Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Current Accounts payable and accrued liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities. Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities [Member] Accounts payable and accrued liabilities [Member] Accrued Income Taxes Current Liability for taxes on income Accumulated Depreciation Depletion And Amortization Property Plant And Equipment Less: Accumulated depreciation Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member] Acquisitions And Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Acquisitions And Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Acquisitions And Discontinued Operations [Line Items] Acquisitions And Discontinued Operations [Table] Acquisitions And Discontinued Operations [Table] Acquisitions And Discontinued Operations [Table] Actuarial loss. Actuarial Loss [Abstract] Actuarial gain (loss) Allowance For Doubtful Accounts Receivable Current Allowance for doubtful accounts on receivable Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Amortization expense charged to income for intangible assets. Amortization Expense Charged To Income For Intangible Assets Table [Text Block] Amortization Expense Charged to Income for Intangible Assets Amortization Of Intangible Assets Amortization expense on intangible assets excluding goodwill Amount of dilutive securities assumed exercise of stock option. Amount Of Dilutive Securities Assumed Exercise Of Stock Option Assumed exercise of stock options Amount of dilutive securities unvested restricted stock. Amount Of Dilutive Securities Unvested Restricted Stock Unvested restricted stock Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share Amount Employee stock options to purchase Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share By Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Assets Total Assets Assets [Abstract] ASSETS Assets Current Current assets total Assets Current [Abstract] Current Assets Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Axis] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Balance Sheet Location [Domain] Cash Cash Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Cash, end of period Cash, beginning of period Cash And Cash Equivalents Period Increase Decrease Net increase (decrease) in cash before translation effect Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Discontinued Operations Cash flows from discontinued operations-investing activities Global Connectivity Services business discontinued operations Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Discontinued Operations Cash flows from discontinued operations-operating activities CE Franklin limited. Ce Franklin Limited [Member] CE Franklin Ltd. [Member] Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill. Changes In Carrying Amount Of Goodwill Table [Text Block] Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill Charges. Charges Charges, Net Charges and credits. Charges And Credits [Member] Charges and credits [Member] Restructuring charges tax. Charges Tax Charges, Tax Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Contingencies Commodity Contract [Member] Commodity contracts [Member] Common Stock Dividends Per Share Declared Dividends declared, per share Common Stock [Member] Common Stock Issued [Member] Common Stock Value Common stock Components of deferred income taxes. Components Of Deferred Income Taxes Deferred income taxes Components Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items] Components Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items] Components Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Line Items] Components Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Table] Components Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Table] Components Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities [Table] Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Comprehensive income attributable to Schlumberger Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Comprehensive income Corporate And Other [Member] Corporate & other [Member] Cost Of Goods And Services Sold Cost of revenue Cost Of Sales [Member] Cost of revenue [Member] Costs And Expenses [Abstract] Expenses Current Federal Tax Expense Benefit United States - Federal Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Foreign Tax Expense Benefit Outside United States Current Income Tax Expense Benefit Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Total Current Income Tax Expense Benefit Continuing Operations [Abstract] Current: Current State And Local Tax Expense Benefit United States - State Customer Relationships [Member] Customer Relationships [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument Carrying Amount Long-term debt, carrying amount Debt Instrument Face Amount Notes relating to interest rate swap Debt Instrument Fair Value Long-term debt, fair value Debt Instrument Interest Rate Effective Percentage Effective interest rate on euro denominated debt Debt Instrument Interest Rate Stated Percentage Debt instrument interest rate Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument Maturity Debt Instrument Maturity Debt instrument maturity date Debt Instrument Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Debt [Member] Debt [Member] Debt, other. Debt Other [Member] Other variable rate debt [Member] Deferred Federal Income Tax Expense Benefit United States - Federal Deferred Foreign Income Tax Expense Benefit Outside United States Deferred Income Tax Expense Benefit Deferred income taxes Deferred Income Tax Expense Benefit Continuing Operations [Abstract] Deferred: Deferred State And Local Income Tax Expense Benefit United States - State Deferred tax assets, intangible assets. Deferred Tax Assets Intangible Assets Intangible assets Deferred Tax Assets Investment In Subsidiaries Investments in non-US subsidiaries Deferred Tax Assets