,660	$6,805

Derivative_Instruments_Schedul

Derivative Instruments (Schedule of Derivatives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Foreign currency forward contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Assets [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative asset, fair value, gross	$12	$5
Foreign currency forward contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Current Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability, fair value, gross	-17	-6
Cross-currency swap contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Other Liabilities [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability, fair value, gross	-5	-21
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] | Foreign currency forward contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	-22	-12
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Member] | Cross-currency swap contracts [Member] | Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	16	13
Fair Value Hedging [Member] | Interest Expense [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative, Gain (Loss) on Derivative, Net	$9	$10

Derivative_Instruments_Narrati

Derivative Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jul. 31, 2011
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount				$300,000,000
Gain recognized upon termination	18,000,000
Deferred (gain) loss on discontinuation of fair value hedge		-33,000,000	-42,000,000
Interest rate derivatives [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Unrealized gain (loss) on interest rate cash flow hedges		-11,000,000	-11,000,000
Foreign currency forward contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount		1,612,000,000	992,000,000
Cross-currency swap contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Notional amount		$168,000,000	$168,000,000
Senior Notes, 6.35% due 2017 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt		6.35%
Senior Notes, 6.35% due 2017 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt				6.35%

Shareholders_Equity_Schedule_o

Shareholders' Equity (Schedule of Shares Issued and Treasury Stock) (Details)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 28, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Shares issued for warrants	494,000
Issued [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		840,000,000	840,000,000	765,000,000
Shares issued for acquisitions				0
Equity awards granted, vested and exercised		0	0	0
Shares issued for warrants				5,000,000
Equity awards granted, vested and exercised				70,000,000
Shares Cancelled due to Redomestication		-840,000,000
Shares Issued due to Redomestication		774,000,000
Ending Balance		774,000,000	840,000,000	840,000,000
Treasury [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance		-73,000,000	-79,000,000	-16,000,000
Shares issued for acquisitions				3,000,000
Equity awards granted, vested and exercised		2,000,000	6,000,000	4,000,000
Shares issued for warrants				0
Equity awards granted, vested and exercised				70,000,000
Shares Cancelled due to Redomestication		71,000,000
Shares Issued due to Redomestication		0
Ending Balance		0	-73,000,000	-79,000,000

Shareholders_Equity_Changes_in

Shareholders' Equity (Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		($187)	$163
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		-784	-316
Reclassifications		92	-34
Ending balance	-881	-881	-187	163
Gain on Sale of Businesses and Investments, Net	-311	-349	-24	-28
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		694	350	-83
Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease)		2
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		-140	213
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		-763	-316
Reclassifications		90	-37
Ending balance	-813	-813	-140
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		-673	-353
Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease)		0
Defined Benefit Pension [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		-38	-40
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		-21	0
Reclassifications		2	2
Ending balance	-57	-57	-38
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		-19	2
Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease)		0
Deferred Loss on Derivatives [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		-9	-10
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications		0	0
Reclassifications		0	1
Ending balance	-11	-11	-9
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax		-2	1
Stockholders' Equity, Period Increase (Decrease)		$2

Shareholders_Equity_Narrative_

Shareholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 28, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 04, 2011	Feb. 28, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)	CHF	Net Share Settlement [Member]	Physical Delivery of Shares [Member]	Industrial Screen Business [Member]	Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]	Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]
							USD ($)	USD ($)	USD ($)
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]
Reclassification from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Current Period, Net of Tax		($92)	$34				($30)	($90)	$37
Common Shares, Par Value (in CHF per share)		$0.00		1.16
Common shares, authorized		1,356,000,000		840,000,000
Common shares, conditionally authorized		0		372,000,000
Warrants exercised during the period					4,300,000	4,300,000
Proceeds from issuance of warrants	$65
Shares issued for warrants	494,000

ShareBased_Compensation_Narrat

Share-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares available for grant under Incentive Plans	13,200,000
Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Maximum term (in years) that awards will be granted	10 years
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised	$13	$12	$4
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	1 year
Employee Stock Option [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	4 years
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-average grant date fair value	$18.98	$13.49	$13.30
Total fair value of awards vested during the period	52	61	78
Unrecognized compensation expense	77
Unrecognized compensation expense, recognition period	2 years
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	2 years
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	5 years
Performance units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Award vesting period	3 years
Risk-free interest rate	0.34%
Volatility rate	33.53%
Dividend yield	0.00%
Weighted-average grant date fair value	$14.31	$10.81	$21.32
Total fair value of awards vested during the period	11	8	1
Shares issued for share-based compensation awards (in shares)	541,000	1,300,000
Unrecognized compensation expense	$12
Unrecognized compensation expense, recognition period	1 year

ShareBased_Compensation_Schedu

Share-Based Compensation (Schedule of Share-based Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-based compensation	$56	$66	$76
Related tax benefit	$12	$11	$27

ShareBased_Compensation_Stock_

Share-Based Compensation (Stock Option Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Cash Received from Exercise of Stock Options	$11,000,000
Employee Stock Option [Member]
A summary of option activity for the period [Roll Forward]
Number of options outstanding, beginning of period	7,956,000
Number of options, exercised	-1,313,000
Number of options outstanding, end of period	6,643,000	7,956,000
Share based payment award, options, additional disclosures [Abstract]
Weighted-average exercise price, outstanding at beginning of period	$9.31
Weighted average exercise price, exercised	$8.24
Weighted average exercise price, outstanding at end of period	$9.52	$9.31
Weighted average remaining contractual term	1 year 2 months 4 days	2 years 0 months 4 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding	23,500,000	54,775,000
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Exercisable Options	5,368,000,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$7.07
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	1 year 0 months 11 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Exercisable, Intrinsic Value	$23,500,000

ShareBased_Compensation_Restri

Share-Based Compensation (Restricted Stock Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
Restricted share awards [Member]
Non-vested equity instruments other than options [Roll Forward]
Non-vested, beginning balance	3,211
Granted	425
Vested	-1,171
Forfeited	-211
Non-vested, ending balance	2,254
Weighted-average grant date fair value of other-than-options additional disclosures [Rollforward]
Non-vested, beginning balance	$14.80
Granted	$17.72
Vested	$14.87
Forfeited	$14.97
Non-vested, ending balance	$15.31
Restricted share units [Member]
Non-vested equity instruments other than options [Roll Forward]
Non-vested, beginning balance	3,137
Granted	2,997
Vested	-1,633
Forfeited	-201
Non-vested, ending balance	4,300
Weighted-average grant date fair value of other-than-options additional disclosures [Rollforward]
Non-vested, beginning balance	$14.26
Granted	$19.16
Vested	$15.29
Forfeited	$15.93
Non-vested, ending balance	$17.21

