Supplemental Data (Summary of Cash Flow Effects of Decrease (Increase) in Operating Working Capital) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Accounts receivable	$ (116)	$ 33	$ (44)
Inventories	24	(127)	(33)
Trade accounts payable	(153)	392	174
Accrued expenses	11	115	(102)
Accrued income taxes	(6)	64	(176)
Derivatives	1	30	(47)
Currency and other	(49)	(118)	80
Total	$ (288)	$ 389	$ (148)

Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss) and Other

No definition available.

Name:	kmb_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossandOther
Namespace Prefix:	kmb_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

Change in recurring obligations of a business that arise from the acquisition of merchandise, materials, supplies and services used in the production and sale of goods and services.

+ References

Reference 1: http://fasb.org/us-gaap/role/ref/legacyRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=d3e3602-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsPayableTrade
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in amount due within one year (or one business cycle) from customers for the credit sale of goods and services.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccountsReceivable
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the aggregate amount of expenses incurred but not yet paid.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedLiabilities
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The increase (decrease) during the reporting period of all taxes owed but not paid, including income, property and other taxes.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2009/role/commonPracticeRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 230
-SubTopic 10
-Section 45
-Paragraph 28
-Subparagraph (a)
-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=109223946&loc=d3e3602-108585

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedTaxesPayable
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The increase (decrease) during the period in the net carrying value of derivative instruments reported as assets and liabilities that are due to be disposed of within one year (or the normal operating cycle, if longer).

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDerivativeAssetsAndLiabilities
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The increase (decrease) during the reporting period in the aggregate value of all inventory held by the reporting entity, associated with underlying transactions that are classified as operating activities.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInventories
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration

- Definition

The increase (decrease) during the reporting period of all assets and liabilities used in operating activities.

+ References

+ Details

Name:	us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingCapital
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration