Kimberly-Clark (KMB) 10-Q 21 Apr 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 14, 2014
Document And Entity Information	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Entity Registrant Name	'KIMBERLY CLARK CORP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000055785	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	376,791,476

Consolidated_Income_Statement

Consolidated Income Statement (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'
Net Sales	$5,278	$5,318
Cost of products sold	3,453	3,496
Gross Profit	1,825	1,822
Marketing, research and general expenses	971	1,027
Other (income) and expense, net	57	12
Operating Profit	797	783
Interest income	3	5
Interest expense	-71	-67
Income Before Income Taxes and Equity Interests	729	721
Provision for income taxes	-226	-223
Income Before Equity Interests	503	498
Share of net income of equity companies	43	53
Net Income	546	551
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-8	-20
Net Income Attributable to Kimberly-Clark Corporation	$538	$531
Per Share Basis	'	'
Basic	$1.42	$1.37
Diluted	$1.41	$1.36
Cash Dividends Declared	$0.84	$0.81

Consolidated_Statement_Of_Comp

Consolidated Statement Of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Net Income	$546	$551
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	'	'
Unrealized currency translation adjustments	-7	-168
Employee postretirement benefits	14	53
Other	-4	17
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	3	-98
Comprehensive Income	549	453
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	-3	-12
Comprehensive Income Attributable to Kimberly-Clark Corporation	$546	$441

Consolidated_Balance_Sheet

Consolidated Balance Sheet (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Current Assets	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$1,165	$1,054
Accounts receivable, net	2,618	2,545
Inventories	2,285	2,233
Other current assets	580	718
Total Current Assets	6,648	6,550
Property, Plant and Equipment, Net	7,841	7,948
Investments in Equity Companies	419	382
Goodwill	3,210	3,181
Other Intangible Assets	232	243
Other Assets	652	615
TOTAL ASSETS	19,002	18,919
Current Liabilities	'	'
Debt payable within one year	927	375
Redeemable Preferred Securities of Subsidiaries	506	506
Trade accounts payable	2,553	2,598
Accrued expenses	1,955	2,060
Dividends payable	318	309
Total Current Liabilities	6,259	5,848
Long-Term Debt	5,385	5,386
Noncurrent Employee Benefits	1,133	1,312
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent	894	817
Other Liabilities	334	344
Redeemable Preferred and Common Securities of Subsidiaries	72	72
Stockholders' Equity	'	'
Kimberly-Clark Corporation	4,668	4,856
Noncontrolling Interests	257	284
Total Stockholders' Equity	4,925	5,140
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	$19,002	$18,919

Consolidated_Cash_Flow_Stateme

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Operating Activities	'	'
Net Income	$546	$551
Depreciation and amortization	218	221
Stock-based compensation	9	30
Deferred income taxes	51	14
Net (gains) losses on asset dispositions	7	-13
Equity companies' earnings in excess of dividends paid	-43	-53
(Increase) decrease in operating working capital	-210	-121
Postretirement benefits	-156	-55
Other	15	33
Cash Provided by Operations	437	607
Investing Activities	'	'
Capital spending	-258	-274
Proceeds from dispositions of property	5	74
Investments in time deposits	-38	0
Maturities of time deposits	157	20
Other	0	1
Cash Used for Investing	-134	-179
Financing Activities	'	'
Cash dividends paid	-309	-289
Change in short-term borrowings	654	335
Debt proceeds	1	59
Debt repayments	-101	-38
Cash paid on redeemable preferred securities of subsidiaries	-7	-7
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	37	50
Acquisitions of common stock for the treasury	-441	-486
Other	-14	-10
Cash Used for Financing	-180	-386
Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash and Cash Equivalents	-12	-39
Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents	111	3
Cash and Cash Equivalents - Beginning of Year	1,054	1,106
Cash and Cash Equivalents - End of Period	$1,165	$1,109

Accounting_Policies

Accounting Policies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Accounting Policies	'
	Accounting Policies
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form  10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all material adjustments which are of a normal and recurring nature necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented have been reflected. Dollar amounts are reported in millions, except per share dollar amounts, unless otherwise noted.
	For further information, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and footnotes included in our Annual Report on Form  10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. The terms "Corporation," "Kimberly-Clark," "K-C," "we," "our" and "us" refer to Kimberly-Clark Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.
	Highly Inflationary Accounting for Venezuelan Operations
	We account for our operations in Venezuela using highly inflationary accounting. On February 13, 2013, the Venezuelan government announced a devaluation of the Central Bank of Venezuela ("Central Bank") regulated currency exchange system rate to 6.3 bolivars per U.S. dollar and the elimination of the SITME rate. As a result of the devaluation, we recorded a $26 after-tax charge ($36 pre-tax) related to the remeasurement of the local currency-denominated balance sheet to the new exchange rate in the quarter ended March 31, 2013. Prior to this devaluation, we used the Central Bank SITME rate of 5.4 bolivars per U.S. dollar to measure K-C Venezuela's bolivar-denominated transactions into U.S. dollars. The $36 pre-tax charge is reflected in the Consolidated Income Statement in other (income) and expense, net for the three months ended March 31, 2013. In the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement, this non-cash charge is included in other in cash provided by operations.
	During March 2013, the Venezuelan government announced a complementary currency exchange system, SICAD. Participation in SICAD is controlled by the Venezuelan government. SICAD is intended to function as an auction system, allowing entities in specific sectors to bid for U.S. dollars to be used for specified import transactions. In February 2014, the president of Venezuela announced that another exchange system (referred to as SICAD 2) would be initiated. Initial exchanges under SICAD 2 began on March 24, 2014, and the volume of U.S. dollars available in this process is still unclear.
	We measure results in Venezuela at the rate in which we transact our business. Since March 2013, exchange transactions have taken place through letters of credit which resulted in an effective exchange rate of 6.3 bolivars per U.S. dollar and through approved transactions using the regulated currency exchange system, which were also at a 6.3 exchange rate. To date, we have not gained access to U.S. dollars in Venezuela through either SICAD or SICAD 2 auctions. Whether we will be able to access either SICAD system in the foreseeable future and what volume of currency exchange will transact through these alternative mechanisms is unclear. Accordingly, we continued to measure K-C Venezuela operations at the rate of 6.3 bolivars per U.S. dollar through March 31, 2014.
	We continue to monitor the availability and transaction volume of currency exchange through the various alternatives that exist in Venezuela.
	At March 31, 2014, K-C Venezuela had a bolivar-denominated net monetary asset position (primarily cash) of $357, and our net investment in K-C Venezuela was $499, both valued at 6.3 bolivars per U.S. dollar. Net sales of K-C Venezuela represented less than 3 percent and 2 percent of consolidated net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Potential_Spinoff_of_Health_Ca

Potential Spinoff of Health Care Business (Spinoff [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Spinoff [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve	'
Restructuring and Related Activities Disclosure	'
	Potential Spin-Off of Health Care Business
	In November 2013, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized management to pursue a potential tax-free spin-off of our health care business. A spin-off would create a stand-alone, publicly traded health care company with approximately $1.6 billion in annual net sales, focused on the sale of surgical and infection prevention products for the operating room and other medical supplies, and medical devices focused on pain management, respiratory and digestive health.
	We continue to analyze the potential spin-off and expect to seek approval from the Board of Directors to file a Form 10 registration statement with the SEC in early May. We expect that the spin-off will be completed at the end of the third quarter or potentially in the fourth quarter of 2014, assuming Board approval and subject to market, regulatory and other conditions. However, there are no assurances as to when the potential spin-off will be completed, if at all, or if the spin-off will be completed based on the expected plans. During the three months ended March 31, 2014, $7 was recorded in marketing, research and general expenses for transaction and related costs associated with the potential spin-off.