ShareBased_Compensation_Perfor

Share-Based Compensation (Performance Unit Activity) (Details) (Performance units [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Performance units [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Equity awards granted, vested and exercised	541	1,300
Non-vested equity instruments other than options [Roll Forward]
Non-vested, beginning balance	1,911
Granted	801
Vested	-282
Forfeited	-482
Non-vested, ending balance	1,948	1,911
Weighted-average grant date fair value of other-than-options additional disclosures [Rollforward]
Non-vested, beginning balance	$16.05
Granted	$14.31	$10.81	$21.32
Vested	$12.49
Forfeited	$28.61
Non-vested, ending balance	$12.74	$16.05
Total fair value of awards vested during the period	$11	$8	$1

Retirement_and_Employee_Benefi2

Retirement and Employee Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Net periodic benefit cost	$18	$20	$16
Projected benefit obligation	325	297
Actuarial Losses	42
Foreign currency exchange rate gain (loss)	28
Accumulated benefit obligation for defined benefit pension plans	75	52
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net gains (losses), before tax	33
Employer contributions	14	12
Amount expected to be contributed to the next fiscal year to the pension and postretirement benefit plans (in hundredths)	6
Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	161	151
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Contribution expenses related to the defined contribution plans which cover certain employees	$79	$73	$62

Retirement_and_Employee_Benefi3

Retirement and Employee Benefit Plans (Assumptions) (Details)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Domestic Pension Plan of Foreign Entity [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	1.00%	1.00%
Rate of compensation increase	0.00%	0.00%
Domestic Pension Plan of Foreign Entity [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	4.00%	4.75%
Rate of compensation increase	0.00%	0.00%
Foreign Pension Plan [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	1.65%	3.50%
Rate of compensation increase	2.00%	3.00%
Foreign Pension Plan [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Discount rate	7.00%	7.00%
Rate of compensation increase	3.30%	4.50%

Income_Taxes_Schedule_of_Incom

Income Taxes (Schedule of Income Tax Benefit (Provision)) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits	$235	$289	$296	$292
Deferred Tax Assets, Operating Loss Carryforwards	600	614
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation at Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate, Amount	-20	-13	-23
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	350	177	475
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential, Amount	70	-89	341
Tax on Divestitures	109	0	0
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Change in Deferred Tax Assets Valuation Allowance, Amount	222	264	108
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Reserves and Accruals	235	224
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Credit Carryforwards	103	115
Deferred Tax Assets, Tax Deferred Expense, Compensation and Benefits, Employee Benefits	70	54
Deferred Tax Assets, Inventory	70	51
Deferred Tax Assets, Other	108	79
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance	732	554
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance	454	583
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Property, Plant and Equipment	324	415
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Goodwill and Intangible Assets	206	221
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Tax Deferred Income	22	6
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other	21	22
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Gross	573	664
Deferred Tax Assets, Net	-119	-81
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	23	64	8
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Prior Period Tax Positions	35	12	1
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase Resulting from Current Period Tax Positions	2	31	29
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Decrease Resulting from Settlements with Taxing Authorities	24	60	14
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Reduction Resulting from Lapse of Applicable Statute of Limitations	9	19	19
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Increase (Decrease) Resulting from Foreign Currency Translation	-11	-11	1
Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Tax Contingency, Amount	-97	-18	36
Total deferred benefit	66	33	13
Income tax benefit (provision)	($284)	($144)	($462)

Income_Taxes_Effective_Income_

Income Taxes (Effective Income Tax Rate) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	$352	$495	$0	$0
Statutory income tax rate		7.83%	7.83%	7.83%
Income tax benefit (provision)		($284)	($144)	($462)

Income_Taxes_Narrative_Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended			3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2011	Jul. 31, 2014
	country				country
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Expense					$53,000,000	$21,000,000	$21,000,000
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	103,000,000				103,000,000
Provision for Income Taxes					-284,000,000	-144,000,000	-462,000,000
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest					-255,000,000	-170,000,000	-288,000,000
Asset Impairment Charges	-40,000,000		-143,000,000
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	-352,000,000				-495,000,000	0	0
Long-Lived Assets Impairment					495,000,000	0	0
Loss contingency accrual, provision					0	153,000,000	100,000,000
Gain (Loss) on Sale of Interest in Projects						-299,000,000
Bad debt expense					27,000,000	102,000,000	22,000,000
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business	311,000,000				349,000,000	24,000,000	28,000,000
Goodwill impairment loss	40,000,000		-125,000,000		66,000,000		589,000,000
Impairment Of Equity Method Investments							204,000,000
Restructuring Charges	58,000,000	154,000,000	59,000,000	70,000,000	331,000,000	0	0
Number of countries operated in (over 100 countries)	100				100
Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries	3,000,000,000				3,000,000,000
Operating Loss Carryforwards	2,600,000,000				2,600,000,000
Significant (Increase) Decrease in Unrecognized Tax Benefits is Reasonably Possible, Estimated Range of Change, Upper Bound	24,000,000				24,000,000
Unrecognized Tax Benefits, Income Tax Penalties and Interest Accrued	58,000,000				58,000,000	121,000,000	142,000,000
United States [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	85,000,000				85,000,000
Operating Loss Carryforwards	239,000,000				239,000,000
Iraq [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	172,000,000				172,000,000
Trade Sanctions [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Loss contingency accrual, provision							100,000,000
Research Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] | United States [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	28,000,000				28,000,000
Foreign Tax Credit Carryforward [Member] | United States [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Tax Credit Carryforward, Amount	57,000,000				57,000,000
Venezuelan Bolivar [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Currency devaluation expense					245,000,000	100,000,000		100,000,000
Amount Recognized in Income Due to Inflationary Accounting, Net of Tax	-245,000,000				-252,000,000	-94,000,000
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Valuation allowance	732,000,000				732,000,000	554,000,000	317,000,000			201,000,000
Valuation Allowance of Deferred Tax Assets [Member] | Iraq [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Valuation allowance						134,000,000
Operating Segments [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Bad debt expense					72,000,000	98,000,000
Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	-28,000,000
Bad debt expense						10,000,000
Goodwill impairment loss	13,000,000		77,000,000		39,000,000
Restructuring Charges					36,000,000
Goodwill Impairment including assets held for sale [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Goodwill impairment loss					-161,000,000
Pipeline and Specialty Services Business [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business									49,000,000
Cash disposed to sell disposal group		245,000,000							245,000,000
Land Drilling and Workover Rig Operations [Member]
Income Tax Contingency [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets Impairment			143,000,000
Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Business			-15,000,000
Cash disposed to sell disposal group											486,000,000
Goodwill impairment loss			$121,000,000

Disputes_Litigation_and_Contin1

Disputes, Litigation and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			2 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 25, 2014	Jan. 29, 2014
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Loss contingency accrual, provision	$0	$153	$100
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas v. Weatherford International Ltd. [Member] | Oil-for-Food Program and Foreign Corrupt Practices Act [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Payments for legal settlements				253
Period of time expected to be monitored for assessing company's compliance upon settlement		18 months
Dobina v. Weatherford International Ltd., et al. [Member] | Subsequent Event [Member] | Material Weakness in Internal Controls [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Payments for legal settlements					$53

Commitments_Details

Commitments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2015	$269
2016	275
2017	154
2018	121
2019	76
Thereafter	233
Total	1,128
Total rent expense incurred under operating leases	$536	$581	$458

Segment_Information_Details

Segment Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Operating Revenues	$3,727	$3,877	$3,711	$3,596	$3,738	$3,820	$3,868	$3,837	$14,911		$15,263		$15,215
Operating Income (Loss)									505		523	[1]	298
Depreciation and Amortization									1,371		1,402		1,282
Capital Expenditures									1,450		1,575		2,177
Total Assets	18,889				21,977				18,889		21,977
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Operating Revenues									14,911		15,263		15,215
Operating Income (Loss)									1,723		1,318		1,822
Depreciation and Amortization									1,348		1,382		1,257
Capital Expenditures									1,388		1,512		2,126
Operating Segments [Member] | North America [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Operating Revenues									6,852		6,390		6,824
Operating Income (Loss)									996		820	[2]	1,078	[3]
Depreciation and Amortization									431		424		412
Capital Expenditures									454		434		744
Total Assets	7,297				7,720				7,297		7,720
Operating Segments [Member] | Middle East/North Africa/Asia [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Operating Revenues									3,095		3,344		2,795
Operating Income (Loss)									85		-96	[2]	34	[3]
Depreciation and Amortization									401		396		352
Capital Expenditures									319		526		657
Total Assets	4,736				5,328				4,736		5,328
Operating Segments [Member] | Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Operating Revenues									2,584		2,693		2,519
Operating Income (Loss)									386		288	[2]	315	[3]
Depreciation and Amortization									259		286		255
Capital Expenditures									303		305		341
Total Assets	3,203				4,346				3,203		4,346
Operating Segments [Member] | Latin America [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net Operating Revenues									2,380		2,836		3,077
Operating Income (Loss)									256		306	[2],[4]	395	[3]
Depreciation and Amortization									257		276		238
Capital Expenditures									312		247		384
Total Assets	3,307				4,247				3,307		4,247
Corporate and Research and Development [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)									-468		-466		-453
Depreciation and Amortization									23		20		25
Capital Expenditures									62		63		51
Total Assets	346				336				346		336
Impairment of Long-lived Assets, net of tax [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)									-495
Goodwill Impairment including assets held for sale [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)									-161				-793
Restructuring Charges [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)									-331	[5]
U.S. Government Investigation Loss [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)											-153		-100
Gain on Sale of Business [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)									349		24		28
Other Items [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)									($112)	[6]	($200)	[7]	($206)	[1]
[1]	Includes income tax restatement and material weakness remediation expenses of $103 million, $13 million of costs incurred in connection with U.S. government investigations, $11 million of non-recurring fees and expenses associated with our 2012 debt consent solicitation and severance, exit and other charges of $79 million.
[2]	We recognized a charge for bad debt expense of $98 million attributable to our reporting segments as follows: $59 million in Latin America, $27 million in MENA/Asia Pacific, $10 million for Europe/SSA/Russia, and $2 million in North America. See footnote (d) below for additional details for the bad debt expense charge in Latin America of $59 million. During 2013, we recognized a charge for excess and obsolete inventory of $62 million attributable to each reporting segment as follows: $35 million in North America, $7 million in MENA/Asia Pacific, $13 million in Europe/SSA/Russia and $7 million in Latin America.
[3]	We recognized a charge for excess and obsolete inventory of $53 million attributable to each reporting segment as follows: $21 million in North America, $16 million in MENA/Asia Pacific, $11 million in Europe/SSA/Russia and $5 million in Latin America. We also recognized a charge of $30 million to adjust the carrying value of our guar inventory, a component of certain drilling fluids, to the lower of cost or market, all of which was attributable to the North America reporting segment.
[4]	On December 17, 2013, we accepted bonds with a face value of $127 million from PDVSA in full settlement of $127 million in trade receivables. Upon receipt, we immediately sold these bonds in a series of transactions recognizing a loss of $58 million.
[5]	We recognized 2014 Plan restructuring charges of $273 million: $42 million in North America, $133 million in MENA/Asia Pacific, $31 million in Europe/SSA/Russia, $37 million in Latin America and $30 million in Corporate and Research and Development. We also recognized $58 million restructuring charges for our 2015 Plan: $32 million in North America, $8 million in MENA/Asia Pacific, $5 million in Europe/SSA/Russia, $12 million in Latin America and $1 million in Corporate and Research and Development.
[6]	Includes professional fees of $107 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 $5 million.
[7]	Includes $67 million of professional fees and expenses for U.S. government investigations and the remediation of our material weakness related to income taxes, $94 million of severance and $39 million of other items.