Net Net deferred tax assets Deferred Tax Assets Net Current Deferred taxes Deferred Tax Assets Operating Loss Carryforwards Domestic Deferred tax assets, valuation allowances relating to net operating losses in certain countries Deferred Tax Assets Other Other, net Deferred Tax Assets Tax Deferred Expense Compensation And Benefits Postretirement Benefits Postretirement benefits, net Deferred Tax Liabilities Noncurrent Deferred Taxes Defined Benefit Plan Amortization Of Gains Losses Amortization of net loss Defined Benefit Plan Amortization Of Prior Service Cost Credit Amortization of prior service cost Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Expected Return On Plan Assets Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan Interest Cost Interest cost on benefit obligation Defined benefit plan, net periodic benefit cost before curtailments. Defined Benefit Plan Net Periodic Benefit Cost Before Curtailments Total pension cost Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures Defined Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan Service Cost Service cost-benefits earned during period Depreciation Depreciation expense relating to fixed assets Depreciation Depletion And Amortization Depreciation and amortization Depreciation expense relating to fixed assets. Depreciation Expense Relating To Fixed Assets Table [Text Block] Depreciation Expense Relating to Fixed Assets Derivative Asset Fair Value Net [Abstract] Derivative Assets Derivative By Nature [Axis] Derivative, by Nature [Axis] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Contract Type [Domain] Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Asset Derivative Assets Derivative Fair Value Of Derivative Liability Derivative Liabilities Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instrument Risk [Axis] Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivative Instruments Gain Loss By Hedging Relationship [Axis] Hedging Relationship [Axis] Derivative Instruments Gain Loss By Hedging Relationship By Income Statement Location By Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) by Hedging Relationship, by Income Statement Location, by Derivative Instrument Risk [Table] Derivative Instruments Gain Loss [Line Items] Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items] Derivative Instruments Gain Loss Reclassified From Accumulated O C I Into Income Effective Portion Net Gain (Loss) Reclassified from Accumulated OCL into Income Derivative Instruments Gain Loss Recognized In Income Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income Derivative Instruments Gain Loss Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income Effective Portion Net Gain (Loss) Recognized in OCL Derivative Liability Fair Value Net [Abstract] Derivative Liabilities Derivative [Line Items] Derivative [Line Items] Derivative Name [Domain] Derivative, Name [Domain] Derivatives, by derivative instrument contract. Derivatives By Derivative Instrument Contract [Axis] Derivatives, by Derivative Instrument Contract [Axis] Derivatives, by derivative instrument contract. Derivatives By Derivative Instrument Contract [Domain] Derivatives, by Derivative Instrument Contract [Domain] Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member] Derivatives Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member] Derivatives designated as Hedges [Member] Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items] Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items] Derivative Swaption Interest Rate Derivative swap interest rate Derivative [Table] Derivative [Table] Designated As Hedging Instrument [Member] Derivatives designated as hedges [Member] Developed Technology Rights [Member] Technology/Technical Know-How [Member] Disclosure - Charges and Credits - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Charges And Credits Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Charges and Credits - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Charges and Credits - Summary of Merger and Integration-Related Charges [Abstract] Disclosure Charges And Credits Summary Of Merger And Integration Related Charges [Abstract] Disclosure - Charges and Credits - Summary of Merger and Integration-Related Charges [Abstract] Disclosure Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Effect of Derivative Instruments Designated as Fair Value Hedges and Not Designated as Hedges on Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract] Disclosure Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Effect Of Derivative Instruments Designated As Fair Value Hedges And Not Designated As Hedges On Consolidated Statement Of Income [Abstract] Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Effect of Derivative Instruments Designated as Fair Value Hedges and Not Designated as Hedges on Consolidated Statement of Income [Abstract] Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Effect of Derivative Instruments in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships on Income and Other Comprehensive Loss (OCL) [Abstract] Disclosure Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Effect Of Derivative Instruments In Cash Flow Hedging Relationships On Income And Other Comprehensive Loss O C L [Abstract] Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Effect of Derivative Instruments in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships on Income and Other Comprehensive Loss (OCL) [Abstract] Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Fair Values of Outstanding Derivative Instruments [Abstract] Disclosure Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Fair Values Of Outstanding Derivative Instruments [Abstract] Disclosure - Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Fair Values of Outstanding Derivative Instruments [Abstract] Disclosure Discontinued Operations Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Discontinued