<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<FilingSummary xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance" xmlns:xsd="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema">
  <Version>2.3.0.15</Version>
  <ProcessingTime />
  <ReportFormat>Html</ReportFormat>
  <ReportType />
  <ContextCount>269</ContextCount>
  <ElementCount>267</ElementCount>
  <EntityCount>1</EntityCount>
  <FootnotesReported>true</FootnotesReported>
  <SegmentCount>81</SegmentCount>
  <ScenarioCount>0</ScenarioCount>
  <TuplesReported>false</TuplesReported>
  <UnitCount>6</UnitCount>
  <MyReports>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>true</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R1.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>00 - Document - Document and Entity Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Document and Entity Information</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R2.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0110 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/StatementOfIncome</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (Unaudited)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R3.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0120 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/BalanceSheet</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R4.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0121 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/BalanceSheetParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R5.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0130 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/StatementOfCashFlows</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R6.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0140 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/StatementOfEquity</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R7.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0141 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/StatementOfEquityParenthetical</Role>
      <ShortName>CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R8.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0201 - Disclosure - Basis of Presentation</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/BasisOfPresentation</Role>
      <ShortName>Basis of Presentation</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R9.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0202 - Disclosure - Charges and Credits</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/ChargesAndCredits</Role>
      <ShortName>Charges and Credits</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R10.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0203 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/EarningsPerShare</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R11.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0204 - Disclosure - Acquisitions</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/Acquisitions</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R12.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0205 - Disclosure - Inventory</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/Inventory</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventory</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R13.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0206 - Disclosure - Fixed Assets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/FixedAssets</Role>
      <ShortName>Fixed Assets</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R14.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0207 - Disclosure - Multiclient Seismic Data</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/MulticlientSeismicData</Role>
      <ShortName>Multiclient Seismic Data</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R15.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0208 - Disclosure - Goodwill</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/Goodwill</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R16.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0209 - Disclosure - Intangible Assets</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/IntangibleAssets</Role>
      <ShortName>Intangible Assets</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R17.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0210 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivities</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R18.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0211 - Disclosure - Long-term Debt</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/LongTermDebt</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-term Debt</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R19.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0212 - Disclosure - Income Tax</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/IncomeTax</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Tax</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R20.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0213 - Disclosure - Contingencies</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/Contingencies</Role>
      <ShortName>Contingencies</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R21.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0214 - Disclosure - Segment Information</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/SegmentInformation</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Information</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R22.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0215 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefits</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R23.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0216 - Disclosure - Discontinued Operations</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/DiscontinuedOperations</Role>
      <ShortName>Discontinued Operations</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R24.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0502 - Disclosure - Charges and Credits (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/ChargesAndCreditsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Charges and Credits (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R25.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0503 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/EarningsPerShareTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R26.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0505 - Disclosure - Inventory (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/InventoryTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventory (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R27.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0506 - Disclosure - Fixed Assets (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/FixedAssetsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Fixed Assets (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R28.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0507 - Disclosure - Multiclient Seismic Data (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/MulticlientSeismicDataTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Multiclient Seismic Data (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R29.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0508 - Disclosure - Goodwill (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/GoodwillTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R30.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0509 - Disclosure - Intangible Assets (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/IntangibleAssetsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Intangible Assets (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R31.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0510 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R32.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0511 - Disclosure - Long-term Debt (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/LongTermDebtAndDebtFacilityAgreementsTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-term Debt (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R33.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0512 - Disclosure - Income Tax (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Tax (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R34.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0514 - Disclosure - Segment Information (Tables)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/SegmentInformationTables</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Information (Tables)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R35.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0515 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Table)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsTable</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Table)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R36.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0602 - Disclosure - Charges and Credits (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/ChargesAndCreditsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Charges and Credits (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R37.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>06021 - Disclosure - Charges and Credits (Details 1)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/ChargesAndCreditsDetails1</Role>
      <ShortName>Charges and Credits (Details 1)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R38.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0603 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R39.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>06031 - Disclosure - Earnings Per Share (Details 1)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/EarningsPerShareDetails1</Role>