Segment_Information_Narrative_

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	$352				$495	$0	$0
Restructuring Charges	58	154	59	70	331	0	0
Deferred tax assets for long-lived assets	129				129	33
Bad debt expense					27	102	22
Increase (decrease) in accounts receivable					-78	12	705
Professional fees and expenses for investigations and remediation of material weakness					107	67	103
Fees related to Ireland Redomestication					5
Severance, exit and other charges						39	79
Consent solicitation fees							11
Inventory write-down					113	62	53
Assets	18,889				18,889	21,977
North America [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					74
Bad debt expense						2
Inventory write-down						35	21
Middle East/North Africa/Asia [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	175
Restructuring Charges					141
Bad debt expense						27
Inventory write-down						7	16
Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	28
Restructuring Charges					36
Bad debt expense						10
Inventory write-down						13	11
Latin America [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Held-for-use	149
Restructuring Charges					49
Bad debt expense						59
Inventory write-down						7	5
Excessive Quantities and Obsolescence [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inventory write-down						62
Customer Concentration Risk [Member] | Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. [Member] | Accounts Receivable [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in accounts receivable						-127
Bond face amount						127
Gain (loss) on sale of bonds						-58
Employee Severance [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					58
Severance, exit and other charges						94
Guar Inventory [Member] | Lower of Cost or Market [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Inventory write-down							30
U.S. Government Investigations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Investigation costs							13
Corporate and Research and Development [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					31
Assets	346				346	336
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Bad debt expense					72	98
Operating Segments [Member] | North America [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	7,297				7,297	7,720
Operating Segments [Member] | Middle East/North Africa/Asia [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	4,736				4,736	5,328
Operating Segments [Member] | Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	3,203				3,203	4,346
Operating Segments [Member] | Latin America [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	3,307				3,307	4,247
Operating Segments [Member] | United States [Member] | North America [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	6,100				6,100	6,200
Operating Segments [Member] | North America, Excluding the United States [Member] | North America [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	1,200				1,200	1,500
2014 Plan [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					273
2014 Plan [Member] | North America [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					42
2014 Plan [Member] | Middle East/North Africa/Asia [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					133
2014 Plan [Member] | Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					31
2014 Plan [Member] | Latin America [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					37
2014 Plan [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					114
2014 Plan [Member] | Employee Severance [Member] | North America [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					15
2014 Plan [Member] | Employee Severance [Member] | Middle East/North Africa/Asia [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					23
2014 Plan [Member] | Employee Severance [Member] | Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					18
2014 Plan [Member] | Employee Severance [Member] | Latin America [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					30
2014 Plan [Member] | Corporate and Research and Development [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					30
2014 Plan [Member] | Corporate and Research and Development [Member] | Employee Severance [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					28
2015 Plan [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					58
2015 Plan [Member] | North America [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					32
2015 Plan [Member] | Middle East/North Africa/Asia [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					8
2015 Plan [Member] | Europe/Sub-Sahara Africa/Russia [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					5
2015 Plan [Member] | Latin America [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					12
2015 Plan [Member] | Corporate and Research and Development [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Restructuring Charges					$1

Segment_Information_Products_a

Segment Information (Products and Services) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Consolidated revenues by product line	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Product Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Formation Evaluation and Well Construction [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Consolidated revenues by product line	58.00%	61.00%	56.00%
Product Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member] | Completion and Production [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Consolidated revenues by product line	42.00%	39.00%	44.00%

Segment_Information_Geographic

Segment Information (Geographic Areas) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Deferred tax assets for long-lived assets	$129				$33				$129	$33
Revenues	3,727	3,877	3,711	3,596	3,738	3,820	3,868	3,837	14,911	15,263	15,215
Long-lived Assets	7,365				8,154				7,365	8,154
United States [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									5,567	5,146	5,465
Long-lived Assets	2,114				2,212				2,114	2,212
Canada [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									1,285	1,244	1,359
Long-lived Assets	264				431				264	431
Mexico [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									479	959	1,274
Long-lived Assets	170				226				170	226
Other Countries [Member]
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues									7,580	7,914	7,117
Long-lived Assets	$4,817				$5,285				$4,817	$5,285

Subsequent_Events_Details

Subsequent Events (Details)	Feb. 13, 2013	Feb. 12, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Venezuelan Bolivar [Member]	Venezuelan Bolivar [Member]	Venezuela [Member]
	VEB	VEB	USD ($)
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Net Monetary Asset Position			$36
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Translation	6.3	4.3

Consolidating_Financial_Statem2

Consolidating Financial Statements (Narrative) (Details)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	2-May-13	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Senior Notes, 6.35% due 2017 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt		6.35%
Senior Notes, 6.35% due 2017 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Weatherford Bermuda [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt		6.35%	6.35%	6.35%
Senior Notes, 6.80% due 2037 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt		6.80%
Senior Notes, 6.80% due 2037 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Weatherford Bermuda [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt		6.80%	6.80%	6.80%
Senior Notes, 5.95 Percent due 2012 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt		5.95%
Senior Notes, 5.95% due 2042 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt		5.95%
Senior Notes, 5.95% due 2042 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Delaware [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt		5.95%	5.95%	5.95%
Senior Notes, 9.625% due 2019 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt		9.63%
Senior Notes, 9.625% due 2019 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Delaware [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt		9.63%	9.63%	9.63%
Senior Notes, 5.50% due 2016 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt		5.50%
Senior Notes, 5.50% due 2016 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Delaware [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt		5.50%	5.50%	5.50%
Senior Notes, 6.50 Percent due 2036 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt		6.50%
Senior Notes, 6.50 Percent due 2036 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Delaware [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt		6.50%	6.50%	6.50%
Senior Notes, 6.00% due 2018 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt		6.00%
Senior Notes, 6.00% due 2018 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Delaware [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt		6.00%	6.00%	6.00%
Senior Notes, 7.00% due 2038 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt		7.00%
Senior Notes, 7.00% due 2038 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Delaware [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt		7.00%	7.00%	7.00%
Senior Notes, 9.875% due 2039 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt		9.88%
Senior Notes, 9.875% due 2039 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Delaware [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt		9.88%	9.88%	9.88%
Senior Notes, 5.125% due 2020 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt		5.13%
Senior Notes, 5.125% due 2020 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Delaware [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt		5.13%	5.13%	5.13%
Senior Notes, 6.75% due 2040 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt		6.75%
Senior Notes, 6.75% due 2040 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Delaware [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt		6.75%	6.75%	6.75%
Senior Notes, 4.50% due 2022 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt		4.50%
Senior Notes, 4.50% due 2022 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Delaware [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt		4.50%	4.50%	4.50%
Senior Notes, 4.95% due 2013 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt		4.95%
Senior Notes, 4.95% due 2013 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Delaware [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt				4.95%
Senior Notes, 5.15% due 2013 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt		5.15%
Senior Notes, 5.15% due 2013 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Delaware [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Stated interest rate on debt				5.15%
364-day term loan facility [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument, term	364 days	364 days
364-day term loan facility [Member] | Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Delaware [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Debt instrument, term		364 days

