Stockholders' Equity (Effect of a Change in Ownership Interest between the Corporation and a Noncontrolling Interest) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Net income attributable Kimberly-Clark	$ 401	$ 432	$ 408	$ 350	$ 492	$ 469	$ 498	$ 384	$ 1,591	$ 1,843	$ 1,884
Decrease in Kimberly-Clark Corporation's additional paid-in capital											(133)
Change from net income attributable to Kimberly-Clark and transfers to noncontrolling interests											$ (1,751)