Operations Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Discontinued Operations Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Discontinued Operations - Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Disclosure Discontinued Operations Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Disclosure - Discontinued Operations - Discontinued Operations [Abstract] Disclosure - Earning Per Share - Reconciliation of Earning Per Share [Abstract] Disclosure Earning Per Share Reconciliation Of Earning Per Share [Abstract] Disclosure - Earning Per Share - Reconciliation of Earning Per Share [Abstract] Disclosure - Earnings Per Share - Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Disclosure Earnings Per Share Schedule Of Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Disclosure - Earnings Per Share - Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Disclosure - Fixed Assets - Depreciation Expense Relating to Fixed Assets [Abstract] Disclosure Fixed Assets Depreciation Expense Relating To Fixed Assets [Abstract] Disclosure - Fixed Assets - Depreciation Expense Relating to Fixed Assets [Abstract] Disclosure - Fixed Assets - Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Disclosure Fixed Assets Property Plant And Equipment [Abstract] Disclosure - Fixed Assets - Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract] Disclosure - Goodwill - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill [Abstract] Disclosure Goodwill Changes In Carrying Amount Of Goodwill [Abstract] Disclosure - Goodwill - Changes in Carrying Amount of Goodwill [Abstract] Disclosure - Income Tax - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Income Tax Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Income Tax - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Income Tax - Components of Consolidated Income Taxes [Abstract] Disclosure Income Tax Components Of Consolidated Income Taxes [Abstract] Disclosure - Income Tax - Components of Consolidated Income Taxes [Abstract] Disclosure - Income Tax - Components of Net Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract] Disclosure Income Tax Components Of Net Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract] Disclosure - Income Tax - Components of Net Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract] Disclosure - Income Tax - Income Tax Disclosure Table [Abstract] Disclosure Income Tax Income Tax Disclosure Table [Abstract] Disclosure - Income Tax - Income Tax Disclosure Table [Abstract] Disclosure - Income Tax - Reconciliation of US Statutory Federal Tax Rate [Abstract] Disclosure Income Tax Reconciliation Of U S Statutory Federal Tax Rate [Abstract] Disclosure - Income Tax - Reconciliation of US Statutory Federal Tax Rate [Abstract] Disclosure - Intangible Assets - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Intangible Assets Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Intangible Assets - Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure - Intangible Assets - Amortization Expense Charged to Income for Intangible Assets [Abstract] Disclosure Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Charged To Income For Intangible Assets [Abstract] Disclosure - Intangible Assets - Amortization Expense Charged to Income for Intangible Assets [Abstract] Disclosure - Intangible Assets - Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class [Abstract] Disclosure Intangible Assets Schedule Of Intangible Assets By Major Class [Abstract] Disclosure - Intangible Assets - Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class [Abstract] Disclosure - Inventories - Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Disclosure Inventories Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Disclosure - Inventories - Inventory Disclosure [Abstract] Disclosure Long Term Debt Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Long Term Debt Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Long Term Debt Additional Information [Abstract] Disclosure Long Term Debt Long Term Debt [Abstract] Disclosure Long Term Debt Long Term Debt [Abstract] Disclosure Long Term Debt Long Term Debt [Abstract] Disclosure - Multiclient Seismic Data - Multiclient Seismic Data Table [Abstract] Disclosure Multiclient Seismic Data Multiclient Seismic Data Table [Abstract] Disclosure - Multiclient Seismic Data - Multiclient Seismic Data Table [Abstract] Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Net Pension Cost for Schlumberger Pension Plans and US Postretirement Medical Plan [Abstract] Disclosure Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits Net Pension Cost For Schlumberger Pension Plans And U S Postretirement Medical Plan [Abstract] Disclosure - Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits - Net Pension Cost for Schlumberger Pension Plans and US Postretirement Medical Plan [Abstract] Disclosure - Segment Information - Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Abstract] Disclosure Segment Information Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment [Abstract] Disclosure - Segment Information - Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Abstract] Discontinued Operation Gain Loss From Disposal Of Discontinued Operation Before Income Tax pre tax gain Discontinued Operation Gain Loss On Disposal Of Discontinued Operation Net Of Tax Gain on divestiture, net of tax Gain on divestitures, net of tax Discontinued Operation Income Loss From Discontinued Operation Before Income Tax Income before taxes Discontinued operation percentage of interest sold. Discontinued Operation Percentage Of Interest Sold Percentage of Schlumberger completed the sale of interest in CE Franklin Ltd. to NOV Discontinued Operation Tax Effect Of Discontinued Operation Tax expense Disposal Group Including Discontinued Operation Revenue Revenue Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Disclosure [Text Block] Discontinued Operations Distribution [Member] Distribution [Member] Distribution [Member] Dividends Cash Dividends declared Dividends Payable Current Dividends payable Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Information [Table] Document Information [Table] Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Document Type Domestic Country [Member] Domestic Country [Member] Drilling [Member] Drilling [Member] Drilling [Member] Earnings Per Share Basic Net income Earnings Per Share Basic [Abstract] Basic earnings per share of Schlumberger: Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted [Abstract] Earnings per Share from Continuing Operations Earnings Per Share Diluted Net income Earnings Per Share Diluted [Abstract] Diluted earnings per share of Schlumberger: Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Earnings Per Share [Table] Earnings Per Share [Table] Earnings Per Share [Table] Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings Per Share Effective Income Tax Rate Continuing Operations Effective income tax rate The domestic federal statutory tax rate applicable under enacted tax laws to the Company's pretax income from continuing operations for the period. The "statutory" tax rate shall be the regular tax rate if there are alternative tax systems. Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation At Domestic Federal Statutory Income Tax Rate US federal statutory rate US statutory federal rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Foreign Income Tax Rate Differential Non-US income taxed at different rates Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Other Adjustments Other Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation State And Local Income Taxes US state income taxes Effect Of Exchange Rate On Cash And Cash Equivalents Translation effect on cash Eliminations [Member] Eliminations [Member] Eliminations and other [Member] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity [Domain] Entity [Domain] Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Information [Line Items] Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Estimated Amortization Expense [Line Items] Estimated Amortization Expense [Line Items] Estimated Amortization Expense [Line Items] Face amount of debt instrument. Face Amount Of Debt Instrument Face amount of debt instrument Fair value adjustment, hedging, carrying amount Fair Value Adjustment Hedging Carrying Amount Fair value adjustment - hedging Fair Value Hedging [Member] Fair Value Hedging [Member] Fair Values Derivatives Balance Sheet Location By Derivative Contract Type By Hedging Designation [Table] Fair Values Derivatives, Balance Sheet Location, by Derivative Contract Type [Table] Financial Information By Subsidiary [Domain] Financial Information By Subsidiary [Domain] Financial Information By Subsidiary [Domain] Finite Lived Intangible Assets Accumulated Amortization Accumulated Amortization Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Next Twelve Months Estimated amortization charged to income, 2012 Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Year Five Estimated amortization charged to income, 2016 Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Year Four Estimated amortization charged to income, 2015 Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Year Three Estimated amortization charged to income, 2014 Finite Lived Intangible Assets Amortization Expense Year Two Estimated amortization charged to income, 2013 Finite Lived Intangible Asset Useful Life Weighted average amortization period for all intangible assets(years) Fixed rate debt. Fixed Rate Debt Fixed rate debt aggregate, after taking into account the effects of the interest rate swaps Fixed Rate Debt [Member] Fixed Rate Debt [Member] Fixed Rate Debt [Member] Floating Interest Rate On Securities Floating Interest Rate On Securities Senior note floating interest rate Floating Rate Debt [Member] Floating Rate Debt [Member] Floating Rate Debt [Member] Floating rate senior notes due two thousand fourteen. Floating Rate Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Fourteen [Member] Floating Rate Senior Notes due 2014 [Member] Foreign Country [Member] Foreign Country [Member] Foreign Currency Cash Flow Hedge Gain Loss To Be Reclassified During Next 12 Months Recognized a cumulative net loss in equity relating to revaluation of foreign currency forward contracts and foreign currency options designated as cash flow hedges Foreign Exchange Contract [Member] Foreign exchange contracts [Member] Foreign Pension Plans Defined Benefit [Member] International [Member] The amount of amortization expense expected to be recognized during year six of the six succeeding fiscal years. Future Amortization Expense Year Six Estimated amortization charged to income, 2017 General And Administrative Expense General & administrative General and administrative. General And Administrative [Member] General & administrative [Member] Goodwill Goodwill,Ending Balance Goodwill,Beginning Balance Goodwill Goodwill Acquired During Period Acquisitions Goodwill Allocation Adjustment Reallocation Goodwill Disclosure [Text Block] Goodwill Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill [Line Items] Goodwill Translation And Purchase Accounting Adjustments Impact of changes in exchange rates Goodwill Written Off Related To Sale Of Business Unit Divestiture Guaranteed notes five point two five percent due two thousand thirteen. Guaranteed Notes Five Point Two Five Percent Due Two Thousand Thirteen [Member] 5.25% Guaranteed Notes due 2013 [Member] Guaranteed notes four point five zero percent due two thousand fourteen. Guaranteed Notes Four Point Five Zero Percent Due Two Thousand Fourteen [Member] 4.50% Guaranteed Notes due 2014 [Member] Guaranteed notes three point zero zero percent due two thousand thirteen. Guaranteed Notes Three Point Zero Zero Percent Due Two Thousand Thirteen [Member] 3.00% Guaranteed Notes due 2013 [Member] Guaranteed notes two point seven five percent due two thousand fifteen. Guaranteed Notes Two Point Seven Five Percent Due Two Thousand Fifteen [Member] 2.75% Guaranteed Notes due 2015 [Member] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Axis] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Designation [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Hedging Relationship [Domain] Held To Maturity Securities Noncurrent Fixed Income Investments, held to maturity Income Loss From Continuing Operations Basic Income from continuing operations Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and minority interest. Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes And Minority Interest Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes and Minority Interest, Total The portion of earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes that is attributable to domestic country operations. Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Domestic Country United States Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Extraordinary Items Noncontrolling Interest Income before taxes The portion of earnings (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes that is attributable to foreign operations, which is defined as income (loss) generated from operations located outside the foreign country. Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Foreign Country Outside United States Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Minority Interest And Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Income before taxes Income Loss From Continuing Operations Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Income from continuing operations Income Loss From Continuing Operations Per Basic Share Basic Income from continuing operations, basic Income Loss From Continuing Operations Per Diluted Share Diluted Income from continuing operations, diluted Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Income from discontinued operations Less: Income from discontinued operations Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Attributable To Reporting Entity Income from discontinued operations Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Per Basic Share Income from discontinued operations, basic Income Loss From Discontinued Operations Net Of Tax Per Diluted Share Income from discontinued operations, diluted Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Net Of Dividends Or Distributions Earnings of companies carried at equity, less dividends received Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Axis] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Statement Location [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Axis] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Authority [Domain] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Tax Income Tax Examination [Line Items] Income Tax Examination [Line Items] Income Tax Examination [Table] Income Tax Examination [Table] Income Tax Expense Benefit Taxes on income Consolidated taxes on income Increase Decrease In Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities Increase Decrease In Accrued Income Taxes Payable Increase (decrease) in liability for taxes on income Increase Decrease In Inventories Increase in inventories Increase Decrease In Operating Capital [Abstract] Change in assets and liabilities: Increase Decrease In Other Current Assets Increase in other current assets Increase Decrease In Other Operating Capital Net Other-net Increase Decrease In Other Operating Liabilities (Decrease) increase in other liabilities Increase Decrease In Pension And Postretirement Obligations Pension and other postretirement benefits expense Increase Decrease In Receivables Increase in receivables Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Call Options And Warrants Assumed exercise of stock options Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Nonvested Shares With Forfeitable Dividends Unvested restricted stock Intangible Assets By Major Class [Axis] Intangible Assets By Major Class [Axis] Intangible Assets By Major Class [Axis] Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items] Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items] Intangible Assets By Major Class [Line Items] Intangible Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Intangible Assets Intangible assets, gross (excluding goodwill). Intangible Assets Gross Excluding Goodwill Gross Book Value Intangible Assets [Line Items] Intangible Assets [Line Items] Intangible Assets [Line Items] Intangible assets, major class name. Intangible Assets Major Class Name [Domain] Intangible Assets, Major Class Name [Domain] Intangible Assets Net Excluding Goodwill Intangible Assets Net Book Value Interest Expense Interest Interest expense included in the segment results Interest Expense Excluded From Segment Information [Member] Interest Expense Excluded From Segment Information [Member] Interest Expense Excluded From Segment Information [Member] Interest Expense [Member] Interest expense [Member] Interest Income Interest Income Interest income included in the segment results Includes operating interest income earned as part of a core business activity, equity income representing the undistributed income or loss of investments which are accounted for under the equity method of accounting, and other miscellaneous income or loss earned from core business activities. Interest Income And Other Interest & other income Interest Income Excluded From Segment Information [Member] Interest Income Excluded From Segment Information [Member] Interest Income Excluded From Segment Information [Member] Interest Income [Member] Interest income [Member] Interest Rate Contract [Member] Interest rate swaps [Member] Inventories [Line Items] Inventories [Line Items] Inventories [Line Items] Inventories [Table] Inventories [Table] Inventories [Table] Inventory Disclosure [Text Block] Inventories Inventory Finished Goods Finished goods Inventory Net Inventories Inventories Inventory Raw Materials And Supplies Raw materials & field materials Inventory Work In Process Work in process Investments In Affiliates Subsidiaries Associates And Joint Ventures Investments in Affiliated Companies Legal Entity [Axis] Legal Entity [Axis] Liabilities Total Liabilities Liabilities And Stockholders Equity Liabilities and stockholders equity Liabilities And Stockholders Equity [Abstract] LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Liabilities Current Current Liabilities Total Liabilities Current [Abstract] Current Liabilities Long Term Debt Current Long-term debt-current portion Long Term Debt [Text Block] Long-term Debt Longterm Debt Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Longterm Debt Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Marketable Securities Current Short-term investments and Fixed income investments, held to maturity Merger And Acquisition Costs Merger & integration Merger related transaction costs. Merger Related Transaction Costs [Member] Merger-related integration costs [Member] Minority Interest Noncontrolling interests Minority Interest Period Increase Decrease Acquisition of noncontrolling interest Capitalized costs directly incurred in acquiring and processing of seismic surveys that are licensed on a nonexclusive basis, net of amortization. Multiclient Seismic Data Ending Balance Opening Balance Multiclient Seismic Data Multiclient seismic data, capitalized in period. Multiclient Seismic Data Capitalized In Period Capitalized in period Multiclient seismic data, charged to cost of goods sold and services. Multiclient Seismic Data Charged To Cost Of Goods Sold And Services Charged to expense Disclosure of the carrying amount of multiclient seismic data based on completed and in-process seismic surveys. Multiclient Seismic Data Table [Text Block] Multiclient Seismic Data Table Disclosure of the carrying amount of multiclient seismic data based on completed and in-process seismic surveys. Multiclient Seismic Data [Text Block] Multiclient Seismic Data Net Cash Provided By Used In Discontinued Operations Cash flows from discontinued operations Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from financing activities: Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from investing activities: Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Cash flows from operating activities: Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Continuing Operations [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities: Net Income Loss Net income attributable to Schlumberger Net Income Loss Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net Income Loss Attributable To Reporting Entity [Abstract] Schlumberger amounts attributable to: Schlumberger Income from Continuing Operations Net Income Loss Available To Common Stockholders Diluted Diluted Noncontrolling Interest [Member] Noncontrolling Interests [Member] Nondesignated [Member] Derivatives not designated as hedges [Member] Notional Amount Of Foreign Currency Derivatives Contracts outstanding in various foreign currencies (US dollar equivalent) Notional Amount Of Interest Rate Derivatives Notional amount of interest rate swap Number of countries in which company conducts business. Number Of Countries In Which Company Conducts Business Number of countries in which Schlumberger conducts business Oilfield Services [Member] Oilfield Services [Member] Oilfield Services [Member] One point nine five percent senior notes due two thousand sixteen. One Point Nine Five Percent Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Sixteen [Member] 1.95% Senior Notes due 2016 [Member] Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Basis of Presentation Other Assets Current Other current assets Other Assets [Member] Other Assets [Member] Other Assets Noncurrent Other Assets Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plan Net Prior Service Cost Credit Arising During Period Before Tax Prior service credit arising during the period Other Comprehensive Income Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] Pension and other postretirement benefit plans Actuarial gain (loss) Other Comprehensive Income Derivatives Qualifying As Hedges Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] Derivatives Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] Currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Gain Loss Arising During Period Net Of Tax Unrealized net change arising during the period Other Comprehensive Income Loss Amortization Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Net Prior Service Cost Recognized In Net Periodic Benefit Cost Before Tax Amortization to net income of net prior service cost Other Comprehensive Income Loss Derivatives Qualifying As Hedges Net Of Tax Changes in fair value of derivatives Other Comprehensive Income Loss Foreign Currency Transaction And Translation Adjustment Net Of Tax Currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income Loss Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Adjustment Net Of Tax Deferred employee benefits liabilities Other Comprehensive Income Loss Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Net Unamortized Gain Loss Arising During Period Before Tax Actuarial gain (loss) arising during the period Other Comprehensive Income Loss Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Plan Amendments Tax Effect Income taxes on pension and other postretirement benefit plans Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustment On Derivatives Included In Net Income Net Of Tax Reclassification to net income of net realized loss (gain) Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification Of Defined Benefit Plans Net Gain Loss Recognized In Net Periodic Benefit Cost Before Tax Amortization to net