European_Strategic_Changes

European Strategic Changes (European Strategic Changes [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
European Strategic Changes [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve	'
European Strategic Changes	'
	European Strategic Changes
	In 2012, we initiated strategic changes related to our Western and Central European consumer and professional businesses to focus our resources and investments on stronger market positions and growth opportunities. We have exited the diaper category in that region, with the exception of the Italian market, and divested or exited some lower-margin businesses, mostly in consumer tissue, in certain markets. The changes primarily affect our consumer businesses, with a modest impact on K-C Professional ("KCP"). The restructuring actions commenced in 2012 and are expected to be completed by December 31, 2014.
	Restructuring actions related to the strategic changes involved the sale or closure of five of our European manufacturing facilities and the streamlining of our administrative organization.
	The following charges were incurred in connection with the European strategic changes:
		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar
		2014				2013
	Charges for workforce reductions	$	—			$	26
	Asset write-offs	—				6
	Incremental depreciation	—				9
	Benefit from pension curtailment	—				(26		)
	Other exit costs	6				5
	Cost of products sold	6				20
	Charges for workforce reductions and other exit costs included in marketing, research and general expenses	4				11
	Provision for income taxes	(5		)		(10		)
	Net charges	$	5			$	21
	See Note 9 for charges related to the European strategic changes by segment.
	Through March 31, 2014, cumulative pre-tax charges for the strategic changes were $390 ($313 after tax), including cumulative pre-tax cash charges of $213.
	The following summarizes the cash charges recorded and reconciles these charges to accrued expenses:
			2014				2013
	Accrued expenses - January 1		$	37			$	133
	Charges for workforce reductions and other exit costs		10				41
	Cash payments		(17		)		(13		)
	Currency and other		(1		)		(7		)
	Accrued expenses - March 31		$	29			$	154

Fair_Value_Information

Fair Value Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Information	'
	Fair Value Information
	The following fair value information is based on a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The three levels in the hierarchy used to measure fair value are:
	Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets accessible at the reporting date for identical assets and liabilities.
	Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets. Quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not considered active or financial instruments for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.
	Level 3 – Prices or valuations that require inputs that are significant to the valuation and are unobservable.
	A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014 and for the full year 2013, there were no significant transfers among level 1, 2, or 3 fair value determinations.
	Set forth below are the assets and liabilities that are measured on a recurring basis at fair value and the inputs used to develop those fair value measurements.
		March 31,				Fair Value Measurements
		2014				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
	Assets
	Company-owned life insurance (“COLI”)	$	56			$	—			$	56			$	—
	Available-for-sale securities	22				22				—				—
	Derivatives	55				—				55				—
	Total	$	133			$	22			$	111			$	—
	Liabilities
	Derivatives	$	40			$	—			$	40			$	—
		December 31,				Fair Value Measurements
		2013				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
	Assets
	COLI	$	55			$	—			$	55			$	—
	Available-for-sale securities	22				22				—				—
	Derivatives	62				—				62				—
	Total	$	139			$	22			$	117			$	—
	Liabilities
	Derivatives	$	49			$	—			$	49			$	—
	The COLI policies are a source of funding primarily for our nonqualified employee benefits and are included in other assets. Available-for-sale securities are included in other assets. See Note 8 for information on the classification of derivatives in the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
	Level 1 Fair Values - The fair values of certain available-for-sale securities are based on quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets.
	Level 2 Fair Values - The fair value of the COLI policies is derived from investments in a mix of money market, fixed income and equity funds managed by unrelated fund managers. The fair values of derivatives used to manage interest rate risk and commodity price risk are based on LIBOR rates and interest rate swap curves and NYMEX price quotations, respectively. The fair value of hedging instruments used to manage foreign currency risk is based on published quotations of spot currency rates and forward points, which are converted into implied forward currency rates. Additional information on our use of derivative instruments is contained in Note 8.
	The following table includes the fair value of our financial instruments for which disclosure of fair value is required:
		Fair Value Hierarchy Level		Carrying Amount				Estimated Fair Value				Carrying Amount				Estimated Fair Value
				March 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents(a)	1		$	1,165			$	1,165			$	1,054			$	1,054
	Time deposits(b)	1		102				102				222				222
	Liabilities and redeemable securities of subsidiaries
	Short-term debt(c)	2		715				715				63				63
	Long-term debt(d)	2		5,597				6,278				5,698				6,271
	Redeemable preferred securities of subsidiaries(e)	3		532				547				532				552
	Redeemable common securities of subsidiary(f)	3		46				46				46				46
	(a)	Cash equivalents are composed of certificates of deposit, time deposits and other interest-bearing investments with original maturity dates of 90 days or less. Cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.
	(b)	Time deposits are composed of deposits with original maturities of more than 90 days but less than one year and instruments with original maturities of greater than one year, included in other current assets or other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, as appropriate. Time deposits are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.
	(c)	Short-term debt is composed of U.S. commercial paper and/or other similar short-term debt issued by non-U.S. subsidiaries, all of which are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.
	(d)	Long-term debt includes the current portion of these debt instruments. Fair values were estimated based on quoted prices for financial instruments for which all significant inputs were observable, either directly or indirectly.
	(e)	Redeemable preferred securities of subsidiaries are not traded in active markets. Accordingly, their fair values were calculated using a floating rate pricing model that compared the stated spread to the fair value spread to determine the price at which each of the financial instruments should trade. The model used the following inputs to calculate fair values: face value, current LIBOR rate, unobservable fair value credit spread, stated spread, maturity date and interest or dividend payment dates.
	(f)	The fair value of the redeemable common securities of subsidiary was based on various inputs, including an independent third-party appraisal, adjusted for current market conditions.

Employee_Postretirement_Benefi

Employee Postretirement Benefits	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Employee Postretirement Benefits	'
	Employee Postretirement Benefits
	The table below presents net periodic benefit cost information for defined benefit plans and other postretirement benefit plans:
		Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
		Three Months Ended March 31
		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Service cost	$	11		$	14		$	4	$	4
	Interest cost	68			64			9		8
	Expected return on plan assets	(82		)	(81		)	—		—
	Recognized net actuarial loss	24			34			—		—
	Curtailment (see Note 3)	—			(26		)	—		—
	Other	5			(3		)	—		—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	26		$	2		$	13	$	12
	For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, we made cash contributions of $180 and $55, respectively, to our pension trusts. We expect to contribute approximately $200 to our defined benefit pension plans for the full year 2014.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share ("EPS")
	There are no adjustments required to be made to net income for purposes of computing EPS. A reconciliation of the average number of common shares outstanding used in the basic and diluted EPS computations follows:
		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar
	(Millions of shares)	2014	2013
	Basic	379	387.3
	Dilutive effect of stock options	1.3	1.7
	Dilutive effect of restricted share and restricted share unit awards	1.8	1.5
	Diluted	382.1	390.5
	There were no significant outstanding stock-based awards excluded from the computation of diluted EPS during the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013.
	The number of common shares outstanding as of March 31, 2014 and 2013 was 377.2 million and 384.7 million, respectively.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	Stockholders' Equity
	Set forth below is a reconciliation for the three months ended March 31, 2014 of the carrying amount of total stockholders' equity from the beginning of the period to the end of the period.
			Stockholders' Equity Attributable to
			The Corporation			Noncontrolling Interests
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	4,856		$	284
	Net Income		538			—
	Other comprehensive income, net of tax
	Unrealized translation		(2		)	(4		)
	Employee postretirement benefits		14			—
	Other		(4		)	—
	Stock-based awards exercised or vested		38			—
	Recognition of stock-based compensation		9			—
	Income tax benefits on stock-based compensation		12			—
	Shares repurchased		(473		)	—
	Dividends declared		(318		)	(24		)
	Other		(2		)	1
	Balance at March 31, 2014		$	4,668		$	257
	During the three months ended March 31, 2014, we repurchased 4.3 million shares at a total cost of $464.
	Net unrealized currency gains or losses resulting from the translation of assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries, except those in highly inflationary economies, are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"). For these operations, changes in exchange rates generally do not affect cash flows; therefore, unrealized translation is recorded in AOCI rather than net income. Upon sale or substantially complete liquidation of any of these subsidiaries, the applicable unrealized translation would be removed from AOCI and reported as part of the gain or loss on the sale or liquidation.
	Also included in unrealized translation are the effects of foreign exchange rate changes on intercompany balances of a long-term investment nature and transactions designated as hedges of net foreign investments.
	The change in net unrealized currency translation for the three months ended March 31, 2014 was primarily due to the strengthening of the Australian dollar and Brazilian real against the U.S. dollar, offset by the weakening of the Russian ruble, Canadian dollar and Argentine peso.
	The changes in the components of AOCI attributable to Kimberly-Clark, net of tax, are as follows:
			Unrealized Translation			Defined Benefit Pension Plans				Other Postretirement Benefit Plans			Cash Flow Hedges and Other
	Balance as of December 31, 2012		$	(26	)	$	(1,928	)		$	(53	)	$	(52	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(160		)	49				—			19
	(Income) loss reclassified from AOCI		—			4			(a)	—			(2		)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		(160		)	53				—			17
	Balance as of March 31, 2013		$	(186	)	$	(1,875	)		$	(53	)	$	(35	)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013		$	(525	)	$	(1,668	)		$	(15	)	$	(34	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(2		)	(2		)		—			(4		)
	(Income) loss reclassified from AOCI		—			16			(a)	—			—
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		(2		)	14				—			(4		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2014		$	(527	)	$	(1,654	)		$	(15	)	$	(38	)
	(a)	Included in computation of net periodic pension costs (see Note 5).

Objectives_And_Strategies_For_

Objectives And Strategies For Using Derivatives	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Objectives And Strategies For Using Derivatives	'
	Objectives and Strategies for Using Derivatives
	As a multinational enterprise, we are exposed to financial risks, such as changes in foreign currency exchange rates, interest rates, and commodity prices. We employ a number of practices to manage these risks, including operating and financing activities and, where appropriate, the use of derivative instruments. We enter into derivative instruments to hedge a portion of forecasted cash flows denominated in foreign currencies for non-U.S. operations' purchases of raw materials, which are priced in U.S. dollars, and imports of intercompany finished goods and work-in-process priced predominantly in U.S. dollars and euros. The derivative instruments used to manage these exposures are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges. The foreign currency exposure on certain non-functional currency denominated monetary assets and liabilities, primarily intercompany loans and accounts payable, is hedged with primarily undesignated derivative instruments. Interest rate risk is managed using a portfolio of variable- and fixed-rate debt composed of short- and long-term instruments. Interest rate swap contracts may be used to facilitate the maintenance of the desired ratio of variable- and fixed-rate debt and are designated and qualify as fair value hedges. From time to time, we also hedge the anticipated issuance of fixed-rate debt, using forward-starting swaps, and these contracts are designated as cash flow hedges. We use derivative instruments, such as forward swap contracts, to hedge a limited portion of our exposure to market risk arising from changes in prices of certain commodities. These derivatives are designated as cash flow hedges of specific quantities of the underlying commodity expected to be purchased in future months. Translation adjustments result from translating foreign entities' financial statements into U.S. dollars from their functional currencies. The risk to any particular entity's net assets is reduced to the extent that the entity is financed with local currency borrowing. Translation exposure, which results from changes in translation rates between functional currencies and the U.S. dollar, generally is not hedged. However, consistent with other years, a portion of our net investment in our Mexican affiliate has been hedged. At March 31, 2014, we had in place net investment hedges of $150 for a portion of our investment in our Mexican affiliate.
	Set forth below is a summary of the total designated and undesignated fair values of our derivative instruments:
		Assets				Liabilities
		March 31,		December 31, 2013		March 31,		December 31,
		2014				2014		2013
	Foreign currency exchange contracts	$	36	$	34	$	39	$	49
	Interest rate contracts	13		22		1		—
	Commodity price contracts	6		6		—		—
	Total	$	55	$	62	$	40	$	49
	The derivative assets are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet in other current assets and other assets, as appropriate. The derivative liabilities are included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet in accrued expenses and other liabilities, as appropriate.
	Derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges are predominantly used to manage interest rate risk. The fair values of these derivative instruments are recorded as an asset or liability, as appropriate, with the offset recorded in current earnings. The offset to the change in fair values of the related hedged items also is recorded in current earnings. Any realized gain or loss on the derivatives that hedge interest rate risk is amortized to interest expense over the life of the related debt. At March 31, 2014, the aggregate notional values of outstanding interest rate contracts designated as fair value hedges were $250. Fair value hedges resulted in no significant ineffectiveness in the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. For the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, gains or losses recognized in interest expense for interest rate swaps were not significant. For the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, no gain or loss was recognized in earnings as a result of a hedged firm commitment no longer qualifying as a fair value hedge.
	For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as cash flow hedges, the effective portion of the gain or loss on the derivative instrument is initially recorded in AOCI, net of related income taxes, and recognized in earnings in the same period that the hedged exposure affects earnings. As of March 31, 2014, outstanding commodity forward contracts were in place to hedge a limited portion of our estimated requirements of the related underlying commodities in the remainder of 2014 and future periods. As of March 31, 2014, the aggregate notional values of outstanding foreign exchange and interest rate derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedges were $1 billion and $200, respectively. Cash flow hedges resulted in no significant ineffectiveness for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013. For the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, no gains or losses were reclassified into earnings as a result of the discontinuance of cash flow hedges due to the original forecasted transaction no longer being probable of occurring. At March 31, 2014, amounts to be reclassified from AOCI during the next twelve months are not expected to be material. The maximum maturity of cash flow hedges in place at March 31, 2014 is December 2016.
	Gains or losses on undesignated foreign exchange hedging instruments are immediately recognized in other (income) and expense, net. Gains of $14 and losses of $56 were recorded in the three month periods ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The effect on earnings from the use of these non-designated derivatives is substantially neutralized by the transactional gains and losses recorded on the underlying assets and liabilities. At March 31, 2014, the notional amount of these undesignated derivative instruments was $2.3 billion.