      <ShortName>Earnings Per Share (Details 1)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R40.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0604 - Disclosure - Acquisitions (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/AcquisitionsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R41.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>06041 - Disclosure - Acquisitions (Details 1)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/AcquisitionsDetails1</Role>
      <ShortName>Acquisitions (Details 1)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R42.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0605 - Disclosure - Inventory (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/InventoryDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Inventory (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R43.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0606 - Disclosure - Fixed Assets (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/FixedAssetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Fixed Assets (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R44.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>06061 - Disclosure - Fixed Assets (Details 1)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/FixedAssetsDetails1</Role>
      <ShortName>Fixed Assets (Details 1)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R45.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0607 - Disclosure - Multiclient Seismic Data (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/MulticlientSeismicDataDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Multiclient Seismic Data (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R46.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0608 - Disclosure - Goodwill (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/GoodwillDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Goodwill (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R47.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0609 - Disclosure - Intangible Assets (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/IntangibleAssetsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Intangible Assets (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R48.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>06091 - Disclosure - Intangible Assets (Details 1)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/IntangibleAssetsDetails1</Role>
      <ShortName>Intangible Assets (Details 1)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R49.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0610 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R50.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>06101 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details 1)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDetails1</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details 1)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R51.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>06102 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details 2)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R52.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>06103 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details 3)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R53.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>06104 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details 4)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAndHedgingActivitiesDetails4</Role>
      <ShortName>Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details 4)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R54.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0611 - Disclosure - Long-term Debt (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/LongTermDebtAndDebtFacilityAgreementsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-term Debt (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R55.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>06111 - Disclosure -  Long-term Debt (Details 1)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/LongTermDebtAndDebtFacilityAgreementsDetails1</Role>
      <ShortName>Long-term Debt (Details 1)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R56.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0612 - Disclosure - Income Tax (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Tax (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R57.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>06121 - Disclosure - Income Tax (Details 1)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails1</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Tax (Details 1)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R58.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>06122 - Disclosure - Income Tax (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Tax (Details 2)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R59.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>06123 - Disclosure - Income Tax (Details 3)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails3</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Tax (Details 3)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R60.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>06124 - Disclosure - Income Tax (Details 4)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/IncomeTaxDetails4</Role>
      <ShortName>Income Tax (Details 4)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R61.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0614 - Disclosure - Segment Information (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/SegmentInformationDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Information (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R62.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>06141 - Disclosure - Segment Information (Details 1)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/SegmentInformationDetails1</Role>
      <ShortName>Segment Information (Details 1)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R63.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0615 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R64.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>06151 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details 1)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDetails1</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details 1)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R65.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>06152 - Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details 2)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/PensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitsDetails2</Role>
      <ShortName>Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits (Details 2)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <HtmlFileName>R66.htm</HtmlFileName>
      <LongName>0616 - Disclosure - Discontinued Operations (Details)</LongName>
      <ReportType>Sheet</ReportType>
      <Role>http://slb.com/role/DiscontinuedOperationsDetails</Role>
      <ShortName>Discontinued Operations (Details)</ShortName>
    </Report>
    <Report>
      <IsDefault>false</IsDefault>
      <ContainEmbeddedReports>false</ContainEmbeddedReports>
      <LongName>All Reports</LongName>
      <ReportType>Book</ReportType>
      <ShortName>All Reports</ShortName>
    </Report>
  </MyReports>
  <Logs>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent had a mix of decimals attribute values: -6 -8.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage had a mix of decimals attribute values: 5 4.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_DerivativeSwaptionInterestRate had a mix of decimals attribute values: 5 3.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_DebtInstrumentInterestRateStatedPercentage had a mix of decimals attribute values: 5 4.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element us-gaap_LongTermDebtCurrent had a mix of decimals attribute values: -6 -8.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Element slb_FaceAmountOfDebtInstrument had a mix of decimals attribute values: -6 -8.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '0604 - Disclosure - Acquisitions (Details)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '06104 - Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Details 4)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">'Monetary' elements on report '06111 - Disclosure -  Long-term Debt (Details 1)' had a mix of different decimal attribute values.</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0110 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (Unaudited)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column '3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0120 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Sep. 30, 2010'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">	Process Flow-Through: Removing column 'Dec. 31, 2009'</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0121 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Parenthetical)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0130 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)</Log>
    <Log type="Info">Process Flow-Through: 0141 - Statement - CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical)</Log>
  </Logs>
  <InputFiles>
    <File>slb-20110930.xml</File>
    <File>slb-20110930.xsd</File>
    <File>slb-20110930_cal.xml</File>
    <File>slb-20110930_def.xml</File>
    <File>slb-20110930_lab.xml</File>
    <File>slb-20110930_pre.xml</File>
  </InputFiles>
  <SupplementalFiles />
  <BaseTaxonomies />
  <HasPresentationLinkbase>true</HasPresentationLinkbase>
  <HasCalculationLinkbase>true</HasCalculationLinkbase>
</FilingSummary>