Consolidating_Financial_Statem3

Consolidating Financial Statements (Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended															12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues	$3,727		$3,877		$3,711		$3,596		$3,738		$3,820	$3,868		$3,837		$14,911	$15,263		$15,215
Costs and Expenses																-14,406	-14,740		-14,917
Operating Income (Loss)																505	523	[1]	298
Other Income (Expense):
Interest Expense, Net																-498	-516		-486
Intercompany Charges, Net																0	0		0
Equity in Subsidiary Income (Loss)																0	0		0
Other, Net																-262	-177		-100
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes																-255	-170		-288
(Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes																-284	-144		-462
Net Loss																-539	-314		-750
Payments for Divestiture of Businesses																-112	0		0
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests																-45	-31		-28
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	-475	[2],[3]	77	[2],[4]	-145	[2],[5]	-41	[2],[6]	-271	[7],[8]	22	-118	[7],[9]	22	[10],[7]	-584	-345		-778
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford																-1,278	-695		-695
Weatherford Ireland Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues																0	0		0
Costs and Expenses																-59	-50		-59
Operating Income (Loss)																-59	-50		-59
Other Income (Expense):
Interest Expense, Net																0	0		0
Intercompany Charges, Net																-99	-53		-28
Equity in Subsidiary Income (Loss)																-424	-242		-689
Other, Net																0	0		-2
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes																-582	-345		-778
(Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes																-2	0		0
Net Loss																	-345		-778
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests																0	0		0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford																-584	-345		-778
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford																-1,278	-695		-695
Weatherford Bermuda [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues																0	0		0
Costs and Expenses																-18	-139		-114
Operating Income (Loss)																-18	-139		-114
Other Income (Expense):
Interest Expense, Net																-422	-430		-401
Intercompany Charges, Net																7,291	49		53
Equity in Subsidiary Income (Loss)																-430	30		-701
Other, Net																20	-31		-34
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes																6,441	-521		-1,197
(Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes																0	0		0
Net Loss																6,441	-521		-1,197
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests																0	0		0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford																6,441	-521		-1,197
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford																5,811	-788		-1,197
Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Delaware [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues																0	0		0
Costs and Expenses																3	-3		-5
Operating Income (Loss)																3	-3		-5
Other Income (Expense):
Interest Expense, Net																-57	-61		-69
Intercompany Charges, Net																-266	-337		-233
Equity in Subsidiary Income (Loss)																407	461		-94
Other, Net																-3	-2		0
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes																84	58		-401
(Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes																131	145		107
Net Loss																215	203		-294
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests																0	0		0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford																215	203		-294
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford																-128	39		-294
Other Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues																14,911	15,263		15,215
Costs and Expenses																-14,332	-14,548		-14,739
Operating Income (Loss)																579	715		476
Other Income (Expense):
Interest Expense, Net																-19	-25		-16
Intercompany Charges, Net																-8,802	341		208
Equity in Subsidiary Income (Loss)																-2	0		0
Other, Net																-279	-144		-64
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes																-8,523	887		604
(Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes																-413	-289		-569
Net Loss																-8,936	598		35
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests																-45	-31		-28
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford																-8,981	567		7
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford																-9,674	214		90
Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Revenues																0	0		0
Costs and Expenses																0	0		0
Operating Income (Loss)																0	0		0
Other Income (Expense):
Interest Expense, Net																0	0		0
Intercompany Charges, Net																1,876	0		0
Equity in Subsidiary Income (Loss)																449	-249		1,484
Other, Net																0	0		0
Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes																2,325	-249		1,484
(Provision) Benefit for Income Taxes																0	0		0
Net Loss																2,325	-249		1,484
Net Income Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests																0	0		0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford																2,325	-249		1,484
Comprehensive Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford																$3,991	$535		$1,401
[1]	Includes income tax restatement and material weakness remediation expenses of $103 million, $13 million of costs incurred in connection with U.S. government investigations, $11 million of non-recurring fees and expenses associated with our 2012 debt consent solicitation and severance, exit and other charges of $79 million.
[2]	Includes estimated project losses of $26 million, $2 million, $10 million and $34 million for the first, second, third and fourth quarter of 2014, respectively. These charges were related to our long-term early production facility construction contracts in Iraq accounted for under the percentage of completion method.
[3]	Includes a long-lived asset impairment charge of $352 million, a goodwill impairment charge of $40 million, a $245 million charge related to adopting the SICAD II exchange rate, a gain of $311 million primarily related to the sale of our engineered chemistry and Integrity drilling fluids businesses and the disposal of all of our shares in Proserv. This also includes restructuring charges of $58 million associated with our 2015 plan.
[4]	Includes restructuring charges of $154 million and a gain of $38 million primarily related to the sale of our pipeline and specialty services business and land drilling and workover rigs in Russia and Venezuela.
[5]	Includes restructuring charges of $59 million, and long-lived assets and goodwill impairment charges of $143 million and $125 million, respectively.
[6]	Includes restructuring charges of $70 million.
[7]	Includes estimated project gain of $7 million for the first quarter, estimated project loss of $6 million, $85 million and $148 million for the second, third and fourth quarter of 2013, respectively. These charges were related to our long-term early production facility construction contracts in Iraq accounted for under the percentage of completion method.
[8]	Includes our recognition of a $58 million loss upon settlement of $127 million in outstanding receivables due from PDVSA.
[9]	Includes a $153 million accrual related to the U.S. government investigations.
[10]	Effective February 13, 2013, the Venezuelan government devalued its currency and the official exchange rate moved from 4.30 per dollar to 6.30 per dollar for all goods and services. We recognized a charge of approximately $100 million for the remeasurement of our net monetary assets denominated in the Venezuelan bolivar at the date of the devaluation.