Description_Of_Business_Segmen

Description Of Business Segments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Description of Business Segments	'
Description Of Business Segments	'
	Description of Business Segments
	We are organized into operating segments based on product groupings. These operating segments have been aggregated into four reportable global business segments: Personal Care, Consumer Tissue, KCP and Health Care. The reportable segments were determined in accordance with how our executive managers develop and execute global strategies to drive growth and profitability. These strategies include global plans for branding and product positioning, technology, research and development programs, cost reductions including supply chain management, and capacity and capital investments for each of these businesses. Segment management is evaluated on several factors, including operating profit. Segment operating profit excludes other (income) and expense, net and income and expense not associated with the business segments.
	The principal sources of revenue in each global business segment are described below:
	•	Personal Care brands offer parents a trusted partner in caring for their families and deliver confidence, protection and discretion to adults through a wide variety of innovative solutions and products such as disposable diapers, training and youth pants, swimpants, baby wipes, feminine and incontinence care products, and other related products. Products in this segment are sold under the Huggies, Pull-Ups, Little Swimmers, GoodNites, DryNites, Kotex, U by Kotex, Intimus, Depend, Plenitud, Poise and other brand names.
	•	Consumer Tissue offers a wide variety of innovative solutions and trusted brands that touch and improve people's lives every day.  Products in this segment include facial and bathroom tissue, paper towels, napkins and related products, and are sold under the Kleenex, Scott, Cottonelle, Viva, Andrex, Scottex, Neve and other brand names.
	•	K-C Professional helps transform workplaces for employees and patrons, making them healthier, safer and more productive, through a range of solutions and supporting products such as apparel, wipers, soaps, sanitizers, tissue and towels.  Key brands in this segment include Kleenex, Scott, WypAll, Kimtech and Jackson Safety.
	•	Health Care provides essentials that help restore patients to better health and improve the quality of patients' lives. This segment offers surgical and infection prevention products for the operating room, and a portfolio of innovative medical devices focused on pain management, respiratory and digestive health. This business is a global leader in education to prevent healthcare-associated infections. Products are sold primarily under the Kimberly-Clark and ON-Q brand names.
	The following schedules present information concerning consolidated operations by business segment:
			Three Months Ended March 31
			2014				2013			Change
	NET SALES
	Personal Care		$	2,382			$	2,397		-0.6	%
	Consumer Tissue		1,689				1,718			-1.7	%
	K-C Professional		800				793			0.9	%
	Health Care		397				397			—
	Corporate & Other		10				13			N.M.
	TOTAL NET SALES		$	5,278			$	5,318		-0.8	%
	OPERATING PROFIT
	Personal Care		$	457			$	441		3.6	%
	Consumer Tissue		257				260			-1.2	%
	K-C Professional		136				143			-4.9	%
	Health Care		72				44			63.6	%
	Corporate & Other(a)		(68		)		(93		)	N.M.
	Other (income) and expense, net		57				12			N.M.
	TOTAL OPERATING PROFIT		$	797			$	783		1.8	%
	N.M. - Not Meaningful
	(a)	Corporate & Other includes the following charges:
		European Strategic Changes
		Three Months Ended March 31
		2014				2013
	Personal Care	$	5			$	18
	Consumer Tissue	3				8
	K-C Professional	2				5
	Total	$	10			$	31
	In addition, Corporate & Other for the three months ended March 31, 2014 includes $7 for transaction and related costs associated with the potential spin-off of the health care business.

Supplemental_Balance_Sheet_Dat

Supplemental Balance Sheet Data (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'
Additional Financial Information Disclosure	'
	Supplemental Balance Sheet Data
	The following schedule presents a summary of inventories by major class:
			March 31, 2014									December 31, 2013
			LIFO				Non-LIFO		Total			LIFO			Non-LIFO		Total
	At the lower of cost, determined on the FIFO or weighted-average cost methods, or market
	Raw materials		$	147			$	331	$	478		$	143		$	319	$	462
	Work in process		190				101		291			189			97		286
	Finished goods		669				770		1,439			648			753		1,401
	Supplies and other		—				328		328			—			326		326
			1,006				1,530		2,536			980			1,495		2,475
	Excess of FIFO or weighted-average cost over LIFO cost		(251		)		—		(251		)	(242		)	—		(242		)
	Total		$	755			$	1,530	$	2,285		$	738		$	1,495	$	2,233
	We use the LIFO method of valuing inventory for financial reporting purposes for most U.S. inventories. Interim LIFO calculations are based on management's estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs. An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method is made at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time.
	The following schedule presents a summary of property, plant and equipment, net:
		March 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Land	$	192			$	196
	Buildings	2,753				2,776
	Machinery and equipment	14,296				14,193
	Construction in progress	474				515
		17,715				17,680
	Less accumulated depreciation	(9,874		)		(9,732		)
	Total	$	7,841			$	7,948