income of net actuarial loss Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Gain Loss On Derivatives Arising During Period Net Of Tax Net derivatives (loss) gain on hedge transactions Other Current Assets [Member] Other current assets [Member] Other Intangible Assets [Member] Other [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities [Member] Other Liabilities Noncurrent Other Liabilities Other Long Term Debt Noncurrent Long-term Debt Other Long-term Debt, Noncurrent, Total Other Payments To Acquire Businesses Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired Outstanding Stock Awards [Member] Outstanding Stock Awards [Member] The net cash outflow from capitalized costs directly incurred in acquiring and processing of seismic surveys that are licensed on a nonexclusive basis. Payments For Proceeds From Capitalized Costs Support Equipment And Facilities Multiclient seismic data capitalized Payments For Proceeds From Investments Sale (purchase) of investments, net Payments For Proceeds From Other Investing Activities Other Payments For Repurchase Of Equity Stock repurchase program Payments Of Dividends Dividends paid Payments To Acquire Property Plant And Equipment Capital expenditures Pension And Other Postretirement Benefit Contributions Pension and other postretirement benefits funding Pension And Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Pension And Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans Liabilities Noncurrent Postretirement Benefits Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits [Domain] Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits [Domain] Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits [Domain] Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits Retirement Plans [Axis] Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits Retirement Plans [Axis] Pension Plans And Other Postretirement Benefits Retirement Plans [Axis] Postretirement Medical Plan [Member] Postretirement Medical Plan [Member] Postretirement Medical Plan [Member] Price Risk Derivative Instruments Not Designated As Hedging Instruments At Fair Value Net Commodity forward contract outstanding Prior service cost. Prior Service Cost [Abstract] Prior service cost Proceed from divestiture of businesses. Proceed From Divestiture Of Businesses Proceed from sale of business Proceeds From Issuance Of Long Term Debt Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt Proceeds From Payments For Other Financing Activities Other Proceeds From Repayments Of Short Term Debt Net increase (decrease) in short-term borrowings Proceeds From Stock Options Exercised Proceeds from exercise of stock options Proceeds From Stock Plans Proceeds from employee stock purchase plan Production [Member] Production [Member] Production [Member] Profit Loss Net income Net income Property Plant And Equipment Disclosure [Text Block] Fixed Assets Property Plant And Equipment Gross Property, plant & equipment Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items] Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items] Property Plant And Equipment Net Fixed Assets less accumulated depreciation Fixed assets less accumulated depreciation Property Plant And Equipment [Text Block] Property, Plant and Equipment Receivables Net Current Receivables less allowance for doubtful accounts (2012 - $187; 2011 - $177) Repayments Of Long Term Debt Repayment of long-term debt Repurchased outstanding senior notes due. Repurchased Outstanding Senior Notes Due Repurchase of senior notes Research And Development Expense Research & engineering Research And Development Expense [Member] Research & engineering [Member] Reservoir Characterization [Member] Reservoir Characterization [Member] Reservoir Characterization [Member] Restructuring And Related Activities Disclosure [Text Block] Charges and Credits Restructuring charges pretax. Restructuring Charges Pretax Charges pretax Charges, Pretax Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Axis] Restructuring Type [Axis] Restructuring Cost And Reserve [Line Items] Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items] Retained Earnings Accumulated Deficit Retained earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Retained Earnings [Member] Revenues Revenue Schedule Of Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule Of Antidilutive Securities Excluded From Computation Of Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share Schedule Of Components Of Income Tax Expense Benefit Table [Text Block] Components of Consolidated Income Taxes Schedule Of Debt Instruments [Text Block] Long-Term Debt Schedule Of Deferred Tax Assets And Liabilities Table [Text Block] Components of Net Deferred Tax Assets Schedule Of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule Of Derivative Instruments Effect On Other Comprehensive Income Loss Table [Text Block] Effect of Derivative Instruments in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships on Income and Other Comprehensive Loss (OCL) Schedule Of Derivative Instruments Gain Loss In Statement Of Financial Performance [Text Block] Effect of Derivative Instruments Designated as Fair Value Hedges and Not Designated as Hedges on Consolidated Statement of Income Schedule Of Derivative Instruments In Statement Of Financial Position Fair Value [Text Block] Fair Values of Outstanding Derivative Instruments Schedule Of Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Income Statement Balance Sheet And Additional Disclosures [Text Block] Discontinued Operations Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Reconciliation Table [Text Block] Reconciliation of Earnings Per Share Schedule Of Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation Table [Text Block] Reconciliation of US Statutory Federal Tax Rate Schedule Of Estimated Amortization Expense [Table] Schedule Of Estimated Amortization Expense [Table] Schedule Of Estimated