Consolidating_Financial_Statem4

Consolidating Financial Statements (Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents	$474	$435	$300	$371
Other Current Assets	7,470	9,499
Total Current Assets	7,944	9,934
Equity Investments in Affiliates	0	0
Equity Held in Parent		0
Intercompany Receivables, Net	0	0
Other Assets	10,945	12,043
Total Assets	18,889	21,977
Current Liabilities
Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt	727	1,653
Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities	3,300	4,104
Total Current Liabilities	4,027	5,757
Long-term Debt	6,798	7,061
Intercompany Payables, Net	0	0
Other Long-term Liabilities	1,031	956
Total Liabilities	11,856	13,774
Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity	6,958	8,162
Noncontrolling Interests	75	41
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	18,889	21,977
Eliminations [Member]
Current Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0	0	0
Other Current Assets	-614	-408
Total Current Assets	-614	-408
Equity Investments in Affiliates	-32,856	-34,936
Equity Held in Parent		-37
Intercompany Receivables, Net	-10,490	-7,304
Other Assets	0	0
Total Assets	-43,960	-42,685
Current Liabilities
Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt	0	0
Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities	-614	-408
Total Current Liabilities	-614	-408
Long-term Debt	1	0
Intercompany Payables, Net	-10,490	-7,304
Other Long-term Liabilities	0	0
Total Liabilities	-11,103	-7,712
Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity	-32,857	-34,973
Noncontrolling Interests	0	0
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	-43,960	-42,685
Weatherford Switzerland [Member]
Current Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents	1	0	0	0
Other Current Assets	4	57
Total Current Assets	5	57
Equity Investments in Affiliates	8,662	8,663
Equity Held in Parent		0
Intercompany Receivables, Net	0	0
Other Assets	5	7
Total Assets	8,672	8,727
Current Liabilities
Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt	0	0
Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities	43	312
Total Current Liabilities	43	312
Long-term Debt	0	0
Intercompany Payables, Net	1,666	243
Other Long-term Liabilities	5	10
Total Liabilities	1,714	565
Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity	6,958	8,162
Noncontrolling Interests	0	0
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	8,672	8,727
Weatherford Bermuda [Member]
Current Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0	0	0
Other Current Assets	12	5
Total Current Assets	12	5
Equity Investments in Affiliates	10,490	11,742
Equity Held in Parent		0
Intercompany Receivables, Net	0	0
Other Assets	35	41
Total Assets	10,537	11,788
Current Liabilities
Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt	618	1,445
Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities	256	129
Total Current Liabilities	874	1,574
Long-term Debt	5,749	5,891
Intercompany Payables, Net	6,202	6,755
Other Long-term Liabilities	82	97
Total Liabilities	12,907	14,317
Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity	-2,370	-2,529
Noncontrolling Interests	0	0
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	10,537	11,788
Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Delaware [Member]
Current Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents	22	0	0	0
Other Current Assets	544	415
Total Current Assets	566	415
Equity Investments in Affiliates	9,730	8,065
Equity Held in Parent		10
Intercompany Receivables, Net	0	0
Other Assets	16	17
Total Assets	10,312	8,507
Current Liabilities
Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt	6	23
Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities	0	0
Total Current Liabilities	6	23
Long-term Debt	911	986
Intercompany Payables, Net	2,622	306
Other Long-term Liabilities	5	2
Total Liabilities	3,544	1,317
Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity	6,768	7,190
Noncontrolling Interests	0	0
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	10,312	8,507
Other Subsidiaries [Member]
Current Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents	451	435	300	371
Other Current Assets	7,524	9,430
Total Current Assets	7,975	9,865
Equity Investments in Affiliates	3,974	6,466
Equity Held in Parent		27
Intercompany Receivables, Net	10,490	7,304
Other Assets	10,889	11,978
Total Assets	33,328	35,640
Current Liabilities
Short-term Borrowings and Current Portion of Long-Term Debt	103	185
Accounts Payable and Other Current Liabilities	3,615	4,071
Total Current Liabilities	3,718	4,256
Long-term Debt	137	184
Intercompany Payables, Net	0	0
Other Long-term Liabilities	939	847
Total Liabilities	4,794	5,287
Weatherford Shareholders’ Equity	28,459	30,312
Noncontrolling Interests	75	41
Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity	$33,328	$35,640