Accounting_Policies_Accounting

Accounting Policies Accounting (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Significant Accounting Policies	'
	Accounting Policies
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form  10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all material adjustments which are of a normal and recurring nature necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the periods presented have been reflected. Dollar amounts are reported in millions, except per share dollar amounts, unless otherwise noted.
	For further information, refer to the Consolidated Financial Statements and footnotes included in our Annual Report on Form  10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. The terms "Corporation," "Kimberly-Clark," "K-C," "we," "our" and "us" refer to Kimberly-Clark Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries.
	Highly Inflationary Accounting for Venezuelan Operations
	We account for our operations in Venezuela using highly inflationary accounting. On February 13, 2013, the Venezuelan government announced a devaluation of the Central Bank of Venezuela ("Central Bank") regulated currency exchange system rate to 6.3 bolivars per U.S. dollar and the elimination of the SITME rate. As a result of the devaluation, we recorded a $26 after-tax charge ($36 pre-tax) related to the remeasurement of the local currency-denominated balance sheet to the new exchange rate in the quarter ended March 31, 2013. Prior to this devaluation, we used the Central Bank SITME rate of 5.4 bolivars per U.S. dollar to measure K-C Venezuela's bolivar-denominated transactions into U.S. dollars. The $36 pre-tax charge is reflected in the Consolidated Income Statement in other (income) and expense, net for the three months ended March 31, 2013. In the Consolidated Cash Flow Statement, this non-cash charge is included in other in cash provided by operations.
	During March 2013, the Venezuelan government announced a complementary currency exchange system, SICAD. Participation in SICAD is controlled by the Venezuelan government. SICAD is intended to function as an auction system, allowing entities in specific sectors to bid for U.S. dollars to be used for specified import transactions. In February 2014, the president of Venezuela announced that another exchange system (referred to as SICAD 2) would be initiated. Initial exchanges under SICAD 2 began on March 24, 2014, and the volume of U.S. dollars available in this process is still unclear.
	We measure results in Venezuela at the rate in which we transact our business. Since March 2013, exchange transactions have taken place through letters of credit which resulted in an effective exchange rate of 6.3 bolivars per U.S. dollar and through approved transactions using the regulated currency exchange system, which were also at a 6.3 exchange rate. To date, we have not gained access to U.S. dollars in Venezuela through either SICAD or SICAD 2 auctions. Whether we will be able to access either SICAD system in the foreseeable future and what volume of currency exchange will transact through these alternative mechanisms is unclear. Accordingly, we continued to measure K-C Venezuela operations at the rate of 6.3 bolivars per U.S. dollar through March 31, 2014.
	We continue to monitor the availability and transaction volume of currency exchange through the various alternatives that exist in Venezuela.
	At March 31, 2014, K-C Venezuela had a bolivar-denominated net monetary asset position (primarily cash) of $357, and our net investment in K-C Venezuela was $499, both valued at 6.3 bolivars per U.S. dollar. Net sales of K-C Venezuela represented less than 3 percent and 2 percent of consolidated net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Fair_Value_Information_Policy

Fair Value Information (Policy)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Level Measurements Policy	'
	The following fair value information is based on a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The three levels in the hierarchy used to measure fair value are:
	Level 1 – Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets accessible at the reporting date for identical assets and liabilities.
	Level 2 – Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets. Quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not considered active or financial instruments for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.
	Level 3 – Prices or valuations that require inputs that are significant to the valuation and are unobservable.
	A financial instrument's level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Supplemental_Balance_Sheet_Dat1

Supplemental Balance Sheet Data (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'
Inventory Policy	'
	We use the LIFO method of valuing inventory for financial reporting purposes for most U.S. inventories. Interim LIFO calculations are based on management's estimates of expected year-end inventory levels and costs. An actual valuation of inventory under the LIFO method is made at the end of each year based on the inventory levels and costs at that time.

European_Strategic_Changes_Tab

European Strategic Changes (Tables) (European Strategic Changes [Member])	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
European Strategic Changes [Member]	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve	'
Charges Incurred in Connection with Restructuring	'
		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar
		2014				2013
	Charges for workforce reductions	$	—			$	26
	Asset write-offs	—				6
	Incremental depreciation	—				9
	Benefit from pension curtailment	—				(26		)
	Other exit costs	6				5
	Cost of products sold	6				20
	Charges for workforce reductions and other exit costs included in marketing, research and general expenses	4				11
	Provision for income taxes	(5		)		(10		)
	Net charges	$	5			$	21
Schedule of Cash Charges Reconciled to Accrued Expenses	'
			2014				2013
	Accrued expenses - January 1		$	37			$	133
	Charges for workforce reductions and other exit costs		10				41
	Cash payments		(17		)		(13		)
	Currency and other		(1		)		(7		)
	Accrued expenses - March 31		$	29			$	154

Fair_Value_Information_Tables

Fair Value Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On A Recurring Basis	'
	Set forth below are the assets and liabilities that are measured on a recurring basis at fair value and the inputs used to develop those fair value measurements.
		March 31,				Fair Value Measurements
		2014				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
	Assets
	Company-owned life insurance (“COLI”)	$	56			$	—			$	56			$	—
	Available-for-sale securities	22				22				—				—
	Derivatives	55				—				55				—
	Total	$	133			$	22			$	111			$	—
	Liabilities
	Derivatives	$	40			$	—			$	40			$	—
		December 31,				Fair Value Measurements
		2013				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
	Assets
	COLI	$	55			$	—			$	55			$	—
	Available-for-sale securities	22				22				—				—
	Derivatives	62				—				62				—
	Total	$	139			$	22			$	117			$	—
	Liabilities
	Derivatives	$	49			$	—			$	49			$	—
Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping	'
	The following table includes the fair value of our financial instruments for which disclosure of fair value is required:
		Fair Value Hierarchy Level		Carrying Amount				Estimated Fair Value				Carrying Amount				Estimated Fair Value
				March 31, 2014								December 31, 2013
	Assets
	Cash and cash equivalents(a)	1		$	1,165			$	1,165			$	1,054			$	1,054
	Time deposits(b)	1		102				102				222				222
	Liabilities and redeemable securities of subsidiaries
	Short-term debt(c)	2		715				715				63				63
	Long-term debt(d)	2		5,597				6,278				5,698				6,271
	Redeemable preferred securities of subsidiaries(e)	3		532				547				532				552
	Redeemable common securities of subsidiary(f)	3		46				46				46				46
	(a)	Cash equivalents are composed of certificates of deposit, time deposits and other interest-bearing investments with original maturity dates of 90 days or less. Cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.
	(b)	Time deposits are composed of deposits with original maturities of more than 90 days but less than one year and instruments with original maturities of greater than one year, included in other current assets or other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, as appropriate. Time deposits are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.
	(c)	Short-term debt is composed of U.S. commercial paper and/or other similar short-term debt issued by non-U.S. subsidiaries, all of which are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.
	(d)	Long-term debt includes the current portion of these debt instruments. Fair values were estimated based on quoted prices for financial instruments for which all significant inputs were observable, either directly or indirectly.
	(e)	Redeemable preferred securities of subsidiaries are not traded in active markets. Accordingly, their fair values were calculated using a floating rate pricing model that compared the stated spread to the fair value spread to determine the price at which each of the financial instruments should trade. The model used the following inputs to calculate fair values: face value, current LIBOR rate, unobservable fair value credit spread, stated spread, maturity date and interest or dividend payment dates.
	(f)	The fair value of the redeemable common securities of subsidiary was based on various inputs, including an independent third-party appraisal, adjusted for current market conditions.