Amortization Expense [Table] Schedule Of Finite Lived Intangible Assets Table [Text Block] Schedule of Intangible Assets by Major Class Schedule Of Goodwill [Table] Schedule of Goodwill [Table] Schedule Of Income Before Income Tax Domestic And Foreign Table [Text Block] Income Tax Disclosure Table Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items] Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items] Schedule Of Income Taxes [Line Items] Schedule Of Income Taxes [Table] Schedule Of Income Taxes [Table] Schedule Of Income Taxes [Table] Schedule Of Intangible Assets By Major Class [Table] Schedule Of Intangible Assets By Major Class [Table] Schedule Of Intangible Assets By Major Class [Table] Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule Of Intangible Assets [Table] Schedule Of Inventory Current Table [Text Block] Inventory Disclosure Schedule of merger related charges. Schedule Of Merger Related Charges Table [Text Block] Summary of Merger and Integration-Related Charges Schedule Of Net Benefit Costs Table [Text Block] Net Pension Cost for Schlumberger Pension Plans and US Postretirement Medical Plan Schedule Of Property Plant And Equipment [Table] Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment [Table] Schedule Of Restructuring And Related Costs [Table] Schedule of Restructuring and Related Costs [Table] Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule Of Segment Reporting Information By Segment [Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Segment [Domain] Segment [Domain] Segment Information By Entity [Axis] Segment Information By Entity [Axis] Segment Information By Entity [Axis] Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Segment Information Segment reporting information by segment. Segment Reporting Information By Segment [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information Revenue Revenue Senior notes eight point six two five due two thousand fourteen. Senior Notes Eight Point Six Two Five Due Two Thousand Fourteen [Member] 8.625% Senior Notes due 2014 [Member] Senior notes four point two zero zero percent due two thousand twenty one. Senior Notes Four Point Two Zero Zero Percent Due Two Thousand Twenty One [Member] 4.200% Senior Notes due 2021 [Member] Senior notes nine point seven five due two thousand nineteen. Senior Notes Nine Point Seven Five Due Two Thousand Nineteen [Member] 9.75% Senior Notes due 2019 [Member] Senior Notes One Point Two Five Percent Due Two Thousand And Seventeen [Member] Senior Notes One Point Two Five Percent Due Two Thousand And Seventeen [Member] 1.25% Senior Notes due 2017 [Member] Senior notes six point zero zero due two thousand sixteen. Senior Notes Six Point Zero Zero Due Two Thousand Sixteen [Member] 6.00% Senior Notes due 2016 [Member] Senior Notes Two Point Four Zero Percent Due Two Thousand And Twenty Two [Member] Senior Notes Two Point Four Zero Percent Due Two Thousand And Twenty Two [Member] 2.40% Senior Notes due 2022 [Member] Senior notes two point sixty five zero percent due two thousand sixteen. Senior Notes Two Point Sixty Five Zero Percent Due Two Thousand Sixteen [Member] 2.650% Senior Notes due 2016 [Member] Share Based Compensation Stock-based compensation expense Shares Outstanding Ending Balance in shares Beginning Balance in shares Short Term Borrowings Short-term borrowings Short Term Investments Short-term investments Statement Business Segments [Axis] Business Segments [Axis] Statement Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Statement Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Stockholders Equity Schlumberger stockholders' equity Stockholders Equity Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest Ending Balance Beginning Balance Total equity Stockholders Equity Including Portion Attributable To Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Equity Stockholders Equity Other Other Stock Issued During Period Shares Employee Stock Purchase Plans Shares issued under employee stock purchase plan Stock Issued During Period Shares Stock Options Exercised Shares sold to optionees, less shares exchanged Stock Issued During Period Value Employee Stock Purchase Plan Shares issued under employee stock purchase plan Stock Issued During Period Value Restricted Stock Award Net Of Forfeitures Vesting of restricted stock Stock Issued During Period Value Share Based Compensation Stock-based compensation expense Stock Issued During Period Value Stock Options Exercised Shares sold to optionees, less shares exchanged Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Summary of charges. Summary Of Charges Table [Text Block] Summary of Charges Text Block [Abstract] Text Block [Abstract] Three point three zero percent senior notes due two thousand twenty one. Three Point Three Zero Percent Senior Notes Due Two Thousand Twenty One [Member] 3.30% Senior Notes due 2021 [Member] Trade Names [Member] Tradenames [Member] Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Treasury Stock [Member] Common Stock In Treasury [Member] Treasury Stock Shares Acquired Stock repurchase program Treasury Stock Value Treasury stock Treasury Stock Value Acquired Cost Method Stock repurchase program Type Of Restructuring [Domain] Type of Restructuring [Domain] United States Pension Plans Of U S Entity Defined Benefit [Member] US [Member] Valuation Allowance Deferred Tax Asset Change In Amount Valuation allowance Variable rate debt. Variable Rate Debt Variable rate debt aggregate, after taking into account the effects of the interest rate swaps Weighted Average Number Of Diluted Shares Outstanding Assuming dilution Diluted Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding [Abstract] Average Shares Outstanding Average shares outstanding: Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding Basic Basic Wilson distribution business. Wilson Distribution Business [Member] Wilson Distribution Segment [Member]