Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Table Text Block]

KIMBERLY-CLARK CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

SCHEDULE II

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017, 2016 AND 2015

(Millions of dollars)

Description	Balance at Beginning of Period		Additions					Deductions
			Charged to Costs and Expenses		Charged to Other Accounts(a)			Write-Offs and Reclassifications			Balance at End of Period
December 31, 2017
Allowances deducted from assets to which they apply
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	50	$	8	$	2		$	22	(b)	$	38
Allowances for sales discounts	18		247		—			247		(c)	18
December 31, 2016
Allowances deducted from assets to which they apply
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	50	$	8	$	3		$	11	(b)	$	50
Allowances for sales discounts	15		254		—			251		(c)	18
December 31, 2015
Allowances deducted from assets to which they apply
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	50	$	12	$	(10	)	$	2	(b)	$	50
Allowances for sales discounts	16		256		(1		)	256		(c)	15

(a) Includes bad debt recoveries and the effects of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

(b) Primarily uncollectible receivables written off.

(c) Sales discounts allowed.

			Additions
Description	Balance at Beginning of Period		Charged to Costs and Expenses			Charged to Other Accounts		Deductions(a)			Balance at End of  Period
December 31, 2017
Deferred taxes
Valuation allowance	$	225	$	(59	)	$	—	$	(10	)	$	176
December 31, 2016
Deferred taxes
Valuation allowance	$	274	$	(45	)	$	—	$	4		$	225
December 31, 2015
Deferred taxes
Valuation allowance	$	215	$	78		$	—	$	19		$	274

(a) Represents the net currency effects of translating valuation allowances at current rates of exchange.