Employee_Postretirement_Benefi1

Employee Postretirement Benefits (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost	'
	The table below presents net periodic benefit cost information for defined benefit plans and other postretirement benefit plans:
		Pension Benefits						Other Benefits
		Three Months Ended March 31
		2014			2013			2014		2013
	Service cost	$	11		$	14		$	4	$	4
	Interest cost	68			64			9		8
	Expected return on plan assets	(82		)	(81		)	—		—
	Recognized net actuarial loss	24			34			—		—
	Curtailment (see Note 3)	—			(26		)	—		—
	Other	5			(3		)	—		—
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	26		$	2		$	13	$	12

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Average Common Shares Outstanding Basic and Diluted	'
		Three Months Ended
		31-Mar
	(Millions of shares)	2014	2013
	Basic	379	387.3
	Dilutive effect of stock options	1.3	1.7
	Dilutive effect of restricted share and restricted share unit awards	1.8	1.5
	Diluted	382.1	390.5

Stockholders_Equity_Tables

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Components Of Stockholders' Equity	'
			Stockholders' Equity Attributable to
			The Corporation			Noncontrolling Interests
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	4,856		$	284
	Net Income		538			—
	Other comprehensive income, net of tax
	Unrealized translation		(2		)	(4		)
	Employee postretirement benefits		14			—
	Other		(4		)	—
	Stock-based awards exercised or vested		38			—
	Recognition of stock-based compensation		9			—
	Income tax benefits on stock-based compensation		12			—
	Shares repurchased		(473		)	—
	Dividends declared		(318		)	(24		)
	Other		(2		)	1
	Balance at March 31, 2014		$	4,668		$	257
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
			Unrealized Translation			Defined Benefit Pension Plans				Other Postretirement Benefit Plans			Cash Flow Hedges and Other
	Balance as of December 31, 2012		$	(26	)	$	(1,928	)		$	(53	)	$	(52	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(160		)	49				—			19
	(Income) loss reclassified from AOCI		—			4			(a)	—			(2		)
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		(160		)	53				—			17
	Balance as of March 31, 2013		$	(186	)	$	(1,875	)		$	(53	)	$	(35	)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013		$	(525	)	$	(1,668	)		$	(15	)	$	(34	)
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		(2		)	(2		)		—			(4		)
	(Income) loss reclassified from AOCI		—			16			(a)	—			—
	Net current period other comprehensive income (loss)		(2		)	14				—			(4		)
	Balance as of March 31, 2014		$	(527	)	$	(1,654	)		$	(15	)	$	(38	)
	(a)	Included in computation of net periodic pension costs (see Note 5).

Objectives_And_Strategies_For_1

Objectives And Strategies For Using Derivatives (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Fair Value Of All Derivative Instruments	'
		Assets				Liabilities
		March 31,		December 31, 2013		March 31,		December 31,
		2014				2014		2013
	Foreign currency exchange contracts	$	36	$	34	$	39	$	49
	Interest rate contracts	13		22		1		—
	Commodity price contracts	6		6		—		—
	Total	$	55	$	62	$	40	$	49

Description_Of_Business_Segmen1

Description Of Business Segments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Description of Business Segments	'
Information Concerning Consolidated Operations by Business Segment	'
			Three Months Ended March 31
			2014				2013			Change
	NET SALES
	Personal Care		$	2,382			$	2,397		-0.6	%
	Consumer Tissue		1,689				1,718			-1.7	%
	K-C Professional		800				793			0.9	%
	Health Care		397				397			—
	Corporate & Other		10				13			N.M.
	TOTAL NET SALES		$	5,278			$	5,318		-0.8	%
	OPERATING PROFIT
	Personal Care		$	457			$	441		3.6	%
	Consumer Tissue		257				260			-1.2	%
	K-C Professional		136				143			-4.9	%
	Health Care		72				44			63.6	%
	Corporate & Other(a)		(68		)		(93		)	N.M.
	Other (income) and expense, net		57				12			N.M.
	TOTAL OPERATING PROFIT		$	797			$	783		1.8	%
	N.M. - Not Meaningful
	(a)	Corporate & Other includes the following charges:
		European Strategic Changes
		Three Months Ended March 31
		2014				2013
	Personal Care	$	5			$	18
	Consumer Tissue	3				8
	K-C Professional	2				5
	Total	$	10			$	31
	In addition, Corporate & Other for the three months ended March 31, 2014 includes $7 for transaction and related costs associated with the potential spin-off of the health care business.

Summary_of_Balance_Sheet_Data_

Summary of Balance Sheet Data (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Inventory, Current	'
			March 31, 2014									December 31, 2013
			LIFO				Non-LIFO		Total			LIFO			Non-LIFO		Total
	At the lower of cost, determined on the FIFO or weighted-average cost methods, or market
	Raw materials		$	147			$	331	$	478		$	143		$	319	$	462
	Work in process		190				101		291			189			97		286
	Finished goods		669				770		1,439			648			753		1,401
	Supplies and other		—				328		328			—			326		326
			1,006				1,530		2,536			980			1,495		2,475
	Excess of FIFO or weighted-average cost over LIFO cost		(251		)		—		(251		)	(242		)	—		(242		)
	Total		$	755			$	1,530	$	2,285		$	738		$	1,495	$	2,233
Property, Plant and Equipment	'
		March 31, 2014				December 31, 2013
	Land	$	192			$	196
	Buildings	2,753				2,776
	Machinery and equipment	14,296				14,193
	Construction in progress	474				515
		17,715				17,680
	Less accumulated depreciation	(9,874		)		(9,732		)
	Total	$	7,841			$	7,948

Potential_Spinoff_of_the_Healt

Potential Spinoff of the Health Care Business Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
			Spinoff [Member]	Spinoff [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve	'	'	'	'
Net Sales	$5,278	$5,318	'	$1,600
Charges for workforce reductions and other exit costs	'	'	$7	'

Accounting_Policies_Narrative_

Accounting Policies Narrative (Details) (K-C Venezuela [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		33 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Feb. 01, 2013
K-C Venezuela [Member]	'	'	'
Central Bank System Rate	6.3	'	5.4
Charge for Devaluation Under Highly Inflationary Accounting (after tax)	$26	'	'
Charge for Devaluation Under Highly Inflationary Accounting	36	'	'
Bolivar Denominated Monetary Asset Net	357	'	'
Net Investment Foreign Operations	$499	'	'
Portion Of Consolidate Net Sales Earned By Affiliate Percent	3.00%	2.00%	'

European_Strategic_Changes_Nar

European Strategic Changes - Narrative (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		17 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
European Strategic Changes [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve	'	'	'
Charges for workforce reductions and other exit costs	'	'	$390
Restructuring Charges After Tax	5	21	313
European Strategic Changes [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve	'	'	'
Restructuring Activities for Manufacturing Facilities	5	'	'
Cash charges [Member] | European Strategic Changes [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve	'	'	'
Charges for workforce reductions and other exit costs	$10	$41	$213