Consolidating_Financial_Statem5

Consolidating Financial Statements (Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Loss	($539)	($314)	($750)
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Charges from Parent or Subsidiary	0	0	0
Equity in (Earnings) Loss of Affiliates	0	0	0
Deferred Income Tax Benefit	-66	-33	-13
Other Adjustments	1,568	1,576	1,984
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities	963	1,229	1,221
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	-1,450	-1,575	-2,177
Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment	18	-8	-165
Acquisition of Intellectual Property	-5	-9	-17
Purchase of Equity Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates	-3	0	-8
Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Businesses, Net	1,770	488	61
Capital Contribution to Subsidiary		0	0
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Investing Activities	330	-1,104	-2,306
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Borrowings (Repayments) of Short-term Debt, Net	-924	612	-13
Borrowings (Repayments) Long-term Debt, Net	-259	-600	1,003
Borrowings (Repayments) Between Subsidiaries, Net	0	0	0
Proceeds from Capital Contributions	22	0	0
Other, Net	-19	-6	22
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities	-1,180	6	1,012
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	-74	4	2
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	39	135	-71
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	435	300	371
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	474	435	300
Eliminations [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Loss	2,325	-249	1,484
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Charges from Parent or Subsidiary	-1,876	0	0
Equity in (Earnings) Loss of Affiliates	-449	249	-1,484
Deferred Income Tax Benefit	0	0	0
Other Adjustments	0	0	0
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities	0	0	0
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	0	0	0
Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment	0	0	0
Acquisition of Intellectual Property	0	0	0
Purchase of Equity Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates	0	0	0
Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Businesses, Net	0	0	0
Capital Contribution to Subsidiary		1,181	115
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Investing Activities	0	1,181	115
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Borrowings (Repayments) of Short-term Debt, Net	0	0	0
Borrowings (Repayments) Long-term Debt, Net	0	0	0
Borrowings (Repayments) Between Subsidiaries, Net	0	0	0
Proceeds from Capital Contributions	0	-1,181	-115
Other, Net	0	0	0
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities	0	-1,181	-115
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0	0
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	0	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	0	0	0
Weatherford Switzerland [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Loss	-584	-345	-778
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Charges from Parent or Subsidiary	99	53	28
Equity in (Earnings) Loss of Affiliates	424	242	689
Deferred Income Tax Benefit	0	0	0
Other Adjustments	23	-48	50
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities	-38	-98	-11
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	0	0	0
Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment	0	0	-30
Acquisition of Intellectual Property	0	0	0
Purchase of Equity Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates	0	0	0
Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Businesses, Net	0	0	0
Capital Contribution to Subsidiary		0	-30
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Investing Activities	0	0	-60
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Borrowings (Repayments) of Short-term Debt, Net	0	0	0
Borrowings (Repayments) Long-term Debt, Net	0	0	0
Borrowings (Repayments) Between Subsidiaries, Net	39	100	71
Proceeds from Capital Contributions	0	0	0
Other, Net	0	-2	0
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities	39	98	71
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0	0
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	1	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	0	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	1	0	0
Weatherford Bermuda [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Loss	6,441	-521	-1,197
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Charges from Parent or Subsidiary	-7,291	-49	-53
Equity in (Earnings) Loss of Affiliates	430	-30	701
Deferred Income Tax Benefit	0	0	0
Other Adjustments	-180	748	35
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities	-600	148	-514
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	0	0	0
Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment	0	0	0
Acquisition of Intellectual Property	0	0	0
Purchase of Equity Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates	0	0	0
Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Businesses, Net	0	0	0
Capital Contribution to Subsidiary		-1,181	-85
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Investing Activities	0	-1,181	-85
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Borrowings (Repayments) of Short-term Debt, Net	-827	550	-108
Borrowings (Repayments) Long-term Debt, Net	-153	-544	1,295
Borrowings (Repayments) Between Subsidiaries, Net	1,580	1,027	-588
Proceeds from Capital Contributions	0	0	0
Other, Net	0	0	0
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities	600	1,033	599
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0	0
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	0	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	0	0	0
Guarantor Subsidiaries, Weatherford Delaware [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Loss	215	203	-294
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Charges from Parent or Subsidiary	266	337	233
Equity in (Earnings) Loss of Affiliates	-407	-461	94
Deferred Income Tax Benefit	-25	28	10
Other Adjustments	-42	470	472
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities	7	577	515
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	0	0	0
Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment	0	0	0
Acquisition of Intellectual Property	0	0	0
Purchase of Equity Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates	0	0	0
Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Businesses, Net	0	0	0
Capital Contribution to Subsidiary		0	-118
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Investing Activities	0	0	-118
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Borrowings (Repayments) of Short-term Debt, Net	0	-4	0
Borrowings (Repayments) Long-term Debt, Net	-92	-30	-296
Borrowings (Repayments) Between Subsidiaries, Net	107	-565	-101
Proceeds from Capital Contributions	0	0	0
Other, Net	0	22	0
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities	15	-577	-397
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	0	0	0
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	22	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	0	0	0
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	22	0	0
Other Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net Loss	-8,936	598	35
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Charges from Parent or Subsidiary	8,802	-341	-208
Equity in (Earnings) Loss of Affiliates	2	0	0
Deferred Income Tax Benefit	-41	-61	-23
Other Adjustments	1,767	406	1,427
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Operating Activities	1,594	602	1,231
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Acquisitions of Businesses, Net of Cash Acquired	-1,450	-1,575	-2,177
Capital Expenditures for Property, Plant and Equipment	18	-8	-135
Acquisition of Intellectual Property	-5	-9	-17
Purchase of Equity Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates	-3	0	-8
Proceeds from Sale of Assets and Businesses, Net	1,770	488	61
Capital Contribution to Subsidiary		0	118
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Investing Activities	330	-1,104	-2,158
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Borrowings (Repayments) of Short-term Debt, Net	-97	66	95
Borrowings (Repayments) Long-term Debt, Net	-14	-26	4
Borrowings (Repayments) Between Subsidiaries, Net	-1,726	-562	618
Proceeds from Capital Contributions	22	1,181	115
Other, Net	-19	-26	22
Net Cash Provided (Used) by Financing Activities	-1,834	633	854
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	-74	4	2
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	16	135	-71
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	435	300	371
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	$451	$435	$300

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud2

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended															12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Selected Quarterly Financial Information [Abstract]
Revenues	$3,727		$3,877		$3,711		$3,596		$3,738		$3,820	$3,868		$3,837		$14,911	$15,263	$15,215
Gross profit	819		992		882		757		604		784	742		831		3,450	2,961
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Weatherford	($475)	[1],[2]	$77	[1],[3]	($145)	[1],[4]	($41)	[1],[5]	($271)	[6],[7]	$22	($118)	[6],[8]	$22	[6],[9]	($584)	($345)	($778)
Basic Earnings (Loss) Per Share (in dollars per share)	($0.61)		$0.10		($0.19)		($0.05)		($0.35)		$0.03	($0.15)		$0.03		($0.75)	($0.45)	($1.02)
Diluted Earnings (Loss) Per Share (in dollars per share)	($0.61)		$0.10		($0.19)		($0.05)		($0.35)		$0.03	($0.15)		$0.03		($0.75)	($0.45)	($1.02)
[1]	Includes estimated project losses of $26 million, $2 million, $10 million and $34 million for the first, second, third and fourth quarter of 2014, respectively. These charges were related to our long-term early production facility construction contracts in Iraq accounted for under the percentage of completion method.
[2]	Includes a long-lived asset impairment charge of $352 million, a goodwill impairment charge of $40 million, a $245 million charge related to adopting the SICAD II exchange rate, a gain of $311 million primarily related to the sale of our engineered chemistry and Integrity drilling fluids businesses and the disposal of all of our shares in Proserv. This also includes restructuring charges of $58 million associated with our 2015 plan.
[3]	Includes restructuring charges of $154 million and a gain of $38 million primarily related to the sale of our pipeline and specialty services business and land drilling and workover rigs in Russia and Venezuela.
[4]	Includes restructuring charges of $59 million, and long-lived assets and goodwill impairment charges of $143 million and $125 million, respectively.
[5]	Includes restructuring charges of $70 million.
[6]	Includes estimated project gain of $7 million for the first quarter, estimated project loss of $6 million, $85 million and $148 million for the second, third and fourth quarter of 2013, respectively. These charges were related to our long-term early production facility construction contracts in Iraq accounted for under the percentage of completion method.
[7]	Includes our recognition of a $58 million loss upon settlement of $127 million in outstanding receivables due from PDVSA.
[8]	Includes a $153 million accrual related to the U.S. government investigations.
[9]	Effective February 13, 2013, the Venezuelan government devalued its currency and the official exchange rate moved from 4.30 per dollar to 6.30 per dollar for all goods and services. We recognized a charge of approximately $100 million for the remeasurement of our net monetary assets denominated in the Venezuelan bolivar at the date of the devaluation.