European_Strategic_Changes_Cha

European Strategic Changes - Charges Incurred (Details) (European Strategic Changes [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		17 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
Restructuring Cost and Reserve	'	'	'
Charges for workforce reductions and other exit costs	'	'	$390
Restructuring Charges After Tax	5	21	313
Cost of Sales [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve	'	'	'
Charges for workforce reductions and other exit costs	6	20	'
Charges for workforce reductions and other included in marketing, research and general and other (income) and expense, net [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve	'	'	'
Charges for workforce reductions and other exit costs	4	11	'
Provision for income taxes	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve	'	'	'
Charges for workforce reductions and other exit costs	-5	-10	'
Employee Severance [Member] | Cost of Sales [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve	'	'	'
Charges for workforce reductions and other exit costs	0	26	'
Asset write-offs | Cost of Sales [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve	'	'	'
Charges for workforce reductions and other exit costs	0	6	'
Incremental depreciation | Cost of Sales [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve	'	'	'
Charges for workforce reductions and other exit costs	0	9	'
Benefit from pension curtailment | Cost of Sales [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve	'	'	'
Charges for workforce reductions and other exit costs	0	-26	'
Other exit costs | Cost of Sales [Member]	'	'	'
Restructuring Cost and Reserve	'	'	'
Charges for workforce reductions and other exit costs	$6	$5	'

European_Strategic_Changes_Rec

European Strategic Changes - Reconciliation to Accrued Expenses (Details) (European Strategic Changes [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		17 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2014
Accrued Expense Roll Forward	'	'	'
Accrued expenses - January 1	$37	$133	'
Charges for workforce reductions and other exit costs	'	'	390
Cash payments	-17	-13	'
Currency and other	-1	-7	'
Accrued expenses - March 31	29	154	29
Cash charges [Member]	'	'	'
Accrued Expense Roll Forward	'	'	'
Charges for workforce reductions and other exit costs	$10	$41	$213

Fair_Value_Information_Narrati

Fair Value Information (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'
Transfers among fair value determination	$0	$0

Fair_Value_Information_Fair_Va

Fair Value Information (Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On A Recurring Basis) (Details) (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Company-owned life insurance (bCOLIb)	$56	$55
Available-for-sale securities	22	22
Derivatives	55	62
Total	133	139
Derivatives	40	49
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Company-owned life insurance (bCOLIb)	0	0
Available-for-sale securities	22	22
Derivatives	0	0
Total	22	22
Derivatives	0	0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Company-owned life insurance (bCOLIb)	56	55
Available-for-sale securities	0	0
Derivatives	55	62
Total	111	117
Derivatives	40	49
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis	'	'
Company-owned life insurance (bCOLIb)	0	0
Available-for-sale securities	0	0
Derivatives	0	0
Total	0	0
Derivatives	$0	$0

Fair_Value_Information_Fair_Va1

Fair Value Information (Fair Value Of Financial Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents(a)	$1,165	[1]	$1,054	[1]
Time deposits(b)	102	[2]	222	[2]
Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions	'		'
Short-term debt(d)	715		63
Long-term debt(e)	5,597		5,698
Estimated Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions	'		'
Cash and cash equivalents(a)	1,165	[1]	1,054	[1]
Time deposits(b)	102	[2]	222	[2]
Estimated Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions	'		'
Short-term debt(d)	715		63
Long-term debt(e)	6,278		6,271
Preferred securities [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions	'		'
Redeemable preferred securities of subsidiaries(c)	532		532
Preferred securities [Member] | Estimated Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions	'		'
Redeemable preferred securities of subsidiaries(c)	547	[3]	552
common securities [Member] | Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions	'		'
Redeemable preferred securities of subsidiaries(c)	46	[4]	46
common securities [Member] | Estimated Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions	'		'
Redeemable preferred securities of subsidiaries(c)	$46	[4]	$46
[1]	Cash equivalents are composed of certificates of deposit, time deposits and other interest-bearing investments with original maturity dates of 90 days or less. Cash equivalents are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.
[2]	Time deposits are composed of deposits with original maturities of more than 90 days but less than one year and instruments with original maturities of greater than one year, included in other current assets or other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet, as appropriate. Time deposits are recorded at cost, which approximates fair value.
[3]	Redeemable preferred securities of subsidiaries are not traded in active markets. Accordingly, their fair values were calculated using a floating rate pricing model that compared the stated spread to the fair value spread to determine the price at which each of the financial instruments should trade. The model used the following inputs to calculate fair values: face value, current LIBOR rate, unobservable fair value credit spread, stated spread, maturity date and interest or dividend payment dates.
[4]	The fair value of the redeemable common securities of subsidiary was based on various inputs, including an independent third-party appraisal, adjusted for current market conditions.

Employee_Postretirement_Benefi2

Employee Postretirement Benefits (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Cash contribution to pension trusts	$180	$55
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions in Current Fiscal Year	$200	'

Employee_Postretirement_Benefi3

Employee Postretirement Benefits (Benefit Cost Information For Defined Benefit Plans And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plans [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans	'	'
Service cost	$11	$14
Interest cost	68	64
Expected return on plan assets	-82	-81
Recognized net actuarial loss	24	34
Curtailment (see Note 3)	0	-26
Other	5	-3
Net periodic benefit cost	26	2
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member]	'	'
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans	'	'
Service cost	4	4
Interest cost	9	8
Expected return on plan assets	0	0
Recognized net actuarial loss	0	0
Curtailment (see Note 3)	0	0
Other	0	0
Net periodic benefit cost	$13	$12

Earnings_Per_Share_Narrative_D

Earnings Per Share (Narrative) (Details)	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'
Common shares outstanding	377.2	384.7

Earnings_Per_Share_Average_Com

Earnings Per Share (Average Common Shares Outstanding Basic And Diluted) (Details)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'
Basic	379	387.3
Dilutive effect of stock options	1.3	1.7
Dilutive effect of restricted share and restricted share unit awards	1.8	1.5
Diluted	382.1	390.5

Stockholders_Equity_Narrative_

Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Repurchased shares	4.3
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value	$464

Stockholders_Equity_Components

Stockholders' Equity (Components Of Stockholders' Equity) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Kimberly-Clark Corporation	$4,668	'	$4,856
Noncontrolling Interests	257	'	284
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance at December 31, 2013	5,140	'	'
Net Income	546	551	'
Unrealized currency translation adjustments	-7	-168	'
Employee postretirement benefits	14	53	'
Other	-4	17	'
Balance at March 31, 2014	4,925	'	'
Parent [Member]	'	'	'
Kimberly-Clark Corporation	'	'	4,856
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Net Income	538	'	'
Unrealized currency translation adjustments	-2	-160	'
Employee postretirement benefits	14	'	'
Other	-4	17	'
Stock-based awards exercised or vested	38	'	'
Recognition of stock-based compensation	9	'	'
Income tax benefits on stock-based compensation	12	'	'
Shares repurchased	-473	'	'
Dividends declared	-318	'	'
Other	-2	'	'
Balance at March 31, 2014	4,668	'	'
Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interests	'	'	284
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Nonredeemable Noncontrolling Interest	0	'	'
Unrealized currency translation adjustments	-4	'	'
Employee postretirement benefits	0	'	'
Other	0	'	'
Stock-based awards exercised or vested	0	'	'
Recognition of stock-based compensation	0	'	'
Income tax benefits on stock-based compensation	0	'	'
Shares repurchased	0	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest, Decrease from Distributions to Noncontrolling Interest Holders	-24	'	'
Other	1	'	'
Balance at March 31, 2014	$257	'	'