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud3

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Narrative) (Details)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Jun. 30, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Feb. 13, 2013

Feb. 12, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Venezuelan Bolivar [Member]

Venezuelan Bolivar [Member]

Venezuelan Bolivar [Member]

Venezuelan Bolivar [Member]

Venezuelan Bolivar [Member]

Venezuelan Bolivar [Member]

Iraq [Member]

Iraq [Member]

Iraq [Member]

Iraq [Member]

Iraq [Member]

Iraq [Member]

Iraq [Member]

Iraq [Member]

Iraq [Member]

Iraq [Member]

Iraq [Member]

Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. [Member]

Subsea Controls Business [Member]

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

VEB

VEB

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

USD ($)

Customer Concentration Risk [Member]

USD ($)

Accounts Receivable [Member]

USD ($)

Loss Contingencies [Line Items]

Restructuring Charges

$58

$154

$59

$70

$331

$0

$0

Asset Impairment Charges

-40

-143

Amount Recognized in Income Due to Inflationary Accounting, Net of Tax

-245

-252

-94

Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Assets

38

349

-6

9

Foreign Currency Exchange Rate, Translation

6.3

4.3

Currency devaluation expense

100

245

100

Operating Income (Loss)

505

523

[1]

298

Loss contingency accrual, provision

0

153

100

Gain (loss) on sale of bonds

-58

Increase (decrease) in accounts receivable

-78

12

705

-127

Gain on Project

-7

Loss on contracts

-34

-10

-2

-26

148

85

6

72

232

100

Estimated loss on long term construction contract

379

307

379

307

Goodwill, Impairment Loss

40

-125

66

589

Impairment of equity investments

204

Gain (loss) on sale of business

$311

$349

$24

$28

$28

[1]

Includes income tax restatement and material weakness remediation expenses of $103 million, $13 million of costs incurred in connection with U.S. government investigations, $11 million of non-recurring fees and expenses associated with our 2012 debt consent solicitation and severance, exit and other charges of $79 million.

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud4

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Change in Accounting Estimates) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Inventory write-down	$113	$62	$53
Excessive Quantities and Obsolescence [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Inventory write-down		62
Guar Inventory [Member] | Lower of Cost or Market [Member]
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Inventory write-down			$30

Quarterly_Financial_Data_Unaud5

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Adjustments) (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Jun. 30, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2014

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Increase (decrease) in gross profit

$819

$992

$882

$757

$604

$784

$742

$831

$3,450

$2,961

(Increase) decrease net income (loss) attributable to Weatherford

($475)

[1],[2]

$77

[1],[3]

($145)

[1],[4]

($41)

[1],[5]

($271)

[6],[7]

$22

($118)

[6],[8]

$22

[6],[9]

($584)

($345)

($778)

[1]

Includes estimated project losses of $26 million, $2 million, $10 million and $34 million for the first, second, third and fourth quarter of 2014, respectively. These charges were related to our long-term early production facility construction contracts in Iraq accounted for under the percentage of completion method.

[2]

Includes a long-lived asset impairment charge of $352 million, a goodwill impairment charge of $40 million, a $245 million charge related to adopting the SICAD II exchange rate, a gain of $311 million primarily related to the sale of our engineered chemistry and Integrity drilling fluids businesses and the disposal of all of our shares in Proserv. This also includes restructuring charges of $58 million associated with our 2015 plan.

[3]

Includes restructuring charges of $154 million and a gain of $38 million primarily related to the sale of our pipeline and specialty services business and land drilling and workover rigs in Russia and Venezuela.

[4]

Includes restructuring charges of $59 million, and long-lived assets and goodwill impairment charges of $143 million and $125 million, respectively.

[5]

Includes restructuring charges of $70 million.

[6]

Includes estimated project gain of $7 million for the first quarter, estimated project loss of $6 million, $85 million and $148 million for the second, third and fourth quarter of 2013, respectively. These charges were related to our long-term early production facility construction contracts in Iraq accounted for under the percentage of completion method.

[7]

Includes our recognition of a $58 million loss upon settlement of $127 million in outstanding receivables due from PDVSA.

[8]

Includes a $153 million accrual related to the U.S. government investigations.

[9]

Effective February 13, 2013, the Venezuelan government devalued its currency and the official exchange rate moved from 4.30 per dollar to 6.30 per dollar for all goods and services. We recognized a charge of approximately $100 million for the remeasurement of our net monetary assets denominated in the Venezuelan bolivar at the date of the devaluation.

Schedule_II_Valuation_and_Qual1

Schedule II - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Allowances (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Restructuring Charges	$58	$154	$59	$70	$331		$0	$0
Allowance for uncollectible accounts receivable [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
of Period				106	106		84	91
Expense (a)					32	[1]	102	22
Additions					-4		-12	-8
Reductions(b)					-26	[2]	-68	-21
Period	108				108		106	84
Restructuring Charges					5
Valuation allowance on deferred tax assets [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
of Period				554	554		317	201
Expense (a)					222		264	108
Additions					0		0	8
Reductions(b)					-44		-27	0
Period	$732				$732		$554	$317
[1]	(a)For the $32 million in bad debt expense in 2014, $5 million is related to the restructuring charges.
[2]	(b)Includes amounts reclassified to Assets Held for Sale.