Stockholders_Equity_Components1

Stockholders' Equity (Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Unrealized translation - Beginning balance	($525)	($26)
Cash flow hedge and other - Beginning balance	-34	-52
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	-2	-160
(Income)/loss reclassified from AOCI	0	0
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	-4	19
Income/loss reclassified from AOCI	0	-2
Unrealized currency translation adjustments	-7	-168
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	-14	-53
Unrealized translation - Ending balance	-527	-186
Cash flow hedge and other - Ending balance	-38	-35
Other	-4	17
Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'
Defined benefit and other postretirement benefit plans - Beginning balance	-1,668	-1,928
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	-2	49
(Income)/loss reclassified from AOCI	16	4
Defined benefit and other postretirement benefit plans - Ending balance	-1,654	-1,875
Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'
Defined benefit and other postretirement benefit plans - Beginning balance	-15	-53
Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassifications	0	0
(Income)/loss reclassified from AOCI	0	0
Defined benefit and other postretirement benefit plans - Ending balance	-15	-53
Parent [Member]	'	'
Unrealized currency translation adjustments	-2	-160
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	-14	'
Other	-4	17
Parent [Member] | Pension Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	-14	-53
Parent [Member] | Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member]	'	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax	$0	$0

Objectives_And_Strategies_For_2

Objectives And Strategies For Using Derivatives (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Fair Value Hedge Ineffectiveness is Immaterial Assertion	'Fair value hedges resulted in no significant ineffectiveness in the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013	'
Gain from Hedged Firm Commitment Not Qualifying as Fair Value Hedge	$0	$0
Cash Flow Hedge Ineffectiveness is Immaterial	'Cash flow hedges resulted in no significant ineffectiveness for the three months ended March 31, 2014 and 2013	'
Gain (Loss) on Discontinuation of Cash Flow Hedge Due to Forecasted Transaction Probable of Not Occurring, Net	0	0
Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member]	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	2,300,000,000	'
Gain (Loss) on Foreign Currency Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments	14,000,000	56,000,000
Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Maturity Date	31-Dec-16	'
Net Investment Hedging [Member]	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	150,000,000	'
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Fair Value Hedging [Member]	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	250,000,000	'
Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	200,000,000	'
Foreign currency exchange contracts | Cash Flow Hedging [Member]	'	'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'	'
Derivative, Notional Amount	$1,000,000,000	'

Objectives_And_Strategies_For_3

Objectives And Strategies For Using Derivatives Summary of total and undesignated fair values of derivative instruments (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Derivative	'	'
Assets	$55	$62
Liabilities	40	49
Foreign currency exchange contracts	'	'
Derivative	'	'
Assets	36	34
Liabilities	39	49
Interest rate contracts	'	'
Derivative	'	'
Assets	13	22
Liabilities	1	0
Commodity price contracts	'	'
Derivative	'	'
Assets	6	6
Liabilities	$0	$0

Description_Of_Business_Segmen2

Description Of Business Segments (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

17 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

In Millions, unless otherwise specified

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2014

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2014

European Strategic Changes [Member]

Cost of products sold and marketing, research and general expenses [Member]

Cost of products sold and marketing, research and general expenses [Member]

Net Sales [Member]

Operating Profit [Member]

Personal Care [Member]

Personal Care [Member]

Personal Care [Member]

Personal Care [Member]

Personal Care [Member]

Personal Care [Member]

Consumer Tissue [Member]

Consumer Tissue [Member]

Consumer Tissue [Member]

Consumer Tissue [Member]

Consumer Tissue [Member]

Consumer Tissue [Member]

K-C Professional

K-C Professional

K-C Professional

K-C Professional

K-C Professional

K-C Professional

Health Care [Member]

Health Care [Member]

Health Care [Member]

Health Care [Member]

Corporate and Other [Member]

Corporate and Other [Member]

Spinoff [Member]

European Strategic Changes [Member]

European Strategic Changes [Member]

European Strategic Changes [Member]

European Strategic Changes [Member]

Net Sales [Member]

Operating Profit [Member]

European Strategic Changes [Member]

European Strategic Changes [Member]

Net Sales [Member]

Operating Profit [Member]

European Strategic Changes [Member]

European Strategic Changes [Member]

Net Sales [Member]

Operating Profit [Member]

Net Sales [Member]

Operating Profit [Member]

Net Sales

$5,278

$5,318

'

'

'

'

'

$2,382

$2,397

'

'

'

'

$1,689

$1,718

'

'

'

'

$800

$793

'

'

'

'

$397

$397

'

'

$10

$13

'

Percent change

'

'

'

'

'

-0.75%

1.79%

'

'

'

'

-0.63%

3.63%

'

'

'

'

-1.69%

-1.15%

'

'

'

'

0.88%

-4.90%

'

'

0.00%

63.64%

'

'

'

Total Operating Profit

797

783

'

'

'

'

'

457

441

'

'

'

'

257

260

'

'

'

'

136

143

'

'

'

'

72

44

'

'

-68

[1]

-93

[1]

'

Other (income) and expense, net

57

12

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restructuring charges, before tax

'

'

$390

$10

[1]

$31

[1]

'

'

'

'

$5

[1]

$18

[1]

'

'

'

'

$3

[1]

$8

[1]

'

'

'

'

$2

[1]

$5

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$7

[1]

Corporate & Other includes the following charges:

Supplemental_Balance_Sheet_Dat2

Supplemental Balance Sheet Data - Inventory (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Raw materials	$478	$462
Work in process	291	286
Finished goods	1,439	1,401
Supplies and other	328	326
Inventory, Gross	2,536	2,475
Excess of FIFO or weighted-average cost over LIFO cost	-251	-242
Total	2,285	2,233
LIFO [Member]	'	'
Raw materials	147	143
Work in process	190	189
Finished goods	669	648
Supplies and other	0	0
Inventory, Gross	1,006	980
Excess of FIFO or weighted-average cost over LIFO cost	-251	-242
Total	755	738
Non-LIFO [Member]	'	'
Raw materials	331	319
Work in process	101	97
Finished goods	770	753
Supplies and other	328	326
Inventory, Gross	1,530	1,495
Excess of FIFO or weighted-average cost over LIFO cost	0	0
Total	$1,530	$1,495

Supplemental_Balance_Sheet_Dat3

Supplemental Balance Sheet Data - Property Plant and Equipment (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'
Land	$192	$196
Buildings and Improvements, Gross	2,753	2,776
Machinery and Equipment, Gross	14,296	14,193
Construction in Progress, Gross	474	515
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	17,715	17,680
Less accumulated depreciation	-9,874	-9,732
Total	$7,841	$7,948